Relieve Seasonal Allergies With These Easy Tips

Written By: Karla Tafra

Many people struggle with seasonal allergies these days, and with spring fully underway, there are plenty of allergens in the air. From pollen and a multitude of freshly bloomed flowers to mowed grass and even insects, there are a bunch of triggers that can cause respiratory, skin, digestive, and even sleep issues. Here are some of the best tips on how to relieve seasonal allergies.

Spring can be a really tough season for certain people, as many plants tend to pollinate during this time of the year. However, in many areas of the United States, spring allergies can even begin in February and last all the way until the early summer.

It all starts with tree pollination, followed by grass pollination in the spring and summer, and then ragweed in the late summer and fall. Climate change has had a drastic impact on allergy season as carbon pollution, uncommon temperatures, and rainy weather conditions can cause plants to pollinate early. Some of the most common seasonal allergens include:

• Pollen: Trees, grasses, and flowers release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants, which can trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to it.
• Mold: A rainy spring can create damp conditions that encourage mold growth, which can cause allergies in some people. This is usually known as rhinitis, or hay fever, and it can be one of the main triggers for asthma.
• Dust mites: These tiny creatures can be found in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, and can cause allergies in some people.
• Pet dander: Pets shed their hair and skin cells, which can trigger allergies in some people (which is why people often think they’re allergic to cats or dogs when they’re actually allergic to their dander).
• Insect bites and stings: As the weather warms up, insects such as bees, wasps, and mosquitoes become more active, and their bites or stings can cause allergic reactions in some people.

The most common symptom of seasonal allergies is sneezing, but there are so many other respiratory and skin conditions people can suffer from, and they can range from mild to severe. The most severe allergy symptoms can be extremely dangerous and lead to anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis, but they're mostly experienced with food allergies (such as peanuts) or insect bites.

The usual symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Itchy and runny nose (hay fever)
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Itchy and red skin
• Scratchy throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Itchy ears and ear congestion

All of these symptoms differ from person to person, day to day, and even year to year. Sometimes your symptoms might be milder than other days, and it can depend on a variety of factors, from the weather conditions, exposure to airborne allergens, and even your overall inflammation in the body.

It's also important to note that some of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as a cold or flu. That’s why many people who have never experienced allergies don’t know the difference, and only find the right therapy for their issues once they realize the long-lasting symptoms aren’t due to a virus.

Seasonal allergies come and go, and their symptoms may vary dramatically. Still, there are several factors that can worsen seasonal allergies, making symptoms more severe and persistent.

Probably the most common factor revolves around pollen. When the pollen count is high, it can make seasonal allergy symptoms worse. With more pollen in the air, there is a higher chance of exposure and a stronger allergic reaction. That’s why, on particularly warm (and often windy) days, you can experience worse symptoms.

On that note, windy days are known to stir up pollen in combination with other allergens, making them more likely to be inhaled and trigger an allergic reaction. And additionally, warm and dry weather can increase the concentration of allergens in the air, making them more potent and increasing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Additionally, there are other factors that can worsen your allergies, such as:

• Exposure to other allergens: If you’re already experiencing pollen allergies, being exposed to dust mites or pet dander can worsen your seasonal allergy symptoms.
• Stress: Stress can seriously weaken the immune system and increase the overall inflammation in your body, making seasonal allergy symptoms more severe.
• Smoking: Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can worsen seasonal allergies by irritating your respiratory system and making it harder to breathe.
• Certain foods: Some foods, such as certain fruits and vegetables, can worsen seasonal allergy symptoms in people with oral allergy syndrome.

Whatever the case may be, if your symptoms are getting worse and harder to manage, it's important to identify what triggers or worsens your allergies. Only then will you be able to take the necessary steps to avoid or minimize exposure to them to help reduce your symptoms.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to visit your doctor and have him prescribe the right therapy for you and your condition.

In addition to over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications as well as other existing antihistaminic therapies, there are plenty of things you can do in the comfort of your own home in order to minimize your symptoms and avoid overexposure to allergens.

Some of the best at-home remedies to relieve your seasonal allergies include:

• Using Air Filters and Purifiers - Air filters can help clean the air and reduce the amount of allergen particles, so you’re less exposed to irritants.
• Boosting your immune system with nutrients - there are plenty of immune-boosting foods, such as citrus and berries, with high amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C, helping you fight inflammation.
• Staying hydrated - proper hydration is crucial to keep everything running optimally, from your immune system to skin health and flushing out toxins.
• Taking Herbal supplements - certain herbal supplements like bromelain, stinging nettle, and spirulina can help reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and even reduce the amount of histamine in your body, reducing allergy symptoms.
• Taking Vitamins, Minerals, and Probiotics - just like there are immune-boosting foods, sometimes you might need a bit of extra push through smart, immune-boosting supplementation with micronutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and microbiome-boosting probiotics.
• Nasal Irrigation - cleaning out your nasal passages can help reduce the amount of irritants causing more nasal congestion.
• Showering before bed to clean allergens and pollutants - frequent showering can help reduce the amount of allergens that can easily get on your skin and hair during the day.
• Often changing sheets and linen - allergens can easily get on your bed, and by sleeping in it every night, you’re constantly exposed to more and more irritants. Change your sheets every few days if possible.

Seasonal allergies can be a real drag for many people. Even though there isn't a way to get rid of them completely, there are plenty of options to help you find relief. From over-the-counter medications and herbal support to efficient at-home remedies, you’re bound to feel better in no time.