Four Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Seasonal Allergies
by Achal M. AchalMillions of people suffer from the runny
noses, itchy eyes, sore throat, and congestion associated with seasonal
allergies. Whether it’s the beginning of
1. It’s Actually Your Body’s
Fault
An allergen is any substance that causes a
histamine, or immune response in the body. Your immune system thinks that
whatever you’ve come into contact with is a potential threat, and immediately
starts attacking it. This is what causes the irritation, excess mucus, and
overall discomfort. Your body is treating the allergen like a disease or
infection, and lending heavy resources to removing it. Some people are
predisposed to be allergic to certain irritants, while others develop the
reaction over prolonged exposure with the allergen.
In the Fall and Spring, the pollen, or
reproductive spores from plants, are released and get picked up by the wind and
carried throughout the air. These particles come into contact with our eyes,
get breathed into our lungs via our throats and noses, and start wreaking havoc
on our immune systems. Pollen allergies are actually quite common. The irony of
the plants causing our air to become infested with pollen is that plants also
release oxygen as a waste product, so while they help us breath, their
reproductive methods can make that very task quite difficult.
2. Those Allergens Can Hide In
Your Home For the Winter
In addition to pollen, dust, mold, and mildew
can cause your seasonal allergies to flare up. Have you ever done spring
cleaning, pulled out that old couch to sweep behind it, and found a mountain of
dust? Once you start sweeping the dust around, the particulates get pushed into
the air as well, and can contain pollen residue themselves, settled from the
last allergy season when you probably had your windows open. Pollen can stick
to clothes, sheets and bedding, curtains and blinds, even kid’s toys
(especially stuffed animals).
Having hypoallergenic bedding is helpful for
reducing the amount of allergens that stick to your bedding, and continuing
weekly cleaning and air filter maintenance on your furnace and air purifiers
can also help. Getting rid of the dust before it has a chance to build up is
the best way to prevent the allergens from circling around your home the next
time you do a spring cleaning.
If you have mold in your home, it’s best to
get it removed as quickly as possible. Mold is not only an irritant, but some
spores can be fatal to certain people, causing a severe allergic reaction or
even respiratory arrest. Plus, no one wants ugly black mold growing all over
their bathroom or basement.
3. That Spring Rainstorm Makes
Things Worse
Everyone loves a good spring shower;
everything just seems more green and lively after a good rainstorm. The flowers
are blooming, the leaves are all bright green and lush with fresh nutrients.
Unfortunately, however, those same spring rains that bring such wonder also
cause plants to release spores and disturb pollen, releasing it into the air.
Dust, dirt, and any fine particulate will
stick to a wet surface much more effectively than a dry one, and so rain
creates the perfect conditions for allergens to spread and stay where they’re
deposited. With recent weather patterns, rain in the fall and spring has become
more frequent in the western hemisphere, no doubt bringing further allergy
complications with the excess water.
4. Allergy Causing Pollen Exists
On Certain Raw Foods
That’s right, even your food can be
contaminated with allergy causing pollens. Think about it; raw fruits and
vegetables come from flowering plants, which release pollen to reproduce.
Usually a good wash (which should be done anyways with store bought produce) is
enough to remove these allergens from the food surface. So the next time you go
to eat a juicy red apple in the heart of Autumn, remember to give it a wash
first, especially if your eyes start to water when you handle it. Food and Pollen allergies often overlap as
well, where if you’re allergic to a certain food you may also be allergic to
its pollen (assuming it creates pollen). See your doctor for proper allergy
tests so you know ahead of time what you are and aren’t allergic to.
Conclusion
Your body treats allergens like foreign
invaders, causing the immune system to react. Your allergy symptoms are a byproduct of the body’s defenses.
Don’t be too upset, though; your body isn’t out to get you, in fact it’s only
trying to protect you from what it views as a threat. Your home may have a high
concentration of allergens, so a little cleaning and maintenance can go a long way.
Make sure to dust every now and then, before
those dust piles start getting too big and end up getting swept into the air
when you finally clean them. Avoid going outside during or after an intense
rainstorm during allergy season, and always wash your fruit and vegetables
before you eat them.
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Created on Nov 21st 2018 12:00. Viewed 396 times.