With last year registering as one of the worst allergy seasons in decades, spring is being anticipated with just a tinge of dread for those of us with bad allergies. While many of us get to enjoy the outdoorsy weather that comes with springtime, a large portion of the population dare not look at a flower without conjuring a massive “achoo!”.
But all isn’t lost for allergy stricken folks who want to enjoy the sunny weather following a cold and dry winter. In this article we’ll cover some of the ways you can side step some common springtime buzzkills and make the most of the warmer seasons to come – minutes the sneezes and sniffles.
- Start with a healthy diet: As with many ailments and illnesses, prevention is often your best and first defense. A healthy diet that consists lots of fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds will give your body the antioxidants it needs to prevent inflammation, which is a huge factor in controlling allergies. You can also boost your resistance against allergies with the appropriate supplements for a balanced diet and stronger immune system. Consult your local pharmacist or nutritionist for advice on a dietary supplement plan.
- Avoid dust buildup in your home: Dust and moisture buildup are silent causes of all kinds of discomfort. Mould caused by moisture in the home can cause severe headaches, sinus problems and even nausea, while dust is a well-known culprit in spreading germs and irritating sensitive noses, so make sure your dusty nooks and crannies are managed and those leaky faucets are tightened up.
- Stay one step ahead of pesky pollen: Hayfever affects nearly 3 million Australians annually. Some useful tips for mild hay fever sufferers: consider using non-sedating antihistamines to treat symptoms and use a nasal decongestant with your antihistamine to clear blocked nose passages and itchy eyes.People with more severe hay fever can opt for intranasal steroid sprays, which reduce swelling of the nasal cavities and also help stop excessive mucus buildup. The most advanced treatment for hay fever is called allergen immunotherapy. This form of treatment involves changing your body’s reaction to allergens and allows it to become “immune” from the causes and symptoms of hay fever.
- Understanding environmental causes: Knowing the area you call (or want to call) home can help prevent long term discomfort from the effects of allergies. People often move to new areas without understanding the local climate and other factors that can affect their health.High-density population areas such as cities may not be the most ideal living environment for asthma or bronchiectasis sufferers, whereas the flowery fields of country living may not be what it’s cut out to be for those sensitive to pollen. Also, be sure to understand the occupational factors that may put you at risk of contracting allergies.
Be smart about allergies and make the most of your spring
Your best defense against allergies is to be aware of any that affect you and your family and make sure you take sensible steps to avoid unnecessary exposure to factors that aggravate them. For people interested in more advanced treatments of acute and chronic hay fever, more modern practices are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to rid themselves of their allergies entirely.
If that’s not on the cards for you yet, make sure you check in with your local pharmacist to discuss you and your family’s allergies and how you can take a preventative stance against seasonal ailments.