As if the burden of the disease, climate change and air pollution, which is cited as one of the top five causes of premature death in the world, is not already hard enough for allergy sufferers, a new study shows that Covid-19 has also taken its toll. However, in order to limit the unpleasant symptoms of spring allergies, a series of measures can be taken – starting with the use of medications and ending with changing daily habits.
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The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses and weeds release this fine “powder” into the air to pollinate other plants, but when it enters the airways of an allergic person, the body sends signals about a foreign body and activates its defenses. The immune system mistakenly perceives pollen as a danger and starts producing antibodies that immediately attack the allergens. “The chain-reaction-like process causes an increased release of the chemical substance – histamine – into the blood. Histamines, on the other hand, cause itchiness and watery eyes and nose, edema, and other symptoms so well known to people prone to allergies,” explains the pharmacist of “Mēnes Aptiekas” Juta Namsone.
The most common symptoms caused by allergens can be: runny nose and runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itching, dark circles under the eyes.
Which trees pollinate more than others
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Allergy-causing pollens are released by: alder, ash, aspen, beech, elm, juniper, maple, oak, pine, poplar, willow, cedar, cypress and various exotic trees (important to know when traveling!), such as olive trees, palm mulberry trees.
Pollen can be carried by the wind for miles, so if you are allergic to the pollen of a particular tree, it can affect you even if it is not close to where you live.
Air saturation with pollen tends to be particularly high on windy days, when gusts pick it up and carry it away. On the other hand, allergens are washed away on rainy days – this can be especially well observed after hot and dry days in spring, when rain gas suddenly comes and golden droplets flow on the roads.
Pollen is not the only cause of seasonal allergies. Due to the humidity and poor ventilation caused by the rain, mold can grow more inside and outside the house. On the other hand, spring cleaning in the apartment can raise dust mites into the air.
Diagnosis
First of all, it is recommended to consult a family doctor, who will probably refer you to an allergist for additional testing. An allergist may perform a skin test, which involves pricking the top layer of the skin with a small amount of allergen (prick test), or injecting a small, diluted sample of the allergen under the skin in the arm or back. In case of allergy to the specific substance, a small red area will form on the skin. A blood test may also be required.
What is used to treat allergies
There are many medications that can reduce allergy symptoms. Here are some of them!
Antihistamines reduces sneezing, runny nose and itching, as it affects the amount of histamine in the body.
decongestant narrows the blood vessels in the nostrils, relieving nasal congestion and swelling.
Antihistamine/decongest combinations combine the effects of both drugs.
Nose aerosols acts locally and faster than oral decongestants.
Steroid nose aerosols affects inflammatory processes, reducing them.
Acu drops relieves itching, burning sensation, watery eyes.
“Even if allergy-relieving medications can be purchased without a prescription, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist first to make sure you have chosen the right one. Some antihistamines (1st generation) can cause drowsiness, so you should be careful if you use them during the day,” explains Juta Namsone and emphasizes that there are also second-generation antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, so it is important to discuss your needs with the pharmacist at the pharmacy. “If decongestants are used often and for a long time, unpleasant symptoms may occur – dryness and burning sensation in the nose, medicinal rhinitis. It should be noted that the drugs of this group of preparations are quickly absorbed through the nasal mucosa, so it is easy to overdose, and this sometimes results in an increase in arterial blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. When using antihistamines, it is important not to use several medications of this group at the same time. I have noticed that people often take several antihistamine-containing medicines for allergy symptoms, not realizing that the active substances are from the same group of medicines. In such cases, sedation (drowsiness), dry mouth and eyes, as well as abdominal pain or headache, tend to appear.
In order to avoid unwanted side effects of medicines, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist about the use of medicines. Other types of medication may be needed, such as steroid nasal sprays, which are only available with a prescription.
Another treatment method is immunotherapy, during which the patient is given gradually increasing doses of the allergen until the body is able to cope with them on its own. The treatment can relieve symptoms longer than other allergy medications. Although it doesn’t work for everyone (because you need to know the exact cause of the allergy), it can prevent symptoms for some people even for years.
Home and nature “first aid kit”
Nasal irrigation is gaining more and more popularity. Although we sometimes read about a light saline solution prepared at home, it is safer to buy a special, precisely dosed solution at the pharmacy. If, however, the solution is prepared at home, distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water works best. A squeeze bottle or a special dispenser can be used for rinsing. It is important to rinse the container after each use and leave it open to allow it to dry.
Although there is no convincing evidence and in cases of severe allergies it will not be treated with it, there are some plants that have a small allergy-relieving effect. Quercetin found in onions, apples and black tea. It may block the release of histamine. Although some people use freeze-dried nettle (Stinging nettle) leaves to treat allergy symptoms, there isn’t much research to show that it works.
“Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal product! Some herbs can cause side effects or react with drugs you use to treat other diseases or conditions,” warns the pharmacist.
5 tips on how to avoid allergens – pollen
- Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen concentration is very high. The highest concentration usually peaks in the morning. If you do have to go out, the regular face mask we learned to wear when the pandemic started can be very helpful. By the way, a respirator is also indispensable in times of high air pollution.
- Keep doors and windows closed during the spring months to avoid allergens. An air purifier can also help.
- Clean air filters at home often. Also clean bookshelves, air vents and other places where pollen can collect.
- Wash your hair after going outside, as allergens can accumulate in it.
- Vacuum the house at least twice a week. Wear a mask when cleaning the house, as the vacuum cleaner can raise pollen, mold and dust into the air.
Allergies and Covid-19
A new study published these days by the scientific website “Nature Communications” reveals an increased risk of allergic diseases after contracting Covid-19. Reviewers of the study, assessing its importance, emphasize: “This is the first study that provides comprehensive evidence of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent allergic cases.” In the course of the research, more than 22 million people from South Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom who were infected with Covid in various degrees of severity were surveyed. The researchers found that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 had a 20% higher incidence of allergic disease. Allergic rhinitis was 25% more likely in the infected group, although no significant increase was seen in food allergies or atopic dermatitis. The infected were more than twice as likely to develop asthma as the uninfected. The good news – at the same time, this study found that vaccination against Covid-19 with at least two doses reduces the risk of new allergies.
“Patients with Covid-19 should be aware that they may have a higher risk of allergic manifestations,” Juta Namsone describes the conclusion of the well-known study.
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2024-04-11 11:10:08
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