Spring allergies on the attack
Prepare for the horror
by Joy Ugi
Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Connections
Flowers are blooming, trees are budding, the weather is getting warmer and the days are lasting just a little bit longer. Spring is here to stay.
Along with the welcome signs of the season come the unwelcome symptoms of runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin and congested sinuses. Seasonal allergies are also here to stay.
Your body develops allergies when unfamiliar substances enter it. Assuming these substances are harmful, your body immediately and fervently tries to get rid of them. The specific allergens that are generated with the coming of spring are dubbed seasonal allergies.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, AAAAI, the most common seasonal allergens are tree, grass and weed pollens as vegetation begins to erupt. Rainy weather also provokes the growth of the allergen mold both inside and outside; no matter where you go, you can't escape the miserable irritants of the season.
It is common for people to take over-the-counter medicines to combat seasonal allergy symptoms including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops. However, instead of running to the pharmacy, taking a few proactive measures may be all you need.
The best way to get rid of pollen, according to AAAAI, is by washing it off in the shower before you go to sleep at night. Also, keeping your windows and doors shut will block pollen's pathways.
Ever guess how spring cleaning became a tradition? It's due to the fact that the best way to get rid of mold is by thoroughly cleaning everything. Since mold grows in wet areas, it is imperative you keep everything as dry as possible, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
Thanks to your body's zealous destruction of anything foreign, seasonal allergies have the potential to ruin your spring. By taking preventative measures, though, these irritants can fade as quickly as the season's flora appears.
Along with the welcome signs of the season come the unwelcome symptoms of runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin and congested sinuses. Seasonal allergies are also here to stay.
Your body develops allergies when unfamiliar substances enter it. Assuming these substances are harmful, your body immediately and fervently tries to get rid of them. The specific allergens that are generated with the coming of spring are dubbed seasonal allergies.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, AAAAI, the most common seasonal allergens are tree, grass and weed pollens as vegetation begins to erupt. Rainy weather also provokes the growth of the allergen mold both inside and outside; no matter where you go, you can't escape the miserable irritants of the season.
It is common for people to take over-the-counter medicines to combat seasonal allergy symptoms including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops. However, instead of running to the pharmacy, taking a few proactive measures may be all you need.
The best way to get rid of pollen, according to AAAAI, is by washing it off in the shower before you go to sleep at night. Also, keeping your windows and doors shut will block pollen's pathways.
Ever guess how spring cleaning became a tradition? It's due to the fact that the best way to get rid of mold is by thoroughly cleaning everything. Since mold grows in wet areas, it is imperative you keep everything as dry as possible, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
Thanks to your body's zealous destruction of anything foreign, seasonal allergies have the potential to ruin your spring. By taking preventative measures, though, these irritants can fade as quickly as the season's flora appears.
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