Are you also constantly getting hives these days? Maybe it's an allergy (Seasonal Allergies)

Do you also start to get a runny nose when the flowers are blooming or after a little rain? Do you have a stuffy nose and itchy eyes? Most of the time, we think it's just a common cold, but it's very likely that it's actually a 'seasonal allergy'. Although there is no complete cure for this, there are many things we can do to control it and reduce the symptoms. So let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

Why do we get allergies like this?

The biggest and most important reason for this is pollen . Trees, grasses, and various weeds release these tiny pollen particles into the air to reproduce their species. So when this pollen enters the nose of someone with allergies, the body's immune system simply goes into overdrive.

Simply put, our body's immune system sees this pollen as a dangerous enemy. Therefore, our body makes special antibodies to attack this enemy. During this process, a chemical called ' Histamine ' is released into the blood in large quantities. That's why your nose starts to run, your eyes itch, and you start to itch all the time. Do you understand?

Pollen can travel for miles on the wind, so you can still be allergic to pollen from a tree that isn't in your yard.

It's not just pollen, there are other reasons for this season.

• Mold : Mold growth increases both indoors and outdoors during the rainy season. This is also a strong allergen .
• Dust mites : When we clean our homes, these tiny creatures that live with the dust can also increase allergies.

How do you know if this is an allergy? What are the symptoms?

See if you have one or more of these symptoms. These are very similar to the symptoms of a common cold. However, if these symptoms persist without a fever, it is more likely that it is an allergy.

What are the treatments for this?

The best thing to do is to first see your family doctor and tell them about your symptoms. He or she may refer you to an allergist, who will run tests to determine if you really have an allergy and what it is.

• Skin Prick Test: This involves pricking a very small amount of the substance you think you may be allergic to onto your skin and seeing if your skin reacts. If it turns red and looks like a small blister, it means you are allergic to that substance.
• Blood Tests: Sometimes this can be confirmed with a blood test.

There are various types of medications for this.

If you have trouble controlling your symptoms with regular medications, your doctor may recommend a treatment called immunotherapy . This involves gradually introducing very small amounts of the allergen to your body, allowing it to become accustomed to it. This takes time, but some people find long-term relief.

Are there any natural things you can do at home?

Yes, there are some simple things that can help reduce symptoms.

Nasal irrigation

This is a very effective method. You can use a Neti Pot or a Squeeze Bottle to rinse out mucus and pollen from your nose. The water solution used for this is prepared as follows:

• Take a cup of boiled, clean water.
• Add a teaspoon (1/4) of salt and a teaspoon (1/4) of baking soda to it and dissolve well.
• Important: Always use only clean, boiled or filtered water. Rinse the container thoroughly after use and let it dry.

While there is talk of other herbal remedies, scientific research on their effectiveness is still at varying levels. So, don't try anything like this without talking to your doctor.

A few tips to stay safe from pollen

In addition to taking medication, it is also very important to stay away from things that cause allergies.

• Stay indoors as much as possible during peak pollen times (usually in the morning).
• During times like these, keep the windows and doors of your home closed as much as possible.
• It is a good idea to use an air purifier if you have one at home.
• Always keep dusty areas of your home, such as bookshelves and window sills, clean.
• After coming back from outside, be sure to wash your face and hands. It's even better if you wash your hair, because pollen can stay in your hair and eyelashes.
• Change out of the clothes you wore outside as soon as you get inside.
• Vacuum your home at least twice a week. But wear a mask when vacuuming. Because even when vacuuming, dust and pollen on the floor will be added to the air.

Seasonal Allergies, Hay Fever, Pollen, Antihistamines, Allergy Symptoms, Allergy Treatment, Nasal Spray