Summer is coming! Here's how you can protect yourself from pollen allergy this season
| Apr 16, 2019, 11:18 IST
Summer might be the season of hitting the beaches and going out for picnics but it's not all fun and games for everyone. Summer also happens to be the season when people with allergies can have a rather hard time owing to all the pollen flying around. So while most people are out there basking in the sun, others are coughing their lungs out due to their allergies.
Pollen happens to be small, nearly invisible particles that are released into the air by flowers, grasses trees and weeds to help fertilise other plants. Now, what happens is that this pollen is sometimes mistaken by the immune system as invaders and this causes an allergic reaction. The symptoms are somewhere along the lines of itchy eyes, severe cough, congested nose, scratchy throat etc.
With the onset of global warming, the release of pollen has increased and this has made conditions for people with allergies even worse. So, things like a peak in temperatures, sea levels rising, weather changes as well as a degrading quality of food and air have also led to a change in the way pollen is introduced into the air. As of now, since carbon dioxide levels in the air have increased, it has become even easier for super pollinator plants to thrive and survive. And of course, this means there's a higher chance of people developing allergies.
Here's what you can do to keep allergy season in check:
- Visit a doctor: The very first thing you need to do is to go see a doctor. Based on your symptoms and medical history, you will be prescribed an allergy test during which different kinds of allergens will be pushed into your body to see the reactions. Once they figure out what you're allergic to, you will be given the appropriate medicines. In severe cases, you may also need to get injections. And if you're someone who regularly gets allergies then it's best you start treatment way before pollen season begins.
- Keep your windows shut: We know it's difficult to manage with your windows being shut all the time but trust us it works. It's the easiest way to keep pollen out of your house. So, even when you come back from somewhere, remember to change your clothes immediately so that there are no traces of pollen left on them.
- Don't head out too often: You might be an outdoorsy person but if you have allergies you really need to plan your outings accordingly. Just because you love your morning jog doesn't mean you necessarily have to do it outside in the open.
- Eat the right things: The one thing that you need to do without fail is to eat the right kinds of foods to help boost your immunity. Eat lots of vegetables that contain vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, fruits that contain tons of antioxidants and meat like fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
Follow these simple rules and you'll be able to manage your allergies like a pro!
Pollen happens to be small, nearly invisible particles that are released into the air by flowers, grasses trees and weeds to help fertilise other plants. Now, what happens is that this pollen is sometimes mistaken by the immune system as invaders and this causes an allergic reaction. The symptoms are somewhere along the lines of itchy eyes, severe cough, congested nose, scratchy throat etc.
With the onset of global warming, the release of pollen has increased and this has made conditions for people with allergies even worse. So, things like a peak in temperatures, sea levels rising, weather changes as well as a degrading quality of food and air have also led to a change in the way pollen is introduced into the air. As of now, since carbon dioxide levels in the air have increased, it has become even easier for super pollinator plants to thrive and survive. And of course, this means there's a higher chance of people developing allergies.
Here's what you can do to keep allergy season in check:
- Visit a doctor: The very first thing you need to do is to go see a doctor. Based on your symptoms and medical history, you will be prescribed an allergy test during which different kinds of allergens will be pushed into your body to see the reactions. Once they figure out what you're allergic to, you will be given the appropriate medicines. In severe cases, you may also need to get injections. And if you're someone who regularly gets allergies then it's best you start treatment way before pollen season begins.
- Keep your windows shut: We know it's difficult to manage with your windows being shut all the time but trust us it works. It's the easiest way to keep pollen out of your house. So, even when you come back from somewhere, remember to change your clothes immediately so that there are no traces of pollen left on them.
- Don't head out too often: You might be an outdoorsy person but if you have allergies you really need to plan your outings accordingly. Just because you love your morning jog doesn't mean you necessarily have to do it outside in the open.
- Eat the right things: The one thing that you need to do without fail is to eat the right kinds of foods to help boost your immunity. Eat lots of vegetables that contain vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, fruits that contain tons of antioxidants and meat like fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
Follow these simple rules and you'll be able to manage your allergies like a pro!