How to overcome and prevent seasonal allergies

Articles — 30 October 2010

There’s a line in a song saying” it’s the most wonderful time of the year…” especially Christmas season is just around the corner. Majority of countries located in the western hemisphere have changing seasons that ushers a different ambience, weather and mood as well as seasonal allergies too.

Seasonal allergies happen when seasons change and people start having allergic reactions When seasons change, the air changes that comes along with breeze that brings pollen from tree s, grasses and weeds. Trees that commonly cause seasonal allergies are oak, olive, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut. Normally, plants are pollinated by bees like flowers but other plants like grasses and weeds pollinate courtesy of the wind. These long-travelling pollens happens as wind scatters them across the air during spring or fall. As the pollens are spread by the wind, people begin sneezing, coughing, have itchy red watery eyes and start other related disorders such as hay fever, eye allergies and even allergic asthma. Normally, pollen allergies are abundant in the morning when wind is much stronger. This frequently happens during springtime.

Seasonal allergies are also experienced during summertime. The main reason behind such allergy are grasses. During this period, homeowners often cut grass or mow the lawn so air can spread the grass pollen easily. In fact, alot of people feel itchyas soon as their skin comes in contact with grass causing hives which is known as urticaria. Pollen is the main reason behind seasonal allergies whether it came from grass, trees or weeds.
How can we reduce exposure to pollen?

Because pollen is the main culprit behind seasonal allergies, it is practical to avoid pollen by doing the following:

1. Close the windows most of the time so pollen can’t come in.

2. Reduce outdoor activities especially between 5am to 10am when pollen is abundant in the air

3. Try taking a vacation in areas where pollen is low such as the beach

4. Avoid drying your laundry outdoors, use a machine dryer instead|

5. Close all windows of the car when travelling especially on highways.

6. Refrain from cutting grass or exposing yourself to grass cuttings.

Truly, it is practical to understand what causes seasonal allergies so prevention can help us when seasons change