Many people are currently suffering from the first symptoms of a so-called spring allergy. However, some simple measures can be relatively effective in protecting against allergy symptoms.
When there is less snow and the days get longer, the trees begin to bloom. Normally from spring onwards there is increased pollination, with pollen floating in the air, which can trigger allergy symptoms in some people, reports allergist Dr. Sandra Hong from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA explains.
Particularly common, according to Dr. Hong, those affected suffer from itchy eyes, itchy nose, sneezing attacks, cough, runny nose and a stuffy nose.
Increased pollen count>/h2> Given the mild winter, however, according to the German Pollen Information Service Foundation, an increased pollen count can already be observed, which can cause problems for allergy sufferers.Effectively relieve spring allergies
To protect yourself from pollen and the associated allergy symptoms, according to Dr. First of all, it is advisable to always pay attention to closed windows. Although it is tempting to open the windows in warmer temperatures, this can allow allergy-causing pollen to enter the house.
Other important advice to keep pollen levels in the house as low as possible is to change your clothes and shower immediately when you get home, says the allergist.
Care should also be taken to ensure that pets that leave the house and spend time outdoors are not allowed to go to bed under any circumstances, as they can also carry pollen, the expert adds.
Which medications help with allergies?
“The medications that work particularly well for allergies are nasal steroids. There are also nasal antihistamines that can help if nasal steroids don’t work. And oral antihistamines can help even more against itching, sneezing and dribbling,” explains the doctor in a current press release.
If allergy problems persist or you are not sure what type of allergy you are suffering from, you should definitely see an allergist, says Dr. Hong.
More helpful tips
The doctors Dr. Frank J. Eidelman and Dr. DeVon Preston, also from the Cleveland Clinic, offers some more advice on how to better protect yourself from allergies.
According to them, for example, when driving, the air conditioning should definitely be set to recirculation mode. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that a so-called HVAC filter is installed in the air conditioning systems and is changed regularly, the experts report.
At home, the air quality can be improved by using an air purifier, which can alleviate allergic reactions in those affected. If only one air purifier is available, doctors recommend setting it up in the bedroom.
In addition, it is important to ensure that the living spaces are dust-free and clean, which particularly applies to the bed linen. Dr. Eidelman and Dr. Preston also cautions that pets should not be allowed into the bedroom as they can bring dirt, pollen and irritants into the home.
Nasal rinses can relieve allergy symptoms
A nasal rinse with saline solution can also clear the nose of allergens and provide at least temporary relief. Such a saline solution can be made from 0.9 grams of table salt and 100 milliliters of water, making sure that the water is not too cold, according to the doctors.
Alternatively, you can also buy nasal douches with appropriately pre-dosed salt packets directly from retailers, the experts add in an article from the Cleveland Clinic. (as)
