Health: How To Avoid Spring Allergies

Letting pollen drift in through open windows and using the wrong air filter can contribute to allergy flare-ups in spring, experts say. Over 80 million people in Europe have some form of allergic disease and their prevalence is increasing. according to the European Federation of Allergy and Airway Diseases Patients Association, they suffer from sneezing, sniffling, stuffiness and itchy eyes due to spring allergies. How can you avoid it?

In a college news release, former president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Dr. Myron Zitt said “People with spring allergies often don’t realize how many things can aggravate their allergy symptoms, so they just muddle along and hope for an early end to the season.” But there’s no reason to suffer. A few simple adjustments in habits and treatment can make springtime much more enjoyable.”

How to avoid them:

1. Allergists recommend allergy-sufferers keep their house and car windows closed so pollen can’t drift in from outdoors. They also recommend making sure to use the right air filter. Inexpensive central-furnace or air-conditioning filters and ionic electrostatic room cleaners aren’t helpful, the allergists said. Ionic electrostatic air filters release ions that can irritate allergies. And whole-house filtration systems can only be effective if the filters are changed regularly.

2. The experts also note that some people with seasonal allergies, particularly to grass or birch trees, may also suffer from allergies to closely related fruits, vegetables and nuts. About one in five people with grass allergies and as many as 70 percent of people with birch allergies have these cross-reactions, known as pollen food allergy syndrome.

3. People with allergies to birch or alder trees may experience tingling, itching and swelling around the mouth when they eat celery, cherries or apples. People with grass allergies sometimes find tomatoes, potatoes or peaches problematic.

Although often not serious, reactions to these foods can be life- threatening in a small percentage of people. A life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylactic shock, and high-risk people should carry a portable epinephrine pen.

Allergists also encourage people to take their medicine even before their symptoms flare, and to see an allergist who can suggest the best course of treatment.

Source: Blackdoctor, ACAAI, EAACI