Are you sneezing a lot these days? Are your eyes red and itchy and watery? Are you tired of having a runny nose and coughing ? Many people think it's just a common cold, but it could be a new allergy or one that's gotten worse. Don't be surprised, because doctors say that we can still develop new allergies as we get older.
What exactly is this allergy?
Simply put, an allergy is when our body's defense system, the immune system , overreacts to something that is harmless. Think of it like a defense army inside our bodies. The job of this army is to recognize and fight against enemies like germs and viruses that enter the body.
However, sometimes this defense system gets a little confused. Even things that are actually harmless to the body, such as pollen from trees, dust, and some foods, are mistaken for a big enemy. When that happens, our body releases chemicals like histamines to fight against this "enemy."
It's when that histamine is released that we start sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and sometimes skin rashes. This is not really a weakness in the body, but the result of an overactive defense system.
Why are allergies so bad these days? Why did I suddenly get them?
If you're thinking, "It wasn't like this before, it's only gotten worse now," that's not just your imagination. There are several scientific reasons for that.
Climate Change
The main reason is global warming. When the weather gets warmer, trees bloom longer and produce pollen. Also, as carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase, trees produce more pollen than usual. So, when pollen levels in the air increase, it is common for people with allergies to experience increased symptoms and for people to develop new allergies.
The environment you live in
Sometimes when you move to a new area, you can start having new allergies. For example, if you used to live in a dry, dusty area, and now you're in a humid area with lots of trees and flowers, your body can start to react to the new pollens in that environment. It may be fine at first, but after about a year, the allergy may flare up.
Different pollens come at different times
The types of pollen that cause allergies vary from season to season. Although this varies from country to country, in general, the following seasons can be identified.
| Pollen type | Most popular time | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tree pollen | From late winter to mid-spring | When trees like mango and kohomba are in bloom |
| Grass pollen | From spring to summer | Grasses like Iluk and Mana |
| Pollen from wild plants | From summer to autumn | Weeds like Congress Grass (Parthenium) |
Is this an allergy? Or is it a cold?
It's easy to confuse the two, but there are simple ways to tell them apart.
- A cold usually causes symptoms like body aches and fever , and usually resolves in a few days or a week.
- An allergy does not cause a fever. Also, symptoms persist until you are exposed to the allergen (e.g., pollen, dust). If symptoms improve when you leave the environment (e.g., when you leave a dusty area), it is most likely an allergy.
Sometimes, a runny nose may not be caused by allergies. In a condition called nonallergic rhinitis , things like smoke, strong odors, and changes in temperature or humidity can also cause a runny nose.
Be careful about asthma too!
This is the most important thing. Sometimes, severe allergies can be accompanied by asthma .
If, in addition to sneezing and itchy eyes, you have difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in your chest, a persistent cough, or a 'whistling' sound when you breathe , these could be symptoms of asthma.
If you have these symptoms, do not self-medicate and see a doctor immediately. If your breathing is severe, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Asthma is a condition that can be life-threatening if not treated properly.
Well, what can I do about this?
Although allergies cannot be completely cured, there are many things you can do to control your symptoms and live a normal life.
1. Avoidance of allergens
This is the best and first step.
- Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times, especially in the morning.
- After coming home from outside, change your clothes and wash your body if possible. This will reduce the amount of pollen on your clothes and body that comes into the house.
- Always keep your home, especially your bed sheets and pillowcases, clean.
- If you use an air purifier, choose one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter . These can filter out even the smallest pollen particles in the air.
2. Seeking medical advice (Medical Treatment)
If your symptoms are severe and interfere with your daily activities, be sure to see your doctor .
- It's important to talk to a doctor before taking over-the-counter medications, as they will be the ones who will determine the best treatment for your symptoms.
- If necessary, your doctor will perform allergy tests to find out exactly what you are allergic to.
- Accordingly, you may be referred for long-term treatment such as pills, nasal sprays, or perhaps allergy shots.
A little myth: Some people say, "When you drink honey made in the region where you live, your body gets used to the pollen of that region and your allergies decrease." However, that is not scientifically proven. So don't rely on things like that.
Take-Home Message
- Allergies are a condition that can start at any age, even in adulthood, so don't be surprised.
- Due to climate change, allergies are now becoming more severe and lasting longer than before.
- If you have difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or a persistent cough in addition to sneezing and itchy eyes, it could be a sign of asthma. See a doctor immediately.
- Simple things like staying away from pollen and dust and keeping your home clean can help control symptoms to a great extent.
- Always seek advice from your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment, rather than taking any medication you feel like.
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