The weather is warm and the air is filled with smells of fresh cut grass and freshly blooming flowers. A light yellow, dusty film can be found on homes and cars, signifying the pollination that comes with the warmer months. While the pollen is just trying to spread the love for baby plants and flowers, a lot of human bystanders are not feeling that love.
Sneezing, wheezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nose, ears and throat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling, redness, rash and itching – all common symptoms of allergies, according to the Cleveland County Health Department's DeShay Oliver. Oliver said allergies are caused by the body’s immune response to invading allergens, which can be environmental, food or chemical.
The time of year for “allergy season” can vary from person to person, depending on what they’re allergic to. With the abundance of pollen and other environmental allergens in the air, what some enjoy as spring and summer is simply “allergy season” to others.
“At the Cleveland County Health Department’s Employee Health and Wellness Center, we have seen a significant amount of patients presenting with allergy symptoms this year when compared to last year. This is only a comparison of county employees presenting with symptoms, and is not necessarily representative of the county as a whole. Here at the health department, we do not provide acute adult care and, therefore, do not know the amount of patients/clients that have experienced allergy symptoms,” Oliver wrote in a statement to The Star .
Oliver also shared some of CCHD's tips for lessening the effects and symptoms of allergies.
For environmental allergies such as pollen, mold and pet dander - stay inside on windy days and use air conditioning with air filters; keep pets bathed and keep pets off carpet so dander doesn’t accumulate; vacuum frequently; apply protective covering to bedding; those allergic to insect stings may need to take allergy shots and always carry an Epi-pen in case of allergic reaction; avoid damp, wet areas where mold can accumulate.
For food allergies such as nuts and shellfish - avoid those foods that cause reactions.
For chemical allergies such as latex, tape and medications, always inform medical professionals so these will be avoided.
With environmental allergens currently appearing in abundance, The Star did some research of its own on at-home prevention and remedies for allergy sufferers.
Keep it clean
If you’re an allergy sufferer, cleaning can be a dreadful task. Stirring up dust into the air in the process of getting rid of it can be frustrating, so be sure you’re equipped with the right tools. Before allergy-proofing your home, put on some old clothes you can immediately throw in the wash when you’re done, and wear gloves and a dust mask.
Use a damp rag for dusting to avoid dust blowing into the air.
Keep air vents cleaned and filters replaced regularly.
Keep your floors vacuumed and mopped regularly to lessen the dust mite population in your home. Be careful when vacuuming, however, as some vacuums blow dust back into the air. If possible, use a vacuum with a built-in filter, or attach a filter to the exhaust port.
Hot shower: A hot shower can wash the pollen out of your hair and off of your body when you come inside.
Cool water: Rinse your eyes with cool, clean water to soothe them.
Steam: Breathing steam can soothe irritated sinuses and rid nasal passages of mucus. Boil several cups of water and pour into a big bowl or a plugged sink. With a towel draped over your head, lean over the water and breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
Saline solution: Saline solution, or salt water, can help with upper respiratory allergies and congestion by flushing out irritants. While it can be bought at the drugstore, you can also make your own by mixing a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda into a pint of warm, distilled water. To use the solution, inhale a little bit of it into each nostril, one at a time, and allow it to drain back out on its own. Do this once or twice a day.
Neti pot: You can also use a Neti pot, which looks like a smaller version of Genie’s lamp in Aladdin, to rinse your sinuses. It’s the same concept, using the saline solution, but it’s easier in practice for some. Neti pots can also help with snoring and overnight breathing, and they can be found online and at most natural food stores.
Air purifier: Open windows during allergy season can fill a house with pollen. Keep windows closed, and use an air purifier to help eliminate indoor pollen.
Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help prevent dust mites and mold by creating a less humid environment.
Exhaust fan: Take advantage of exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to lessen humidity in the air..
Food and drink remedies
Hot tea: Hot tea can provide relief for stuffy, irritated noses and throats.
Peppermint tea: Peppermint acts as a decongestant, as well as containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. To make peppermint tea, steep dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for five minutes. Drink it hot, or let it cool, strain it and sweeten it, if desired.
Wasabi: Wasabi, the spicy green condiment served with many Japanese dishes, can clear your sinuses and promote mucus flow.
Horseradish: Like Wasabi, horseradish promotes mucous flow. Add some to a sandwich, or if you’re really brave, eat some on its own.
Vitamin C: An increase in Vitamin C can help boost your immune system to lessen allergy symptoms.
Fruits and veggies: Load up on the fruits and veggies, which are high in antioxidants and water.
Honey: Though none have been proven, there are many theories that say honey can reduce allergies. The idea is that it works like a vaccination – locally produced honey contains a variety of locally found pollen spores, and introducing these spores gradually into the body accustoms the body to their presence, decreasing the chance of a negative immune system response.
Sources: www.webmd.com; health.howstuffworks.com; www.naturopathic.org
Katie Gilbert can be reached at 704.669.3333, firstname.lastname@example.org, or on Twitter @StarKatieG.