It’s springtime and the flower trees in my garden are blooming with so many colourful blossoms and fragrances. I couldn’t help but sit out on the balcony, even though the sweet breeze was a bit chilly. Now I have pollen allergies. With blocked sinuses and sneezing.
Of course, with the change of seasons comes some changes in the body, and my body is still adjusting to the mood of the spring season. Different people have different reactions to the body. Some people find it difficult to adjust to a season and feel down with allergies and colds, unable to find that push to step up their activities in the new season.
This year’s spring season in Germany comes with a lot of rain and wind. With the flowers in bloom, pollen levels are high and tend to rise in the evening, especially when it’s windy. These can cause allergies with unpleasant symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy throat, sneezing, and colds and some people find it difficult to breathe, these can trigger asthma in both children and adults.
For those of you who are still wrapped up, ready to step up your activities and get into the spring mood, here are some tips to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
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Know what triggers your allergies.
Knowing your triggers is the key to controlling and preventing allergies and colds. This spring, you’ll want to be especially aware of pollens, mold, and dust. These can cause a cold, itchy throat, and even lead to asthma attacks. Regularly clean your home to remove allergens. Use wet cloths and disinfectants to wipe surfaces—vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter to clean floors.
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Minimise Ventilation
It’s a great idea to let in some fresh air after a long winter lock-up. However, these can let allergens get into your home. To minimize allergens, keep your windows locked up, especially during the evenings and windy times when the surge of allergens like pollens is high.
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Use Air Purifiers
This might not guarantee 100% allergens elimination, but it can help to minimize them. Get an Air purifier with high-efficiency HEPA filters to get rid of allergens from your home.
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Use Nasal Saline Rinse
Use saline nasal rinse daily to clean your nasal passage and relieve nasal congestion. This gets rid of mucus and allergens that tend to discomfort your nose. Nasal saline solutions are available over the counter or prepared at home. For homemade nasal solutions, use bottled water to reduce the risk of infection.
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Take Over the Counter Medications
There are plenty of over-the-counter non-prescription drugs that can help relieve allergy symptoms. Antihistamines and oral decongestants are great for relieving stuffy noses, sneezing, and itchy throats. Other over-the-counter drugs like Cromolyn sodium nasal spray can also be helpful by blocking the release of immune system agents that cause symptoms. It works best if treatment is started before exposure to allergens. You’ll find them easily at your local drugstore or pharmacy. If symptoms don’t subside, then it’s time to visit your doctor.
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Practice good Hygiene
Hand washing is the most effective way to minimize the risk of infection and diseases. It helps reduce the spread of the cold virus. Minimise touching your face. Wash your hands or use a disinfectant regularly and after cleaning up sinuses or a sneeze.
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Consider an allergy shot.
When allergies are severe and cannot be managed with drugs, an allergy shot might be necessary to help desensitize your body to allergens over time.
Everyone reacts differently to allergies, and the measures you take will depend on your own personal circumstances and the severity of your symptoms. Adequate sleep and drinking plenty of fluid, whether water or tea, will help thin mucus and relieve congestion. These measures will help you manage your allergies and cold during this beautiful season.
