You don't have to stay home because you have allergies! Here's how to be careful outdoors (Allergies)

Do you also start sneezing as soon as you feel like going for a walk with friends on a beautiful day, or getting out for a little exercise in the evening? Or do you get red eyes, itchy skin, and a rash all over your body? Many people give up their favorite things and stay home because of these problems called allergies . But it really doesn't have to be that way. If you take care of a few small things, you too can avoid these allergy problems and enjoy spending time outdoors. Let's see how it works?

Why does this only happen to some people?

Simply put, an allergy is when our immune system mistakes something that is actually harmless (like pollen) as a big enemy and fights against it unnecessarily. This fight results in symptoms like sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing.

The main reason why this condition increases when we go outdoors is pollen in the air. When these tiny particles emitted from things like flowers, trees, and grass enter our bodies through our nose, mouth, and eyes, the aforementioned battle begins. So what we need to do is to minimize the amount of things like pollen entering our bodies as much as possible and prepare for it in advance.

Times when you need to think twice before going out!

When planning your outdoor activities, it's important to consider the time of day and the weather, as there are times when pollen counts are at their highest.

The table below will help you get a better idea of ​​this.

Additionally, avoid exercising outdoors on days with high air pollution, as the harmful effects of pollen can be further increased when combined with polluted air.

Simple tricks to protect yourself

Okay, now we know what times are risky and what times are good. Next, let's talk about the safety measures we can take when we go out.

• Cleaning the garden? Wear a mask: Be sure to wear a face mask when mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, or sweeping up leaves. You don't need an expensive mask for this, a regular painter's mask you can buy at a hardware store will do.
• Protect your eyes: Wearing sunglasses can go a long way in preventing pollen from entering your eyes. It also helps protect your eyes from harmful UV rays .
• On cold days: Cold air can sometimes make your respiratory tract more sensitive. If you're exercising outside on such a day, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or handkerchief.
• Be careful with fragrances: If you are allergic to insect stings, avoid using deodorants, perfumes, and shampoos that have strong scents. These scents can attract insects. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, talk to your doctor.Learn about the importance of keeping an emergency medicine like an EpiPen on hand.

Don't forget these things even after you get home!

After you finish working outside and come home, don't think, "Okay, it's over now." Pollen from outside may still be on your clothes, hair , and body.

• Take a quick shower: Change out of your clothes and take a good shower as soon as you get back from outside. This will wash away any pollen that has settled on your body and hair.
• Think about your pets too: When your pets, like your dog or cat, come home from playing outside, they may have a lot of pollen on their fur. If possible, wash them before bringing them home. If not, at least wipe them down thoroughly with a damp cloth.
• Clean your nose: At the end of the day, spray a small amount of saline nasal spray , available at a pharmacy, into your nose to clear it out. This will help remove pollen from the membranes inside your nose, making it easier to breathe.

What to do if you have skin allergies?

Sometimes, like ``Poison Ivy`` in countries like America, some wild vines in our country can cause severe itching and burning when touched. If pets visit such bushes, the oils in those plants can get on their fur and get into the house.

Instead, try these things:

• Wet a clean cloth with cold water and apply it to the affected areas (wet compresses).
• You can use things like ``Calamine lotion'' that are available at pharmacies.
• However, before doing any of these things, especially before taking pills like antihistamines, be sure to consult your doctor.

Most importantly: If the skin rash spreads with inflammation, or if you develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.