Do you also start sneezing frequently when the flowers are blooming beautifully and the surrounding environment is fresh? At the same time, do your eyes become red, your nose feels itchy and your nose feels blocked? Even though you want to go out with your friends and be free, there are times when you miss everything because of this allergy, right? We women especially feel this a little more. Because these symptoms directly affect our appearance, sometimes we can feel very uncomfortable. But don't worry, you don't have to face this allergic condition alone. Let's be aware of this and talk about how to deal with it.
Allergies aren't just something you have!
This is not just a problem for you. Millions of people around the world, especially women, suffer from seasonal allergies. Some may not even know they have allergies. The main symptoms are a runny nose, itchy throat, itchy eyes, and dark circles under the eyes.
This discoloration under the eyes in particular is medically called 'allergic shiners'. Many women think it's caused by fatigue or lack of sleep. So they try to cover it up with makeup and foundation.
But the truth is, this can be caused by allergies. If you get the right treatment , you can completely eliminate this condition. Then you will feel much better both physically and mentally. The most important thing to remember is that allergies are 100% treatable . So if these symptoms persist, if they interfere with your daily activities, do not suffer any longer and definitely see your doctor for advice.
Are you also confused, saying, "This is just a common cold"?
Many people confuse allergies with the common cold. "Oh... everyone's got a cold these days," you might be thinking, but you might actually have allergies. Knowing the difference between the two is important for proper treatment.
Imagine, you have a cold that doesn't get better after a week or two. The runny nose won't stop. This could actually be a symptom of an allergy. Let's clearly understand the difference between the two.
| Symptom / factor | Allergy | Common Cold |
|---|---|---|
| How to get started | It usually starts suddenly and can occur immediately after exposure to an allergen. | Symptoms appear gradually, within a day or two. |
| Duration | The allergy lasts as long as the cause persists (days, weeks, or months). | It usually heals in about 5 to 7 days. |
| Itchy eyes, nose, throat | Very common. Itching of the eyes, nose, throat, and sometimes even the palate. | Itching is very mild. |
| Fever and body aches | There is never a fever or body aches. | Often there may be a slight fever and body aches. |
| The nature of the liquid | Clear and fluid like water. | Although clear at first, it may later turn thick, yellow, or green. |
Now you know. If your symptoms have been going on for weeks, it's much more likely to be allergies than a cold. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis. It's essential to see a doctor .
How should I take allergy medicine?
Antihistamines and decongestants are commonly used to control allergy symptoms. However, a mistake many people make is to wait until their symptoms are severe before starting to take medication.
Imagine, you know that you get allergies every year around March or April. So what you need to do is see your doctor by the end of February and start taking the allergy medication he prescribes.
This is called 'pre-treatment' . That is, starting treatment before symptoms appear. That way, when allergens like pollen and mold increase in the air, your body is prepared to deal with them. Otherwise, if you start taking medication when your symptoms are already severe, you're losing sleep, and you're already sick with a cold, it will be much harder to control.
Are they just seasonal allergies? Let's learn about year-round allergies too
Some people think they have seasonal allergies that only affect them during certain times of the year, but they may actually have allergies that last all year round. A good example of this is allergies to dust mites and mold.
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in damp, dusty environments. We can't see them. They live in things like our bedding, pillows, mattresses, and curtains. During the rainy season, when the humidity in the environment increases, the population of these dust mites also increases. If this time coincides with the seasonal allergy season when flowers bloom, your symptoms can double or triple. That's why it's very important to identify exactly what you're allergic to.
The relationship between allergies and asthma
This is something we need to pay special attention to. Someone with uncontrolled nasal allergies has a 40% increased risk of developing asthma. Women are especially prone to developing asthma.
See if you have these symptoms:
- When breathing, a 'whooshing' sound is heard from the chest.
- The cough increases, especially at night.
- Difficulty breathing after exercise.
These can be symptoms of asthma. Many people think that this is part of allergies. But that's not the case. This is a condition that needs to be treated separately. The best part is that when your allergies are properly treated, things like asthma and sinus problems can be largely controlled or completely cured. So if you're having any trouble breathing, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Allergies are not something to just tolerate. There are effective treatments for this. So if you have symptoms, seek medical advice.
- Even appearance-related problems like dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners) can be caused by allergies. It's more important to get the right treatment than to cover it up with makeup.
- Know the difference between a common cold and an allergy. If symptoms last more than a week, it could be an allergy.
- Symptoms can be better controlled by using medication before the onset of allergy season, as advised by a doctor.
- Uncontrolled allergies can lead to other health problems, such as asthma. Never ignore breathing difficulties.
- Even simple things like wearing sunglasses to protect yourself from pollen and taking a shower at night can make a big difference.
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