What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal Allergies, about 45 to 60 million Americans are affected by allergy season each year.
Generally occurring in spring, it is primarily when tree, plants, weeds, and grass, go through pollination. The duration of this time varies a little based on the environment and the type of trees or plants. Pollen, tiny seeds, are dislodged into the air by insects, the wind, animals or even people as they walk through grass, to allow fertilization to take place. Most people characterize seasonal allergies as that time when they have to stay indoors more often to reduce or avoid the sniffles and itchy watery eyes, but these symptoms actually vary from person to person. Some experience an allergic reaction to certain pollen that can also result in sneezing, and congestion; these are symptoms of allergic rhinitis which is commonly known as hay fever. Respiratory conditions like asthma can also be triggered during allergy season.
These symptoms do mimic the cold and some symptoms of the covid-19 virus. There are some slight differences in symptoms with covid-19 however, fever, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea. It’s advised to check in with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
How to manage seasonal allergy symptoms:
Limit time spent outdoors to avoid excess pollen exposure. Also avoid activities that stir up pollen, such as mowing lawns or raking leaves. Take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you’re back indoors. Of course this may be a little challenging for kids, but use this time to get creative with indoor games and arts and craft.
Change your home filters regularly, using mattress covers and washing bedding regularly can also help.
Saline is great for washing out pollen from the nostrils, and it’s safe to use on kids.
Something else to keep in mind is that seasonal allergy sufferers can also experience pollen food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome. This is when similar proteins in allergy-causing pollen are found in some fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This can cause symptoms such as lip swelling or mouth itch. It’s best to have this problem diagnosed to avoid confusing it with any other medical issues. If you suspect certain foods causing pollen food allergy syndrome you may still be able to eat them if they are prepared another way such as peeled, cooked, or canned. If symptoms still persist it would be best to avoid that food entirely.
To get access to even more health strategies, please join our Facebook group and help build our community of like-minded parents looking for natural solutions for keeping their families healthy!
Kommentare