How to survive allergy season

According to the definition in medical dictionaries, allergy - is increased overreaction of the immune system of an organism to some substances (allergens) that develops in direct contact with them. And the reaction really is. But for dry terms should indescribable range of sensations: watery eyes, itching in the nose, the skin itches and is covered with spots, breathing hard... In short, anything pleasant.

And then came the spring season, when activated many types of allergies: pollenGrass, urban dust. But the torment can be avoided, the main thing - to start preparing in advance. And we will share with you useful recommendations. But first, let's talk, why there is an allergic reaction.

Causes of allergies

If you notice a deterioration from early spring to mid-autumn, most likely, you are faced with hay fever - an allergic reaction to pollen.

tree pollen, grasses and shrubs enters the nose, and our immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance. And, accordingly, it starts to produce antibodies - in the same way as against viruses and bacteria. Because of this, blood is formed, histamine - biologically active substances that we owe all the unpleasant symptoms of allergies: coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and so on.

In fact the allergy is not a disease, it is a special condition of the body, which is outside the box reacts to ordinary matter.

Is it possible to completely rid a person of such individual response? No, medicine is not omnipotent, but it is possible to achieve stable long-term improvements and to save people from all unpleasant allergic reactions.

From this we can make another important conclusion. A person who is not predisposed to allergies, the reaction will not even be in contact with the strongest allergen. Conversely, a person predisposed to allergies, the reaction is manifest, moreover it can provoke even substances that are not allergens.

Allergies can also trigger:

• polluted environment;
• stress;
• a weakened immune system;
• smoking;
• antibiotics;
• improper diet.

By time, when you start to feel unwell, you can see what it reacts to your body. Spring allergies often caused by pollen from trees, summer - grasses, autumn allergies associated with pollination weeds.

There are more than 100 types of allergenic pollen, so you should always consult a doctor so that he can assign the appropriate treatment. Sometimes the allergen is obvious, but in most cases it is necessary to make a diagnosis. When to see a specialist and how to prepare for the reception, we will tell later. And now we discuss a few methods of prevention.

How to prepare for the spring allergy season

1. Undergo specific immunotherapy

This is the most effective method of prevention. You identify the allergen (eg, you do not carry the pollen of alder), and before flowering doctors inject drugs, the basis of which contain small amounts of the allergen. So the body gradually gets used to it, so in the flowering season you will not have a reaction to a substance that provokes the allergy. If you get rid of the allergy is not completely out, then at least an allergic reaction will appear in a lighter form.

But we need to note two important points. Firstly, you need to carry out specific immunotherapy in autumn, when the flowering period has already passed. And secondly, that the procedure was the most effective, it should be carried out regularly. Typically, a predisposition to allergies disappear completely in 3-4 years.

2. Observe hypoallergenic diet

Hypoallergenic diet - this is an exception from the diet of those foods that can cause or aggravate allergies. Take care of your diet and thus it is desirable to strengthen the immune system in advance, even before the onset of the flowering period. The diet should prevail light foodMainly fruits and vegetables.

Prior to the onset of allergies is necessary to normalize the acid-alkaline balance and metabolism.

In addition, directly between the allergy is to abandon the use of certain products. Avoid spring strawberries and raspberries, autumn - watermelons, melons, grapes and eggplant. Throughout the flowering period is not recommended nuts, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, honey, eggs.

3. Try vitamin therapy

Vitamins B and C effectively help to cope with allergies to pollen and also strengthen the immune system. Therefore we recommend to take vitamins like before the onset of allergy season, and during.

How to deal with allergies

What if you do not have time to go through specific immunotherapy, other prevention methods to help you personally is not particularly noticeable, and allergy season begins very soon? There are several methods that can help facilitate for allergies.

Method № 1. Radical

The most common way to treat most allergies - avoid contact with the allergen. But if you do not start pets or do not have the nuts - it's just that in the case of hay fever, when allergens are literally up in the air, it can be a challenge. Alternatively, you can take a vacation and go to this part of the country or the world where allergies will not disturb you. Radical, but effective. However, it is clear that such an option is not suitable for everyone, so go on.

Method № 2. Pharmacological

Too common method of struggle. Importantly, do not self-medicate and get drugs only after consulting with your doctor.

Another common mistake: taking pills when an allergic reaction has gained speed. Take antihistamines after exposure to an allergen for the most part futile - the body has reacted. In fact, antihistamines should be accumulated in the body. Only then will they help to cope with an allergic reaction. Ideally, start a course of reception of medicines, it is desirable for 2-3 weeks before pollen season.

In addition, over time the body gets used to the drug, so it is necessary to change the medication. In any case required to contact a person skilled and, together with it determines how to undergo treatment.

Method № 3. Home

To make it easier to carry an allergy, you need to prepare for the season of flowering your house. Keep doors and windows closed whenever possible. Ventilate the room as possible after rain. If no fresh air in any way, tighten the gauze windows and often moisten it with water. Should also moisturize the curtains and blinds. Put the house several tanks with water or purchase a humidifier. And allergies will be transported more easily, and the room will be easier to breathe and will not dry the skin.

Method № 4. Hygienic

Every time you get home, remove clothing, and submit it to the laundry. And then go into the shower and wash your hair - a lot of pollen can remain on them and to sleep will not be easy. When walking a pet, you have to wash them, too. During allergy do not dry clothes on an open balcony.

Method № 5. folk

Traditional medicine can also offer several tools that will help easier to carry allergy. So often recommend a decoction of the series: a series of brew with hot water, let it brew for 20 minutes - and you can drink. Please note that the drink should turn golden brown, and in any case not cloudy. More advice can be found in our article "How to overcome allergies without drugs».

You can wash the nose with warm water, better - with salt. This will help reduce swelling and remove pollen from the nose.

When to see a specialist

If you are still suffering from the symptoms, you should pay a visit to the otolaryngologist and allergist. The doctor may write a prescription for new medicines and recommend immunotherapy. Many OTC products help to effectively cope with the passage of allergies. This can be antiedematous agents, eye drops, sprays. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe allergy injections relieve symptoms for several years. But these drugs are not suitable for everyone and pick them can only be a specialist.

As we have said, the best time for examination by a specialist - late autumn. Two weeks before the diagnosis is necessary to stop taking antihistamines. The most popular and cheapest method to identify and define the type of allergy - skin tests.

Allergies - not the case when not ignore symptoms or self-medicate. Always there, even if it is small, the probability of an anaphylactic shock. So be sure to consult an allergist, and do not neglect your health.