Allergies Driving You Mad?
Allergy season is upon us and it probably feels like it is getting worse each year. The biggest allergy triggers are pollen and flowers. Other triggers include mold, dust, and grass. Some experts claim climate change is the leading factor, citing increasing temperatures and carbon dioxide levels. Worsening air quality seems to be causing longer allergy “seasons” and worse symptoms.
When allergens such as pollen float through the air and reach your nose, mast cells in the lining of your nose categorize the particles as dangerous and release histamine and tryptase out of defense, according to Harvard Health. Histamine and tryptase travel through the blood and latch onto receptors within immune system cells, causing inflammation. The inflammation then triggers typical allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat.
4 Things That Help With Allergies
- Speak to your doctor about medications that can relieve your symptoms. Allergy shots may not be necessary in every case, but they can boost your immune system’s tolerance to allergens. Your doctor can make recommendations for your unique case and help create a plan in case of severe allergic reactions. There are various ways your doctor can help you manage the symptoms you are experiencing throughout the year.
- Rinse the inside of your nose with a nasal rinse to flush out and remove pollens you have inhaled into your nasal passages.
- Carry eye drops and wash your hands frequently with you It isn’t always feasible to avoid allergens, especially if a particular profession exposes you to allergens. It is safe to keep you eyes moist and clear with eye drops so they symptoms don’t increase throughout the day.
- Remove your shoes before entering you home. Simple changes like removing your shoes can significantly decrease the exposure to allergens that trigger allergic reactions. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your allergens as much as possible,” advises Dr. Cauthen. “This includes removing the sources of allergens from your home and other places that you spend a lot of time.”