With the arrival of spring, the allergy season begins.
With the arrival of spring, the pollen from blooming plants becomes the main cause of allergic reactions. Although pollen itself is not dangerous, in some people, the immune system mistakenly begins to "attack" its particles, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as a runny nose, tearing, and other manifestations of allergies.
As noted by hygienist Elena ODARICH, when symptoms appear, one should not self-medicate. It is important to consult an allergist. During the flowering period, it is recommended to:
follow a hypoallergenic diet: exclude from the diet foods that can cause or worsen allergic reactions. The diet should consist mainly of light dishes (fruits, vegetables), as well as vitamins B and C. Avoid chocolate, cocoa, nuts, coffee, honey, and eggs;
if the allergen is known, it is recommended to undergo specific immunotherapy, which is conducted regularly in the fall when flowering has already ended;
start taking antihistamines 2-3 weeks before the onset of flowering so that they "accumulate" in the body and help cope with the allergic reaction more easily;
stay at home on dry, windy days, and when going outside, use sunglasses and a mask;
ventilate the room after rain and do wet cleaning several times a week. Do not open windows on dry, windy days. Dry washed clothes only in a closed room;
you can purchase a humidifier that maintains optimal humidity in the range of 40-60%. It can also remove more than 95% of allergens from the air. Well-balanced humidity will prevent dust from rising from surfaces, significantly reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions;
maintain personal hygiene: rinse your nose and eyes with water, take a shower, and change clothes after walks outside. Don’t forget to use nasal spray and eye drops. Avoid medications and cosmetics containing plant extracts to which you are allergic.
