Do you sneeze, cough, or have nasal congestion during certain times of the year? If so, you may have seasonal allergies. More than 24 million people in the United States have seasonal respiratory allergies, also known as hay fever. Here’s everything you need to know about seasonal allergies, including their causes as well as effective remedies that can get you back to feeling your best during allergy season.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
When you come into contact with a substance you’re allergic to, such as pollen or mold, your immune system treats it as an intruder and releases chemicals such as histamines. These chemicals can cause a variety of allergy symptoms. Your symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, runny and stuffy nose, tickly or sore throat, itchy and watery eyes, fatigue, and others. Your nose and eyes can become inflamed and irritated when pollen and other allergens in the air get trapped in the mucus membranes in your nasal passages. If you suffer from extreme reactions, this can affect your breathing and even lead to asthma.
If you experience allergy symptoms in the spring, you are likely allergic to tree or grass pollen. Mold is another allergen that can cause seasonal allergies, especially after a rainy spring. If you suffer from allergy symptoms in the fall, you are likely reacting to ragweed pollen. Whatever it is that’s causing your seasonal allergies, your symptoms can make you feel miserable for weeks to months at a time.
Preventing Seasonal Allergies
One of the best ways to manage seasonal allergies is by avoiding your allergy triggers. During allergy season, weather and news reports often include pollen and mold counts. Keep an eye on these counts to determine the risk of spending time outdoors. Make sure you keep windows and doors closed in your home and car while allergens are prominent. When you get home after being outside, take a shower and change your clothes to minimize your exposure to pollen and other allergens. If you need to do yard work or outdoor chores, aim to do those activities after a heavy rainfall and on days with little wind. It may also be helpful to wear a filter mask to reduce the risk of breathing in allergens. Inside your home, make sure you replace your air filters often to keep your indoor air as clean as possible.
Treating Seasonal Allergies
There are a number of ways to treat seasonal allergies. To inhibit the release of excess histamines and help your body break them down, you can take Hista-Aid, which treats allergies using a blend of flavonoids, vitamin C, and diindolylmethane (DIM). To support healthy immune response and minimize the effects of seasonal allergies, Vitamin C + Elderberry can be helpful. You can also treat allergy symptoms as they occur using over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. If your symptoms are severe and long-lasting, you may need to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Allergy Help from Freedom Functional Medicine
Are you looking for long-term relief from seasonal allergies? Here at Freedom Functional Medicine, we utilize a comprehensive medical and scientific approach to address health concerns and optimize health. Instead of simply treating your symptoms, we work with you to treat the underlying cause so you can live a healthier, happier life. Your health plan may include a variety of treatments, such as diet and lifestyle changes, vitamins and supplements, etc., that best suit your health goals. If you’re interested in finding out how our approach can work for you, schedule a free consultation today! We look forward to speaking with you soon!
