7 tips to survive pollen season
Spring is a key time of the year for seasonal allergies.
Picture: Pixabay
Gugs Mhlungu spoke to Professor Claudia Gray, paediatrician, allergist and executive committee member of the Allergy Society of South Africa.
Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.
Spring has sprung and for some, that means seasonal allergies.
"An allergy is a response to something that actually should be harmless. It's the body getting it wrong. Some people get it, some people don't. When you have an allergy, you overrespond to something and your body thinks it's an enemy and it pushes out a whole bunch of chemicals that make you feel lousy."
- Professor Claudia Gray, allergist
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever) include:
- Nasal stuffiness (congestion), sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy nose, throat and eyes
- Red or watery eyes
- Headaches, sinus pressure and dark circles under your eyes
- More mucus in your nose and throat
- Tiredness
"When we're talking about spring allergies, we're talking about environmental allergies...we're talking about inhaled allergies which causes trouble in our noses and sometimes in our chests. In springtime, the culprit is pollen. Pollen is seasonal - plants pollinate at certain times of the year."
- Professor Claudia Gray, allergist
There's no cure for these allergies, but there are ways to manage it.
Here are some tips courtesy of the Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) to survive pollen season:
1. Keep allergens at bay with regular cleaning
Tip: During the pollen-heavy months, maintaining a clean living space is essential for reducing exposure to allergens like pollen and dust. Regularly cleaning your floors, surfaces, and upholstery can help minimise the allergen load in your home.
2. Wash fabrics with allergy-friendly laundry detergents
Tip: Pollen clings to fabrics and house dust mites live in bedding and other soft furnishings. That’s why it’s important to regularly wash your clothes, bedding, and other textiles to reduce allergens effectively without using any harsh chemicals and detergents that can damage your skin.
3. Invest in air purification
Tip: Improving the air quality in your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to pollen and other airborne allergens.
4. Manage symptoms with nasal sprays and OTC medications
Tip: As pollen levels rise, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes can become persistent issues. Nasal sprays and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can help manage these symptoms effectively.
5. Monitor pollen levels and adjust outdoor activities
Tip: Tracking pollen levels can help you plan your outdoor activities and reduce exposure to allergens. Pollen levels tend to be higher in the early morning and late afternoon, so try to avoid outdoor activities during these peak times
6. Create an allergen-free bedroom
Tip: Your bedroom should be a safe, allergen-free space where you can rest and recover from exposure to allergens during the day. Regularly cleaning and using protective bedding can help create an allergen-free zone.
7. Take care of your skin
Tip: Pollen exposure can cause skin irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin or eczema. Using hypoallergenic emollients can soothe and protect your skin during allergy season.
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation