The arrival of warm weather is a blessing for most.  For others, the seasons like spring and fall mean something much worse: seasonal allergies. The sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, and runny noses can ruin a bright, sunny day, forcing sufferers inside for the season. This condition can severely interfere with a person’s daily routine or work performance.

Most cases are triggered by exposure to pollen grains, molds, mites, and other particles in the air.  This means anyone suffering from seasonal allergies, can be affected simply by walking outside.

Anyone can suffer from seasonal allergies, but people with conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis are even more at risk. Allergies arise when an irritant somehow makes its way into the nasal passage. There, it gets into contact with the mucous membranes.

In someone unaffected by allergies, the irritant would cause a mere sneezing fit, during which the particle would be expelled. If you do suffer from allergies, it’s much more likely that the membranes will begin to swell. From there, the irritant causes many adverse reactions, such as breathing difficulties, itchiness of the throat, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

In some rare case, an allergic reaction can prove to be extremely serious. These cases require the victim to be hospitalized for their treatment. More often than not, however, seasonal allergies are only moderately severe, and on the more severe end of the spectrum, sufferers may believe they are actually suffering from a bad cold.

While there isn’t a cure for seasonal allergies, there are many ways to prevent them. One way is to increase your intake of essential fatty acids. Increasing these types of food, especially those that come from fishes and flax-seed, can help preventing allergic reactions during the peak allergy seasons. If you see improvements, you may also want to eat foods rich in Vitamin C, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Doing so can actually reduce the levels of histamine in your blood.

Another way to avoid allergic reactions is to simply stay inside. While this method isn’t practical for those with careers and busy schedules, it’s the easiest way to avoid pollen and other allergens. Check the local weather alerts for their pollen levels. High levels of pollen may pursued you to stay indoors to lessen your exposure.

This time of high exposure, may the best time to plan a vacation somewhere far away during your peak allergy season at home.

If you absolutely must go outside, cover your nose and mouth with something thick to prevent yourself from inhaling any irritants. Make sure to change your clothes as soon as you get inside, since pollen can cling to the fabric and cause a reaction if you don’t change right away. Particles can cling to strands as small as your hair, even if you have been outdoors for a few minutes. A quick shower is the best way to ensure that you’ve rid yourself completely of contaminants.

Budding flowers and blooming trees don’t have to mean sneezing and congestion. Warm weather doesn’t have to equal misery. If you follow these simple steps, you can limit the negative effects of your allergies and appreciate the benefits of a change of season.

Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy Houston

832-422-7271