There’s a line in a song saying” it’s the most wonderful time of the year…” especially the much awaited Yuletide is coming soon. Majority of countries located in the western hemisphere have changing seasons that ushers a different ambience, weather and mood as well as seasonal allergies too.
Seasonal allergies happen simply because a change in season brings a certain allergic reaction. When seasons change, the wind coming from far places usually carries with it pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. Trees that commonly cause seasonal allergies are oak, olive, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut. Normally, plants are pollinated by bees like flowers but other plants like grasses and weeds pollinate courtesy of the wind. These long-travelling pollens happens as wind scatters them across the air during spring or fall. As the pollens are spread by the wind, people begin sneezing, coughing, have itchy red watery eyes and start other related disorders such as hay fever, eye allergies and even allergic asthma. Normally, pollen allergies are abundant in the morning when wind is much stronger. This frequently happens during springtime.
Seasonal allergies are also experienced during summertime. The main factor that causes such allergy are grasses. During summer, homeowners normally cut grass or mow the lawn then the wind spreads the grass pollen easily. In fact, a lot of people feel itchy as soon as their skin comes in contact with grass causing hives which is known as urticaria. Pollen is the main reason behind seasonal allergies whether it came from grass, trees or weeds.
How can we prevent exposure to pollen?
Since pollen triggers seasonal allergies, it is smart to avoid exposure to pollen by doing the following:
1. Don’t leave your windows open.
2. Reduce outdoor activities especially between 5am to 10am when pollen is abundant in the air
3. Try taking a vacation in areas where pollen is low such as the beach
4. Dry all clothes and beddings in a machine dryer instead of hanging them outside.
5. Close all windows of the car when traveling especially on highways.
6. Do not cut grass or expose yourself to newly cut grass.
Indeed, knowing the cause of seasonal allergies can enhance prevention of seasonal allergies for you and your loved ones