As refreshing and warm as spring sounded, it was a dreadful season for allergic patients. The release of numerous pollens into the air caused too many cases of nasal irritation leading to sinuses and a lot of other allergic reactions. But as much as you think that the spring season is over and the nightmare can be forgotten, summer allergies are here again, and the weather warms up even more as we return to the new normal.
Therefore, brace yourself because if care is not taken, you could be in again for another dose of frustrating and annoying allergies this season as well. Fortunately, there are ways allergic patients can stay ahead of allergies this summer. They include:
1. Study pollen level and counts
This is the most essential step to staying ahead of allergies this season. It is already established that the major driving force behind an allergy reaction is when pollen released into the air gets into the nasal cavity and triggers the symptoms.
Studying the times and hours when the pollen count is high helps you know what times you can be outside and the hours that it would be safer to remain indoors. A good start is to avoid going out in the hot afternoons. This is because the temperature rises mid-day during the summer and an increase in temperature extends the plant growing season, hence allowing for the further reproduction and emission of pollen.
In other words, pollen counts increase with temperature. So one way to stay ahead of allergies during this season is to watch the hours of the day you go out to avoid irritation from released pollen.
2. Avoid being outside during windy days
Excessive wind is another major driver of increased pollen spread. This concept is more straightforward simply because wind can drag pollen from one place and drop it in another.
To avoid these pollen landing on your clothes, hair, or skin, it is better to stay indoors during windy days. In addition to this, close your car windows and house doors to avoid pollen from getting in.
3. Stay away from other triggers
Though pollen is the primary reason for allergies, there are other drivers like dust mites, mold spores, or even bites from insects. Some of these insects include fire ants, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, and bees. What’s worse is that a sting from them can be life-threatening.
So what can you do? Close your doors and windows, get rid of bee hives that are close to your home, wear long-sleeved dresses and long skirts or trousers, stay away from dump sites and ensure that your garbage bin is emptied as often as possible. Always keep the house clean and watch as you go through the summer without any symptoms. Also, as an asthma patient, you would need to always plan and top up your asthma prescriptions. This way, you are sure that your body is prepared against any attack.
The best way to avoid allergy triggers is with asthma action plans, frequent sanitation, and many more, as mentioned within the content of this guide. But if you have allergy symptoms right now, and you need to get immediate treatment, then visit an urgent care center right away!
English
Español