5 things to know as we hit Allergy Season!

5 things to know as we hit Allergy Season!

 

It’s upon us! Hello to the sneezy, scratchy, itchy season…

 

In the simplest of terms, an allergy is the body’s immune system overreacting to a substance or allergen. In fact, the term "allergy" was first coined by an Austrian paediatrician, Clemens von Pirquet in 1906. At the time, he used it to describe the odd body reactions he noticed from some patients as they interacted with certain substances.

 

Today, allergies are still prevalent and can range from merely annoying to potentially fatal.

Let’s understand how allergies work and how to stay healthy.

  1. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly develop an allergy to a substance that you never had issues with all your life! People can develop new allergies or lose existing ones as they age. For example, some people may outgrow allergies to certain foods, while others might develop them later in life.
  2. Battling an allergy can take a toll on your mental health. Research suggests that chronic allergic conditions might be related to higher rates of depression and anxiety, possibly due to ongoing discomfort and the stress of managing symptoms.
  3. If you’re allergic to one type of food, you might also react negatively to similar foods. For example, people with a birch pollen allergy could have allergic reactions to apples, carrots or almonds due to cross-reactivity.
  4. Allergy symptoms can mimic other conditions, which is why it’s important to get tested. Allergies can sometimes be mistaken for other illnesses, such as colds or sinus infections, because they share similar symptoms like congestion and coughing.
  5. People with pollen allergies may experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS) when eating certain fruits or vegetables. This happens because some proteins in these foods are similar to pollen proteins, triggering an allergic reaction in the mouth.

 

Staying safe and healthy during allergy season

Pollen can stick to clothing, hair, and even pets, bringing allergens into your home.

Tip: Change your clothes and have a quick shower after spending time outdoors. Make sure your pets are groomed regularly.

 

Watch for mold in your home. Mold levels can increase during allergy season, thanks to the warm and humid weather. This, in turn, can trigger allergies.

Tip: If possible, use dehumidifiers in damp areas to minimise mold. Be sure to regularly clean moldy surfaces with the right cleaners and keep windows open to bring in some much-needed ventilation.

 

Now’s the time to take extra steps to boost your immune system. Allergies can put additional stress on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other illnesses.

Tip: Add probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt or fermented vegetables to your diet to bolster your gut health, which plays an important role in immune function.

 

When you take your allergy medication matters. For allergy medications to work best, you often need to start taking them before your symptoms begin.

Tip: Check with your doctor about the best time to start your medication and how to use it correctly. Following their guidance can help you manage your allergies more effectively.

 

If possible, invest in allergy-proof bedding. Allergy-proof bedding refers to specially designed pillowcases and mattress covers that are created to reduce exposure to common allergens like dust mites, mold and pet dander.

Tip: Look for bedding labelled as "hypoallergenic" or "allergy-proof." Check that the materials are high-quality and tested for allergen resistance.


Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.