Do you sneeze when you wake up in the morning these days? Do your nose feel stuffy, and your eyes are red and itchy? Many people think that this is a common cold. But if these symptoms appear more often at certain times, the reason may be different than you think. Today we are talking about pollen allergy , which affects many people, but many people do not know exactly what it is. Don't worry, there are many ways to avoid this.
Is it really possible to completely avoid these pollens?
Simply put, no one can be 100% safe from pollen. Because pollen is tiny particles that are released into the air from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds. They are so small that they are invisible to our eyes. Imagine, they are not even as thick as a human hair.
In Sri Lanka, different trees bloom at different times. At certain times, grasses release pollen. For some people, these allergies increase when trees like mango and cashew are in bloom. So, no matter where we go, there is more or less of this pollen in the air. But there are many things we can do to minimize the problems caused by this. From simple steps we can take at home to seeing a doctor and getting treatment, we have solutions.
Find out what type of pollen you are allergic to.
This is the first and most important thing. If you know what type of pollen you are allergic to and when it is most abundant in the air, you can prepare for it before it happens.
Pollen is an invisible nuisance. When these tiny particles get into your nose and throat, your body's immune system recognizes them as an enemy. That's when allergic reactions like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes occur.
The best thing to do is to talk to your family doctor about this. He or she may refer you to an allergist. They can run tests to find out exactly what type of pollen you are allergic to.
It's wise to stay indoors during the pollen season.
If you know that pollen is high in the air today, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Pollen is carried far, especially on windy, sunny days.
A mistake that many people make is to keep the windows open in the evenings when the air is cooler. This is when pollen can easily enter the house. Therefore, keep the windows closed during high pollen times . If possible, it is a good idea to use an air conditioner. This will help to purify the air inside the house, reducing the amount of pollen entering.
If you're going out, check the time.
You can't stay indoors all the time. You have to go out. In such cases, think about the time you go.
Most of the time, pollen is released from trees between 5 and 9 a.m. If you go outside for a walk or exercise during this time, that pollen will end up on your clothes, in your hair, and all over your face.
This condition can be worse on windy days. Also, when your pet, dog or cat, comes in from outside, their fur may also be full of this pollen. Sometimes we think we are allergic to the animal, but it could actually be the pollen on the animal's body.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Try to go outside during low pollen times (e.g., midday, evening). | Avoid exercising outdoors between 5-9 am. |
| Wear a mask when going out. | Avoid spending too much time outdoors on windy days. |
| Keep the windows closed indoors and use an air conditioner. | Avoid sleeping with the bedroom windows open during high pollen seasons. |
| Change your clothes and take a shower as soon as you get out. | Avoid going to the bedroom or bed in the same clothes you wore outside. |
Get your allergy treated right.
If these home remedies do not help, you should definitely seek medical advice. See your doctor and explain your symptoms clearly. He or she will choose the most appropriate treatment for you.
The most important thing is to use your medication before you go out, not wait until it's too late . Many people think, "Oh... it won't happen this time." But taking medication early is much more effective than taking medication later.
Your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Antihistamine pills: These are the most commonly prescribed medications. They help control symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Inhaled allergy treatments : Some sprays (especially those containing steroids) can help reduce swelling and congestion in the nose. However, do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days at a time. Doing so can make your nose more congested than before when you stop taking the medication. Ask your doctor about this for more information.
- Allergy shots (Allergy Immunotherapy): If your allergies are severe, your doctor may recommend this treatment. This involves giving your body a shot of a very small amount of the pollen you are allergic to. After receiving these shots (once a week or once a month) over a period of time (perhaps 3-5 years), your body becomes accustomed to the pollen and stops reacting.
Take a short break to escape the pollen.
If, despite all of this, you still find the pollen season really difficult, consider taking a vacation for a change. Go to a place with less pollen, for example , a beach, for a couple of days. The sea breeze means there is less pollen in the air. This will be a great relief for your body and mind.
Take-Home Message
- Hay fever is a condition caused by invisible pollen in the air. It is not a common cold.
- Limit your time outdoors during peak pollen times (especially in the morning). Keep windows closed.
- Change your clothes and wash your body as soon as you come back from outside. If possible, wash your hair too.
- Don't just go and get medicine at your own whim. Be sure to see a doctor and get the treatment that's right for you.
- You can control the symptoms by taking the medication prescribed by your doctor before going out, without waiting until it gets worse.
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