Pollen allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a norm and a state that affects a lot of people across the globe. They appear when your immune system reacts too strongly to the pollen, a small powder that is left when trees, grasses, and weeds release during some times of the year. Even though pollen is a natural part of the environment, for people who suffer from allergies, it can be the cause of a range of considerably annoying side effects including sneezing, running nose, itchy eyes, and feelings of nasal congestion. The symptoms of pollen allergies that people often suffer could be slightly or very strong to the point of being a cause of troublesome daily life, particularly in the allergy period.
What Causes Pollen Allergies?
Usually, the body’s immune system is the one that protects against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Nevertheless, in the case of pollen allergies where the immune system is involved, it is naturally the case that the immune system, much wiser than we are, identifies the pollen as something harmful. Therefore the body releases antibodies to the pollen and together with that the histamine, which is responsible for different allergy symptoms, is secreted.
The pollen is the three types of pollen that spring, then it is the grass pollen that is present in the middle of spring and the fall of herb pollen in late summer and fall. Due to the need of the pollen seeds to reproduce, specific types of trees release pollen at a certain time of the year. Moreover, pollen seasons remain less predictable due to the adverse effects on the environment that are created by climate change. This results in a very long and at the same time, an unexpected season of pollen, which is why it is even more important to monitor pollen levels regularly.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
By means of both knowing what the pollen levels are and taking preventive measures to avoid their exposure you will manage your pollen allergies. Some of the strategies to protect yourself are given below:
Check the Pollen Count Today: One of the simplest ways to manage your pollen allergies is to monitor the pollen count today. You can find the pollen counts on apps such as the Pollen Count App that offer daily allergies forecasts to help you plan the day. If you are very sensitive to the pollen then, you have to stay indoors on the days when the pollen count is particularly high.
Stay Indoors During Peak Pollen Hours: This is possible because pollen counts are usually higher at a specified period of time in the early morning and late afternoon. Therefore it would make sense if you try to have less outdoor activities at these times. If you must go outside, you should take preventive measures like wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a mask to inhale less pollen.
Use Air Purifiers: One of the steps to minimize indoor exposure to pollen consists of placing an air purifier device with a HEPA filter in your house. This device will help us out, as well as any of the upstairs home air purification products, by taking out the airborne pollen particles to a certain extent.
Keep Windows Closed: Instead of seeking for fresh air, it is best to keep the house windows closed at the height of the pollen season when you may feel the temptation to open them. This should get rid of most of the pollen particles that would have come inside your home.
Take Allergy Medication: Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants are drugs that are used in the treatment of allergy symptoms. Get the right medications by discussing your condition with the doctor, and use the most appropriate treatments for the full-time effect, preferably before pollen season commences.
Take a Shower and Change Clothes: After being outdoors, wash your hands, face, and hair to remove pollen particles. Also, changing clothes will prevent the pollen from carrying to other places out of your house.
Looking to See the Pollen Count Today?
One of the best ways to keep up with the pollen count is to use a pollen count app. These apps have real-time data on the levels of pollen in your area and they can alert you when counts are high so that you can plan your day better. With the use of these, you can be proactive about your condition and stop the organic exposure to allergens.
Final Thoughts
With pollen allergies being a problem, it is possible to diminish their effect on your life through full-fledged knowing and essential preventive measures. The best way to protect yourself from the problematic pollen allergies is to get informed about what makes them and be aware of the pollen count today. You can do it by applying such methods as the Pollen Count App and by simply working to lessen exposure so that you will breathe easier and have fewer allergies. This way you can have a more enjoyable allergy season and lessen the effects of your symptoms.
Keep ahead of the pollen curve, and live with fewer allergy symptoms this time!
