How long do allergies last in spring. Spring Allergy Duration and Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide
How long do spring allergies typically last. What are the main causes of spring allergies. How can you effectively prepare for the spring allergy season. What are the most common symptoms of spring allergies. When should you start treating spring allergies. How can you reduce exposure to spring allergens at home. What role does pollen tracking play in managing spring allergies.
Understanding the Timeline of Spring Allergies
Spring allergies, a common affliction for many, typically emerge as temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions like Kentucky and Indiana, these symptoms often begin in early March and persist through May. This seasonal phenomenon is closely tied to the blooming of plants and the subsequent release of pollen into the air.
The duration of spring allergies can vary depending on several factors:
- Geographic location
- Local plant species
- Weather conditions
- Individual sensitivity
While the exact span differs for each person, most individuals experience spring allergy symptoms for about two to three months. However, with proper preparation and management, the impact of these allergies can be significantly reduced.
The Root Causes of Spring Allergies
Spring allergies are primarily triggered by pollen from various sources. The main culprits include:
- Tree pollen (early spring)
- Grass pollen (late spring to early summer)
- Some weed pollens
When an individual with allergies encounters these pollens, their immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful substances. This triggers the production of antibodies, specifically Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies then prompt the release of histamines, causing the typical allergy symptoms.
Why does the immune system react this way?
The exact reason why some people’s immune systems overreact to harmless substances like pollen is not fully understood. Factors such as genetics, environmental exposure, and overall health may play a role in the development of allergies.
Recognizing Spring Allergy Symptoms
Identifying the symptoms of spring allergies is crucial for proper management. Common signs include:
- Sinus congestion
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy or watery eyes
These symptoms are typical of respiratory allergies and can significantly impact daily life if left untreated. It’s important to note that these symptoms can sometimes be confused with those of the common cold or other respiratory infections.
How can you distinguish between allergies and a cold?
While allergies and colds share some symptoms, there are key differences:
- Allergies typically don’t cause fever
- Allergy symptoms tend to last longer than cold symptoms
- Allergies often cause itchy eyes and throat, which is less common in colds
- The mucus from allergies is usually clear, while cold mucus is often yellowish or greenish
The Importance of Early Preparation for Spring Allergies
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the impact of spring allergies. Starting preparations before the peak pollen season offers several benefits:
- Reduced severity of symptoms
- Better control over allergic reactions
- Improved quality of life during allergy season
- Potential prevention of complications like sinusitis
Early preparation allows individuals to build up defenses against allergens before exposure reaches its highest levels. This preemptive approach can make a substantial difference in how one experiences the spring allergy season.
When is the ideal time to start preparing for spring allergies?
The optimal time to begin preparations is typically about two weeks before you usually start experiencing symptoms. For many people, this means starting in late February or early March. However, if you’re unsure about your specific allergy timeline, consulting with an allergist can provide personalized guidance.
Effective Strategies for Spring Allergy Preparation
Preparing for spring allergies involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some key strategies to consider:
1. Early Treatment Initiation
Begin taking allergy medications before symptoms appear. This may include:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines
- Nasal steroid sprays
- Prescription medications (if recommended by a doctor)
Starting treatment early helps prevent the inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms. It’s easier to maintain control than to regain it once symptoms have flared up.
2. Consider Immunotherapy
For long-term relief, immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be an effective option. This treatment works by gradually desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens. While traditional immunotherapy takes several months to show results, newer methods like Rush or Cluster immunotherapy can provide relief in weeks or even days.
3. Early Spring Cleaning
A thorough cleaning of your living space can significantly reduce allergen exposure. This should include:
- Dusting all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas
- Washing curtains and bedding
- Vacuuming floors, rugs, and furniture
- Cleaning or replacing air filters
When cleaning outdoors, wear a NIOSH 95 mask to minimize pollen inhalation. After outdoor activities, change clothes and shower to avoid bringing pollen indoors.
4. Monitor Pollen Levels
Stay informed about local pollen counts through reliable sources or apps. This information can help you plan outdoor activities and take extra precautions on high-pollen days.
5. Keep Windows Closed
Despite the temptation to enjoy fresh spring air, keeping windows closed during peak pollen times can significantly reduce indoor allergen levels. Use air conditioning instead to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
6. Maintain Clean Indoor Air
Regularly change air filters in your home and car. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove airborne allergens. For added protection, use allergen-proof bedding covers to reduce exposure to dust mites.
The Role of Professional Allergy Testing
If you’ve never been tested for allergies, spring is an excellent time to do so. Allergy testing can provide valuable insights into your specific triggers and sensitivities. This information allows for more targeted and effective treatment strategies.
What does allergy testing involve?
Allergy testing typically includes:
- Skin prick tests
- Blood tests for specific antibodies
- Sometimes, oral food challenges or patch tests
Based on the results, an allergist can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, lifestyle changes, or immunotherapy.
Managing Spring Allergies in Daily Life
Beyond preparation, daily management of spring allergies is crucial for maintaining quality of life. Here are some practical tips:
- Check pollen forecasts daily and plan activities accordingly
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect eyes from pollen
- Use a saline nasal rinse to clear allergens from nasal passages
- Keep pets clean, as they can bring pollen indoors
- Avoid hanging laundry outside during high pollen days
- Consider wearing a mask for outdoor chores like gardening
Remember that consistency in following your allergy management plan is key to reducing symptoms and enjoying the spring season.
How can you balance outdoor activities with allergy management?
While it’s important to manage allergies, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid the outdoors entirely. Consider these strategies:
- Plan outdoor activities for times when pollen counts are lower (often in the late afternoon or after rain)
- Take your allergy medication before going outside
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
- Use air purifiers or fans to create a “clean air zone” in your home
The Impact of Climate Change on Spring Allergies
Climate change is having a noticeable effect on spring allergies. As global temperatures rise, we’re seeing changes in pollen production and distribution:
- Earlier start to the pollen season
- Longer duration of the allergy season
- Increased pollen production by some plants
- Changes in the geographic distribution of allergenic plants
These factors may lead to more severe and prolonged allergy seasons in the future, making preparation and management even more crucial.
How can individuals adapt to changing allergy patterns?
Adapting to evolving allergy seasons may involve:
- Starting allergy preparations earlier in the year
- Being flexible with treatment plans and adjusting as needed
- Staying informed about local plant and pollen trends
- Considering long-term treatments like immunotherapy
- Working closely with healthcare providers to monitor and manage symptoms
Innovative Approaches to Spring Allergy Management
As our understanding of allergies grows, new approaches to management are emerging. Some innovative strategies include:
- Personalized medicine based on genetic profiles
- Advanced air filtration systems for homes and vehicles
- Wearable devices that monitor air quality and pollen levels
- Smartphone apps that provide real-time allergy forecasts and personalized recommendations
- Novel immunotherapy delivery methods, such as sublingual tablets
While these approaches are promising, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new allergy management technique.
What role does technology play in modern allergy management?
Technology is increasingly vital in allergy care:
- AI-powered pollen forecasting for more accurate predictions
- Telemedicine platforms for remote allergy consultations
- Smart home systems that automatically adjust air filtration based on outdoor allergen levels
- Digital symptom tracking tools for better communication with healthcare providers
These technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to take a proactive approach to managing their spring allergies.
The Psychological Impact of Spring Allergies
While the physical symptoms of spring allergies are well-known, the psychological impact is often overlooked. Chronic allergy symptoms can lead to:
- Decreased quality of life
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced productivity at work or school
- Social isolation during peak allergy seasons
Recognizing and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive allergy management.
How can individuals cope with the emotional toll of spring allergies?
Coping strategies may include:
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
- Joining support groups for allergy sufferers
- Engaging in indoor hobbies during high pollen days
- Seeking professional mental health support if allergies significantly impact quality of life
- Focusing on aspects of spring that can be enjoyed despite allergies
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of spring allergies, individuals can work towards a more balanced and enjoyable seasonal experience.
How to Prepare for Spring Allergies Now
During the late winter, weather throughout Kentucky and Indiana change daily. Giving a signal that the seasonal allergy season is upon us. As temperatures reach above 50 degrees, plants begin to bloom and release pollen into the air. Those with seasonal spring allergies will usually start to see symptoms in early March and last through May. It’s important to start preparing for allergies now before pollen reaches peak spring allergy levels.
What are Spring Allergies?
Those with allergies in the spring are typically allergic to pollen that begins to appear in the air. We started seeing tree pollen, one of spring’s main offenders, back in the early weeks of February. In the latter part of the season, we will begin to see grass pollen, and the combination can make the spring a miserable time for allergy sufferers.
While the exact cause of allergies is not known, an allergy occurs when your immune system produces antibodies when exposed to harmless foreign matter. Your immune system is mistaking allergens like pollen and dander for dangerous substances and fighting off them off with the “immunoglobulin E” or IgE antibodies. These produce histamine that can cause the allergic reaction and the telltale symptoms of allergies.
Symptoms of Spring Allergies:
Spring allergy symptoms are typical of respiratory allergies, these include:
- Sinus Congestion
- Runny Nose
- Post-Nasal Drip
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy or Watery Eyes
Determining what is causing your symptoms is the first step towards relief, in the case of spring allergies there are several things you can do to help ease your symptoms. The seasonal allergy season can be difficult to navigate.
Why Should You Start Preparing Now?
You don’t have to wait until you are suffering to do something about your allergies. Whether you make an appointment with an allergist or start taking medication, it’s important to get ahead of the pollen. Preparing now can help ease your symptoms throughout the season. If you’ve never been allergy tested now is a great time to do it. Learn what you are allergic to and how to treat it before your symptoms get worse.
6 Ways You Can Prepare for Spring Allergies:
1. Start Treatment
Start taking medication around two weeks before you typically start to feel your allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can help manage your symptoms by reducing your allergic reaction after it starts but also before. Antihistamines reduce or block histamines that cause your allergy symptoms. Pretreating with allergy medication before symptoms begin can help prevent inflammation and help ease your stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes and other allergy symptoms.
If you are looking to treat more than your symptoms, immunotherapy (allergy shots) can desensitize you to the allergens that are bothersome to you. A traditional allergy shot program typically takes a few months before patients experience symptom relief, however; Rush or Cluster immunotherapy can reduce relief time to weeks or even days.
2. Get Your Spring Cleaning Started Early
Sweep out the winter cobwebs and get ahead on your spring cleaning. A deep spring clean includes dusting everything from the light fixtures to the bookcases, washing curtains, sweeping floors and rugs, even vacuuming furniture. This will remove any dust and pollen that has already made its way inside.
If you are out sprucing up the yard, wear a NIOSH 95 mask to reduce the inhalation of allergens. When you are done for the day, be sure to change your clothes and shower. Pollen can stick to your clothes and hair, making it easy to track pollen spores throughout your home.
3. Begin Tracking the Pollen Levels
Tree and grass pollen are the main allergy culprits in the spring. Visit our pollen count webpage to find local pollen counts. Tracking the days when your allergies are worse can help you plan accordingly. Stay inside during the midmorning and early evening to avoid peak pollen hours on days in which the pollen count is high.
4. It’s Tempting… But Keep Your Windows Closed
When the weather is finally warm outside, it is tempting to turn off the heat, open windows, and let the fresh air in. This fresh breeze might feel nice, but it will also bring the pollen inside your home. Keeping your windows and doors closed will create a safe retreat during the peak pollen season.
Another place to control pollen is in your car. Keep your car windows closed and the AC on re-circulation to help keep pollen out of the car.
5. Don’t Forget to Change Your Air Filter
As we often suggest, it is best to change your air filter seasonally, or every 3 months, this helps keep the air inside your home clean. Consider other environmental control products as well, both zippered pillowcases and mattress encasements can help reduce dust mites and even have shown to help with pet allergies.
6. Mold in the Spring
Tree and grass pollen are not the only spring allergens; mold can often occur in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Any area that might not dry properly can grow mold, check under the sink and even the doormat for mold spores. Clean or remove anything with mold you find in your home and monitor humidity levels to ensure the humidity is below 50%; otherwise, mold could return.
Keep your allergies under control by preparing now while pollen counts are low. If over-the-counter medications are not helping you, talk to your primary care physician or schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists to find relief.
Seasonal Allergies: A Month-by-Month Guide
ENT & Allergy Specialists of Northwest Ohio
Seasonal allergies often get lumped into one category. However, each season has its own unique allergens. Follow the guide below to see which months you can expect to see a flare up of which allergens.
Spring: February – May
For spring allergy sufferers, the joys of warmer weather, birds chirping and flowers blooming come at a price. Bothersome nose and eye symptoms, breathing difficulties and skin allergies can set in as trees begin to pollinate. Tree pollen season occurs between February and May in Ohio. Season length and timing varies each year depending on weather. In 2019 for example, due to a long, harsh winter, trees did not begin pollinating until March. Because pollen is microscopic, we cannot see it in the air and often do not know when the season has started until symptoms begin.
A common myth regarding spring allergies is that because symptoms often start in correlation with blooming flowers, the flower pollens contribute to the problem. Our allergies are due to plants that spread pollen by wind (anemophilous plants), which is how the pollen enters our eyes, noses, mouths or skin. These plants are not showy or eye-catching because they do not need to be. The plants we typically notice are usually flowering plants that are pretty for the purpose of catching the attention of pollinators like bees and other insects. These plant pollens are spread from plant to plant by the insects that visit them (entomophilous plants). For this reason, most of our pollen exposure is due to pollen in the air outdoors, and thus our allergies are to wind-pollinated plants.
Many trees are primarily pollinated by wind, and tree pollens are the main springtime allergen. Mold spores also contribute to spring allergies but are most bothersome in the fall. Common trees in the northwest Ohio region that contribute to allergy symptoms include oak, cottonwood, birch, maple, sycamore, ash, elm, hickory, walnut, beech and mulberry. There is limited cross-reactivity between tree pollens. This means that while some trees are related and pollens are somewhat similar, many tree pollens have unique features that prevent the ability to create a single treatment for tree pollen allergy. Allergists are specially trained physicians who can test patients to multiple different tree pollens and treat each patient uniquely for their specific tree pollen allergies.
Summer: May – June
Late spring and early summer allergies mainly involve grass pollen. In the allergy world, we often think of Memorial Day as a reminder of peak grass pollen season. Northern pasture grasses like June/Kentucky Blue, Timothy, Orchard and Rye are commonly grown in the Midwest. They begin pollinating in May, peak toward the end of the month and carry through the first few weeks of June.
July Hiatus
Even allergies take a vacation. Hot, dry July weather tends to give a short reprieve for pan-pollen allergic patients (those allergic to tree, grass and weed pollens). Trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. Without rain, mold spore counts are often low and fall plants have not yet begun the pollination process.
Fall: August – November
Back-to-school time often marks the onset of weed pollination and resurgence of allergy symptoms. The term “hay fever” is often used to describe these symptoms and is derived from the “illness” that farmers used to obtain when harvesting hay in the fall. With the discovery of pollen allergies, it was recognized that fall symptoms were due to ragweed pollen rather than due to hay exposure. August 15 is endearingly referred to amongst allergists as the start of ragweed season. Other common weed plants that produce pollen allergens include English plantain, lamb’s quarter, pigweed, Russian thistle, yellow dock, sorrel, firebush, cocklebur and marsh elder.
Mold spore counts tend to rise dramatically in the fall with falling leaves and dying plants. Molds thrive in the decomposing plant matter and their spores float into the air. Gardening in mulch or dirt, farming or hiking in the woods can also increase exposures to mold spores this time of year.
Winter: December – January
While this article primarily focuses on pollen season, the only “seasonal” allergen we encounter during winter in the Midwest is mold. Mold grows best above freezing temperatures and when it is damp, such as after rainfall. During warm periods of winter, mold spore counts can temporarily spike, which can be confusing for mold allergic patients that may not be expecting an allergy flare during winter months.
For seasonal allergy sufferers, it is important to meet with a board-certified allergist to identify which allergens are most bothersome and to allow for more focused attention on avoidance measures and treatment options.
How to alleviate allergies in spring – Healthcare Institution of Higher Education “Vologda City Polyclinic No. 1”
For many people, sunny spring days are marred by sneezing, coughing, redness of the eyes and runny nose. 40% of the adult population suffers from seasonal allergies, and the peak of exacerbations occurs precisely in the spring. A surge in incidence is observed in late April and early May, it is at this time that trees and shrubs begin to bloom.
Spring allergy can be triggered not only by plant pollen, but also by malnutrition, weakened immunity, low stress resistance of the body.
How to recognize seasonal allergies
Allergies
is the body’s response to stimuli. On hit
allergens in the body, the main task of the immune system is to destroy
antigens, and she begins to fight them intensely, as a result
the protein histamine is produced, which is the culprit of all
unpleasant allergy symptoms.
The main allergens are chemicals, drugs, herbs, foods, dust, lint, mold and pollen. Depending on the type of antigen, different symptoms appear and individual treatment is selected.
Symptoms of spring allergy (hay fever) appear suddenly and persist for a long time until the flowering of plants ends. Often the signs of pollinosis are confused with the manifestations of the common cold and the wrong treatment is started, which exacerbates the problem.
The characteristic symptoms of seasonal allergies are conjunctivitis, tearing, nasal congestion and swelling, and sore throat. In some cases, the skin becomes dry and flaky, skin rashes may occur, accompanied by itching and redness.
Sometimes
there are symptoms of general intoxication of the body – weakness,
dizziness, fatigue, nausea, sweating. The appearance of dry
coughing may be accompanied by attacks of bronchial asthma.
In order not to confuse allergies with colds, remember that allergic reactions are not accompanied by fever. Respiratory diseases disappear after 7-10 days, and with pollinosis, the symptoms persist for a month. In any case, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin competent treatment.
How to relieve spring allergies
Any therapy begins with an accurate diagnosis. To do this, the patient needs to donate blood for a laboratory test, which will confirm the presence of antibodies in the blood. Skin tests are considered the most effective diagnostic method, which help to quickly identify the allergen and choose the optimal treatment.
Avoid exposure to allergens
The most effective way to manage allergies is to avoid exposure to allergens. This method helps a lot in cases of allergies to household chemicals, animal hair, sometimes you just need to exclude some product from the diet. But in the case of an allergy to flowering, it will not be possible to completely avoid contact with the allergen.
Medical treatment
Reception
antihistamine drugs are the most common way
combat seasonal allergies. These drugs really help
symptoms, but it is important to understand that they do not cure allergies, but only temporarily
improve well-being. In addition, all drugs have their own
contraindications and side effects, so take them without prescription
doctor is unsafe for health.
In most cases, a person starts taking antihistamines when they begin to be very bothered by unpleasant symptoms. But doctors recommend starting treatment 2-3 weeks before the start of violent flowering of plants. In addition, the body of an allergic person very quickly gets used to a particular drug, so the medications used must be changed periodically.
Compliance with a hypoallergenic diet
During an exacerbation of the disease, the diet should be light food with a predominance of hypoallergenic vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to give up honey, nuts, citrus fruits, chocolate, sweet carbonated drinks from red and orange vegetables and fruits. Also, do not get carried away with exotic products. Add grains and dairy products to your diet. Proper balanced nutrition will help in the fight against hay fever and strengthen the immune system.
How to alleviate allergy symptoms yourself
During an exacerbation of the disease, follow simple rules:
- Try to go outside as little as possible during the dusting of plants, walk in calm weather, preferably late in the evening.
- When walking, it is advisable to cover the skin and hair as much as possible. Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sleeved clothing.
- Do not open windows during the flowering period, and do not dry clothes in the open air – pollen can easily get on them.
- After returning from the street, you should immediately wash your face. Try to wash your hands as often as possible and take a shower (preferably a contrast one).
- During exacerbations of the disease, it is not recommended to use any cosmetics and perfumes. Give up alcohol and do not use decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs.
- Pets are carriers of allergens. Therefore, during the flowering period of plants, they need to be bathed and combed more often.
- Wet clean every day and install humidifiers in your home.
It is worth remembering that an allergic predisposition persists throughout a person’s life. Therefore, allergy sufferers need to take care of their health in advance.
Spring and summer allergies
As soon as the sun begins to warm up and the snow melts, the soil, last year’s foliage and withered grass are exposed. This is a very good breeding ground for various fungi – mold, yeast, aspergillus. The spring wind carries microscopic fungal spores that can cause allergy symptoms. The time of occurrence of this type of allergy – fungal – is from the beginning of snow melting (usually March in our lane) until the end of May – June.
Another allergen associated with snow melting, evaporation of moisture from roads and sidewalks is anti-icing agents. The reaction to chemicals can continue throughout the snowmelt period.
However, the most famous and, according to statistics, the most common type of spring-summer allergy is pollinosis (hay fever) – a reaction to the pollen of flowering trees and grasses. From about mid-March to the end of April, there is dusting of early-flowering trees – alder, hazel, hornbeam, maple, ash, willow, willow. From mid-April to the end of May – dusting of late-flowering trees – birch, oak, elm, pine, spruce, poplar. From mid-May to the end of June, some herbs bloom, the pollen of which also causes allergy symptoms – coltsfoot, dandelion.
In the summer, the most common cause of allergies is the pollen of cereals and weeds. In June-July, there is a reaction to the flowering of cereals – timothy, rye, corn, wheat, couch grass, foxtail, fescue, hedgehog, bluegrass. From July to autumn, weeds bloom – wormwood, quinoa, nettle, plantain.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
All the types of allergens listed above belong to the group of aeroallergens and cause a reaction in the respiratory tract. The most common symptoms of rhinitis are: itchy nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose. Often associated with redness of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia. If you do not take any medications for allergies, the symptoms may become more severe: sore throat, cough, hoarseness, manifestations of bronchial obstruction (asthma).
Less commonly, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, or Quincke’s edema is observed upon contact with aeroallergens.
Cross allergy – what is it?
There are foods whose allergens are similar in origin and composition to tree, grass, and fungal allergens. When using these products, a reaction similar to an allergy to plant pollen is often observed – conjunctivitis, sore throat and cough, sneezing, nasal congestion. Allergies can be observed both during the flowering season and all year round. It happens that the reaction to cross products is even stronger than to the causative plant. Therefore, during flowering, it is recommended to follow a diet with the exclusion of cross-products so as not to aggravate pollen allergy. However, some people need such a diet outside of the flowering season.
If you are allergic to birch and related plants (aspen, alder, oak, beech, hornbeam, maple, ash, hazel), apples, pears, nuts, kiwi, carrots, celery, parsley, honey and stone fruits and vegetables (cherry, plum, prunes, peach, apricot, cherry, avocado, etc.).
Allergy sufferers who react to cereal pollen should exclude bakery products and all flour products, kvass, beer, soy products, meat products with fillers.
If you are allergic to weed plants, seeds, halva, sunflower and corn oils, melon, watermelon, celery, herbal preparations are excluded from the diet.
With a fungal allergy, sour-milk products, moldy cheeses, kvass, sourdough are excluded.
How to diagnose allergies?
If you suspect an allergy, you should definitely visit an allergist. He will conduct a conversation, ask the necessary questions to understand which group of allergens causes a reaction. Then the doctor conducts an allergy diagnosis. It is a skin test with microdoses of allergens. In this case, the result is visible immediately after the examination. An allergist may also prescribe a blood test for allergens. Sometimes allergy diagnostics includes both methods.
What to do with the development of spring-summer allergies?
The best way to treat allergies is to avoid contact with the allergen. Therefore, one of the options for dealing with a spring illness is to leave for another lane, somewhere there are no such plants, or the causative plant has already faded.
However, often there is simply no way to leave. What to do then? Firstly, a visit to an allergist is necessary to conduct an allergic diagnosis and establish the causative allergen. In addition, the allergist will prescribe the necessary treatment to relieve symptoms, as well as give recommendations on diet, hygiene and walking during the flowering period.
To reduce contact with allergens, it is recommended to use barrier products: masks, nasal filters, barrier sprays. Windows and vents in the house should be closed to avoid allergens. Active walks are best done in calm weather after rain. When you come home from the street, you must definitely take off your outer clothing, wash your hands and face, rinse your mouth, rinse your nose with boiled water.
The most effective method of dealing with pollen allergy is Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT). The method is the introduction of low doses of a causative allergen into the body of an allergic person. The immune system “gets used” to it and the reaction to the flowering plant decreases or disappears altogether. The allergen can be injected into the body subcutaneously or sublingually (under the tongue). Such treatment begins 3-4 months before the start of dusting of the causative plant. ASIT is carried out for children from the age of 5. Before prescribing such treatment, an allergist must conduct an allergodiagnosis to identify the leading allergen.
Self-diagnosis and self-treatment of allergic manifestations are in no case unacceptable.