Do you sometimes get a series of sneezes when you wake up in the morning? Do your eyes start to itch and a watery liquid constantly flows from your nose? Do you feel like your nose is blocked with a little difficulty breathing? These are not just colds. These may be " seasonal allergies" that appear only at certain times of the year and make you very uncomfortable. Although many people suffer from this, if we are aware of this, we can get great relief from this annoying condition.
Why is this happening only to me? What are the causes (allergens) of allergies?
Simply put, our immune system mistakes something that is actually harmless (like pollen) for a big enemy and starts fighting against it. This fight results in symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose. We call these things that cause allergies allergens .
There are two main types of allergens that affect us in Sri Lanka.
1. Pollen: These are very fine particles that are carried in the wind by trees, flowers, and grasses . This pollen is especially prevalent on sunny, windy days. This can be even more so when certain trees are in bloom.
2. Molds: These usually grow in places with high humidity. These fungal spores are most abundant in places like piles of leaves collected in the garden, hay, and damp walls. Molds increase in number outdoors, especially after rain.
Usually, after a rainy season, due to the increased humidity in the environment, both pollen and mold can increase. So don't be surprised if your allergy symptoms worsen during such times.
Things you can do at home to stay safe from allergies
Before taking allergy medication , it's best to minimize your exposure to these allergens as much as possible. You can try these simple things and see the difference for yourself.
| What to do | What is the benefit of that? |
|---|---|
| Wear a mask when working outside. | When you clean the garden and sweep up leaves, you reduce the amount of pollen and fungi that accumulate in the environment. |
| Come home, wash your body and change your clothes. | When you come home from being outside all day, there may be pollen on your clothes and hair. When you shower and clean yourself, you prevent that pollen from getting on your pillow and bed. |
| Keep the windows closed. | Keeping windows closed, especially in the morning and on windy days, can help reduce pollen from entering your home. If you use an AC, clean the filter regularly. If possible, use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter . These filter out even the finest pollen particles. |
| Wear sunglasses when going out. | This can greatly reduce the amount of pollen that gets directly into your eyes. This is a good solution if you have itchy eyes. |
| Change your exercise time. | Pollen concentrations are usually highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So if you exercise, it's better to do it early in the morning or in the evening. |
| Take care of pets. | When your dog or cat comes home from playing outside, they may have pollen on their fur. If it's a high-pollen day, it's a good idea to wash them with water before bringing them home. |
What is the correct medical treatment?
If you are unable to control your symptoms with home remedies, you should definitely see your primary care doctor. He or she will examine your symptoms and refer you to an allergist if necessary. Never take over-the-counter medications at your own discretion.
Here are some treatments that the doctor may recommend:
Nasal Sprays
These are often the first treatment. They contain a type of medication called corticosteroids . They come under brand names like ``Flonase, Nasonex.`` These sprays work by reducing swelling and inflammation inside the nose. Doctors usually recommend using them daily, starting before the allergy season starts.
Oral Antihistamines
These pills block the production of a chemical called histamine that causes allergic reactions in our bodies. Some pills, like Allegra, Claritin, can be taken over-the-counter, while others, like Zyrtec, Clarinex, require a prescription. Do not use anything without a doctor's advice. Sometimes these pills are prescribed along with nasal sprays.
Eye Drops
If you have symptoms such as itchy, red, and watery eyes, your doctor will prescribe special eye drops for that purpose.
Other treatments
- Singulair: This is a medication that is also used to treat asthma. It blocks substances called leukotrienes that cause allergy symptoms .
- Nasal Irrigation: Rinsing the inside of your nose with a solution such as saline can help remove pollen and other debris and provide relief. Ask your doctor about the correct way to do this.
- Immunotherapy: Also called "allergy shots," this is a long-term solution. It involves injecting very small amounts of the allergen into your body over time. Over time, your body's immune system becomes accustomed to it and stops reacting. This is a treatment that lasts for three to five years.
- Sublingual Therapy: This is similar to the treatment mentioned above, but instead of an injection, a small tablet containing the allergen is placed under the tongue. This is a method that is still being developed.
Can certain foods increase allergies?
Yes, this is something that many people don't know. If you are allergic to certain types of pollen, eating other foods that contain a protein similar to that in that pollen can increase your allergy symptoms. This is called Oral Allergy Syndrome .
For example, people who are allergic to certain types of pollen may experience itching or slight swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue when eating things like bananas, cucumbers, watermelon, sunflower seeds, and chamomile tea. If you notice that this happens to you after eating a certain food, tell your doctor about it too.
Take-Home Message
- Occasional allergies are a very common condition. Don't be afraid of them.
- Try to figure out whether your allergy is caused by pollen, dust, or mold.
- Simple things like washing your body, changing clothes, and closing the windows when you come back from outside can provide great relief.
- Do not use any allergy medicine without medical advice. Some medications (especially decongestants for nasal congestion) may be contraindicated in people with high blood pressure.
- If your allergy is uncontrollable or severe, definitely see a doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න