Did you know that you are susceptible to getting hay fever throughout seasons?
As different trees, grasses, and weeds bombard the air with pollen — that congested feeling can occur during spring and fall. And just when you think summer is your haven, outdoor mold starts to release airborne spores into the air, which can cause further irritation.
If you suffer from severe allergies, the ever-changing seasons can take a toll on your health. To avoid recurring symptoms, we have come up with a few solutions that can help you outsmart your allergies all year long.
Some allergens exist no matter the season, and the more of them you are exposed to, the worse your symptoms become.
For instance, if you are allergic to furry animals, visiting a dog-owning friend or relative can cause an immediate reaction. Also, did you know that carpets, comforters, and curtains are the perfect habitats for both dust and mites? How about how bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are breeding grounds for mold?
Allergens are all around you, and sometimes, the season has nothing to do with it. Therefore, It is crucial to know how to avoid a hypersensitivity reaction to substances such as dander, dust mites, mold, pollen, and even cockroaches, among many others.
“Stress promotes inflammation, which can heighten your body’s allergic response,” says Tina Sindwani, MD, an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. “Yoga is proven to reduce stress so that it may bring relief. Also, various yoga breathing techniques can help open your stuffed-up nasal passages, and certain poses can expand your lungs.”
If you want to reduce your symptoms, exercise does wonders for improving the immune system. You can either take a yoga class with friends, or download one of the several yoga applications available on mobile devices. If yoga is not your cup of tea, other forms of exercise should also do the trick.
When your daily routine consists of spending several hours outside the comforts of your home, pollen and mold spores can easily cling to your clothes, hair, and skin. Therefore, showering is key to keeping allergy invasions at bay. To ensure that you don’t suffer from a sudden allergy attack, make it a habit of jumping in the shower immediately after coming home from a long day outside.
In case you suffer from severe and often intolerable symptoms, it is necessary to work with your doctor to create a strategic allergy management plan.
Also, it is crucial to recognize when you are experiencing an allergic reaction and to respond as quickly and accurately as possible. If your reaction is progressive and worsening, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately. During a dire situation, do not attempt to take yourself or a family member to the hospital, especially since you may have to stop and render aid on the way. As always, it is best to stay where you are and have an ambulance transport you to the nearest medical facility.