We all love to go out and be happy during the spring season, or when the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining, right? But if you or someone in your family has allergies, or as we say in Sinhala, allergies, this time of year can be a bit troublesome. Runny nose, itchy eyes, body aches... Only those who suffer from it know how difficult it is to live with these things. So, today we will talk about how to get rid of these allergies and stay happy.
Pollen allergy
Sometimes, especially during the dry season, when the flowers are in full bloom, does your nose get constantly stuffy and runny? Are your eyes red and itchy? Do you also get a scratchy throat? This could be due to pollen floating in the air. We call this 'Seasonal Allergies'.
The best thing for people like this is to limit going out in the morning and afternoon as much as possible. This is because this is when pollen is most abundant in the air. You should think twice about this, especially if you have asthma . Because if you are exposed to pollen for several days in a row, it can develop into a severe asthma attack. It can even be life-threatening.
If your doctor has prescribed allergy medication , take it exactly as prescribed. Some people stop taking their medication during times when allergies are less severe, such as during the winter. Don't delay starting the medication when allergies are more severe. By starting your medication early, you can control your symptoms to a greater extent.
Be careful about food and drink at a party or event.
Many people in our country have allergies to various foods. Some people can be allergic to things like milk, eggs, seafood, and peanuts. The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor to find out exactly what foods you are allergic to. After that, you should avoid those foods.
But when you go to a party or a dinner at a friend's house, this can be a little difficult. Because you're sharing several dishes with the same spoon, and the powder from one dish can fall into another. Because of things like this, you can unknowingly ingest an allergic food.
Don't eat food that you have the slightest doubt about. If you don't know exactly what's in it, it's safest not to eat it.
The best thing to do is to prepare a meal that you can eat at home, if possible. Or, ask the person who prepared the meal to make sure it contains the exact ingredients.
Be careful of insects.
Allergies to animal stings like wasps and hornets can be very severe for some people. So follow these simple tips to stay safe from these creatures when you go outdoors.
- Be sure to wear two pairs of shoes when going out.
- Avoid wearing bright colors and reduce the use of perfume . These things attract insects.
- Be careful when drinking from opened bottles or cups. Sometimes there can be insects hiding inside these drinks. It is best to drink from a transparent glass. That way you can easily see if there is anything inside.
Let's now take a look at a summary of these types of allergies.
| The cause of the allergy | How to be careful? |
|---|---|
| Pollen | Reduce your morning commute. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor. |
| Food | If you are unsure about the ingredients, don't eat them. If possible, bring a suitable snack from home. |
| Insect Stings | Wear shoes. Avoid bright clothes and perfumes. Be careful with open drinks. |
Worst Case: Anaphylaxis and Lifesaving Tips
This is the most important part that we all need to be aware of. Certain foods, medications, or insect stings can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis .
What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, and tongue
- Red, large welts all over the body (Hives)
- Difficulty breathing , shortness of breath
- Sudden drop in blood pressure (confusion, loss of consciousness)
If this situation occurs, it is a situation that requires emergency medical treatment.
If you have a severe allergy, your doctor may have advised you to always carry an auto-injector containing a medicine called epinephrine . It's like a fire extinguisher. There's no time to run around looking for it in the event of a fire. So, even if you don't have to use it, it's essential to have one nearby.
As soon as the first signs of anaphylaxis appear, this injection should be administered into the outer thigh without delay . Then , immediately go to the emergency room (ETU) of a hospital or call an ambulance . Because the effect of the injection is only for a limited time, further medical treatment is definitely needed.
Make a small survival kit
It's also a good idea to keep an allergy pill or liquid like diphenhydramine (e.g. Piriton) nearby along with your epinephrine injector. But remember, these pills are never a substitute for an epinephrine injection . They are just additional relief.
When traveling, especially to a remote area, take enough of the medication you need. Your doctor may advise you to have at least two syringes with you.
The most important thing is to tell your family and close friends about your allergy. Explain to them how to help in an emergency, where the injector is, and how to use it. With these simple steps, you can avoid a dangerous situation and live a happy life.
Take-Home Message
- Know exactly what your allergies (triggers) are. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Always keep the prescribed medication, especially an epinephrine injector, nearby if you have a severe allergy.
- If you show signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), use the injector immediately and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Inform family and friends about your allergy situation and what to do in an emergency.
- If you have any doubts about a food or drink, avoid eating it. Safety comes first.
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