Seasonal allergies, often known as hay fever, can make you feel miserable especially when flowers bloom and plants release pollen. Let us understand the causes of these allergies and how you can feel better.
What are the causes of Seasonal Allergies?
Pollens are the main cause of seasonal allergies. Pollen is a powder released from plants that helps them make more plants. Tress release pollen during spring, grasses release during summer and weeds like ragweed release pollen in the fall. When we inhale pollen, our body feels like there is something bad and tries to fight it off which causes allergy symptoms.
Common Allergy Symptoms
If you have seasonal allergies, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Sneezing/ coughing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or ears
These symptoms become really annoying and make it hard to sleep or concentrate at school or work.
How to Feel Better
There are a few ways to manage these seasonal allergies:
Avoiding Pollen:
Try to stay inside on windy days, specifically when the pollen levels are high to avoid getting stuck with pollen allergies. Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning to filter the air. Take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you come inside from playing outside to remove any pollens.
Medications:
Some OTC medicines like antihistamines can help you feel better by reducing sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Nasal sprays are also helpful for reducing stuffiness.
Allergy Shots:
A doctor suggests allergy shots if your allergies are really bad. These are regular shots that help your body get used to the pollen, so it does not react strongly over time.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergies can be a big bother, but knowing allergy causes and allergy treatments can help you feel much better. Understanding the causes and implementing effective treatments can help you lead a comfortable life. Always talk to a doctor if you have bad allergy symptoms to determine the best course of action for managing your allergic symptoms.
