IN SHORT
There are several solutions to seasonal allergies that can mitigate the problem and reduce the symptoms.
To better manage your seasonal allergies, you need to monitor the weather forecast and change your habits to limit your outings, especially when there’s a lot of pollen in the air.
In addition, it’s important to maintain strict hygiene habits to avoid keeping pollen on yourself for long periods.
What Is a Seasonal Allergy?
Solutions to seasonal allergies come in many forms, but before listing them, it may be helpful to first understand what causes allergies.
The term “seasonal allergies” is commonly used to refer to seasonal rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
Specifically, seasonal allergies are an allergic reaction caused by the inhalation of pollen released from various plants.
For most people, pollen has no adverse effects, but for those with a seasonal allergy, it can trigger an allergic reaction that usually takes the following forms:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Repeated sneezing
- Itching in the throat or nose
- Red itching and watery eyes
- Cough
Since it is related to the release of pollen, seasonal allergy returns at specific times of the year. In Quebec, the two main periods of pollination are spring, from March to June, and late summer and fall, from August to October.
The period when symptoms are most intense can vary from one individual to another, depending on when the plants that they’re allergic to release their pollen into the air.
Although seasonal allergies are common to many individuals, they shouldn’t be underestimated. In some cases, they can lead to chronic sinusitis, asthma symptoms, or particularly in children, ear infections.
Solutions to Seasonal Allergies
1. Check the pollen forecast and act accordingly
Most weather forecasts available online show pollen concentration or a pollen index.
Too often, this important information is overlooked. If the weather forecast predicts a lot of pollen in the air, why not postpone your outdoor activities, such as gardening or your daily walk?
2. Don’t use your clothesline during allergy season
The clothesline is a great way to dry clothes and avoid using the dryer.
However, for people with seasonal allergies, it’s also a great way of getting pollen on the clothes you wear, or even worse, on the sheets you sleep in!
During the allergy season, and when pollen concentration in the air is high, one solution to seasonal allergies is to avoid the clothesline to minimize your contact with pollen.
3. Stock up on antihistamines
You’re probably familiar with antihistamines such as anti-allergic drugs available in most pharmacies.
These medications are a great way to minimize the symptoms of your allergies and allow you to fully enjoy the summer season.
Although these drugs are very effective, they sometimes cause significant drowsiness, making them a less attractive solution for some.
4. Wash your hands and clothes frequently
When pollen ends up on your hands or clothes, it stays there for several hours, which means that it can then come into contact with your eyes or respiratory system when you move.
Wash your hands and avoid wearing the same clothes after they’ve been exposed to pollen outdoors.
5. Keep your windows closed during high pollen days
Everyone likes to enjoy the fresh air during the summer season, but an open window can also let pollen into your home, which can cause persistent allergic symptoms.
If the indoor temperature is reasonable or you have access to air conditioning, it’s best to close the windows, especially when the weather forecast indicates a high concentration of pollen. It’s a great solution to seasonal allergies.
It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom window closed to limit sleep loss caused by allergy symptoms.
When to Consult for Seasonal Allergies?
In most cases, it’s not worth consulting a doctor or an ENT specialist to find solutions to seasonal allergies.
However, you should consult a doctor if your allergies cause symptoms that affect your quality of life or persist despite taking over-the-counter medications. You should also consult if the over-the-counter medications you’re taking are causing significant side effects.
A doctor will be able to prescribe alternative medications, which might be more suitable for your health.
ENT health is our specialty! If you have any questions about your allergies that are affecting your health and well-being, or any other problem related to your ears, nose, or throat, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Clinique ORL 1851, in Montreal.
