Are you avoiding the outdoors because you have allergies? These tips are for you! (Allergy Tips)

On a beautiful day, you feel like going out to do some gardening, or hiking with friends. But then you remember the sneezing, the red, itchy eyes, the itchy skin, and the difficulty breathing... This is a very familiar experience for someone with an allergy . So does having an allergy mean that you have to miss out on these happy moments for the rest of your life? Not at all. With proper planning and attention to the little things, you can still enjoy life outdoors to the fullest even with allergies. Let's see how it works.

Think before you go out: The importance of planning

Just like planning before going into battle, it's important for someone with allergies to have a little planning before going outdoors. Thinking about these things can save you a lot of trouble.

Let's work according to the weather and time.

Allergy-causing substances like pollen and mold are more prevalent in the air at certain times of the day and under certain weather conditions.

• Morning: Generally, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. is when pollen and mold are at their peak. If you have a habit of going for a walk or run in the morning, it would be better if you could shift it to the afternoon.
• Best time: Cool, drizzly days are golden for allergy sufferers. Rain washes away all the pollen and dust in the air. So choose a day like this to exercise or go for a walk outside. It's okay to get wet in a little rain, right?
• Thunderstorms: Be careful when it rains heavily and suddenly. Strong winds can break up pollen and mold particles from trees and the ground into small pieces and send them into the air. This can make things worse for people with conditions like asthma .

How can we protect ourselves outdoors?

Okay, now that we've picked a good day and a good time, let's see what we can do while we're outdoors.

Let's use safety gear.

• Mask: If you're mowing the lawn, doing dusty yard work, or raking leaves, it's a good idea to wear a regular mask . This will greatly reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and mold that gets into your nose and lungs.
• Sunglasses: Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. They help protect your eyes from pollen and harmful UV rays .
• For cold days: Cold, dry air can also cause breathing difficulties for some people. If you exercise outside on such a day, cover your mouth and nose with a thin scarf .

Be careful of insects and poisonous plants.

• If you are allergic to insect stings : If you are severely allergic to stinging insects like bees and wasps, do not use perfume, scented deodorant, or scented shampoos when you go outside. These scents can attract insects. If you are going for a walk in the woods, it is essential to carry an EpiPen (if prescribed by your doctor) . Ask your doctor exactly how to use it.
• Poisonous plants: Some plants can cause severe itching and rashes on the skin when touched. Although there are no plants like Poison Ivy in our country, there may be other plants that are harmful to the skin. Therefore, do not touch unknown trees and leaves when walking in a forest. Especially if your pets (dogs, cats) go near such bushes, the chemicals such as oils in those plants can get on their fur and come home. Therefore, after walking in a forest area, wash and clean your pet thoroughly before bringing it inside the house.

Things to do after returning home

You will feel a lot of relief after coming back from being outside by following these habits.

1. Take a good shower: Change your clothes and take a good shower as soon as you get home from being outside. This will wash away all the pollen that has accumulated on your body and hair.

2. Clean your nose: Use a saline nasal spray, available at pharmacies, to rinse the inside of your nose. This will help clear out any mucus and make breathing easier. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.

3. Wash clothes: Wash clothes you've worn outside as soon as you take them off. Don't leave them lying around the house.

Symptoms and long-term solutions

Even with all this, allergy symptoms can still occur. However, there are solutions to avoid experiencing this problem every day.

• For itchy skin: If you have a rash or rash on your skin, such as from touching a poisonous plant, apply a damp cloth to the area. Applying calamine lotion can also provide relief. If the itching is severe, you can take an antihistamine tablet on the advice of your doctor. However, before using any medicine, always consult a doctor.
• Seek medical advice: If you experience wheezing and sneezing even after a short walk or bike ride, don't ignore it. It's a sign that you need help managing your allergies.

Your doctor may tell you to start taking allergy medication a few weeks before your allergy season starts. This will prepare your body for the allergy symptoms before they start.