Do you have allergies only at certain times of the year? (Seasonal Allergies)

Do you also feel that you get a cold for no reason only at certain times of the year, with symptoms such as a runny nose, constant sneezing, and red, itchy eyes? Many people think that this is just a viral fever or a common cold. But if this happens at the same time every year, it is very likely that it is a seasonal allergy . Let's talk about this simply today.

Why do allergies occur from time to time?

Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of our body's immune system to certain things in our environment. There are several main causes of seasonal allergies.

1. Pollen

The main cause of this is small pollen particles that are carried in the wind by trees, flowers and some grasses. Although the plant `(Ragweed)` is famous for this in some countries, in Sri Lanka this condition can also be caused by plants that bloom at certain times. Since this pollen travels long distances on the wind, you can get allergies even if those trees are not in your garden.

2. Mold

When we think of mold, we think of mold that grows in damp places at home, like bathrooms, right? But mold also grows outdoors during the rainy season. Especially places like wet leaf litter and damp ground are good places for mold spores . When these are mixed with the air and inhaled, we can experience allergy symptoms.

3. Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny insects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They like to live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, sofa sets, and other places where dust accumulates. When you clean your home after the rainy season, when you install a fan that has not been used for a long time, or when you turn on the AC without cleaning it, these mites can accumulate in the air and cause allergies.

4. Going to school

Don't be surprised. When children start going back to school after the holidays, some children experience increased allergy symptoms . The reason is probably the dust and mold in school buildings and classrooms.

What are the main symptoms of this allergy?

You may have one or more of these symptoms. While some people may experience them very mildly, others may experience them so severely that they are unable to perform daily tasks.

How do you know for sure if this is an allergy?

If you have these symptoms consistently, especially at the same time every year, the best thing to do is see your doctor . He or she will ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and whether anyone in your family has conditions like asthma or allergies.

Then, if necessary, they can recommend some tests to find out exactly what you are allergic to.

• Skin Prick Test: In this test, a very small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on your skin and a small prick is made with a small needle. If you are allergic to it, within a few minutes the area will become slightly red and swollen, like a mosquito bite.
• Blood Test: Sometimes a blood sample may be taken to check the level of antibodies your body makes against certain allergens.

What are the treatments for allergies?

Although allergies cannot be completely cured, there are many effective treatments available today that can help you control your symptoms and live a normal life. However, it is important to use these medications only under the advice of your doctor.

• Steroid Nasal Sprays: These are very helpful in reducing swelling inside the nose and controlling symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose.
• Antihistamines: These help quickly control symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Decongestants : These help to relieve nasal congestion and reduce mucus.

• Immunotherapy: For people with very severe allergies, it is sometimes used as a long-term treatment, either through injections or sublingual tablets/liquids. This involves giving your body very small doses of the allergen you are allergic to, allowing your body to adapt to it over time.

Things you can do yourself to manage symptoms

In addition to medication, these allergy symptoms can be largely controlled by making small changes to your lifestyle.

• Stay indoors during peak pollen times: Pollen levels are usually highest in the morning and afternoon. During these times, stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible.
• Clean the fan/AC: Before using a fan or AC that has not been used for a long time, clean the dust that has accumulated in it. Change the AC filter. Otherwise, all that dust will spread throughout the room. If possible, it is better to use an air purifier with a HEPA filter .
• Control humidity: Try to keep the humidity in your home below 50%. You can use a dehumidifier for this. This will help to control mold growth to a great extent.
• Wear a mask when mowing leaves: If you are mowing wet leaves in the garden, be sure to wear a mask, as breathing in the mold spores in the leaves can aggravate your allergies.
• Wash your bed sheets: Wash your bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week and dry them thoroughly in the sun. This will kill dust mites.

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