(Excerpt- Seasonal changes had me running to the doctor. Here’s how I manage my allergies.)

For many people, a change of season results in the onset of sneezing and wheezing. While the spring-summer season enhances the beauty of nature, it brings uninvited allergies that make people like me visit doctors and pop pills. Believe me, I had tried all kinds of home remedies and alternative medicines including homoeopathy but every change of season treated me badly. It was only when I consulted the doctor and had a chat with him on what was causing my allergy and how I could manage it, that I found relief. Today, let us discuss how to manage seasonal allergies in India.

What is an Allergy

During spring the trees, grass and weeds shed tiny particles in the air called pollen. When people who are allergic to pollen come in contact with them, their immune system produces antibodies to fight against allergens. John Hopkins Medicine says: “Allergies are the result of your immune system’s response to a substance.” So, if you have an allergy to pollen, your immune system will identify the pollen as an invader or allergen. It is the response of the immune system to that pollen that causes symptoms in the nose, throat or skin etc.

The secret of how to manage seasonal allergies in India lies in a judicious mix of allergen avoidance and medication.

Tips to Control Allergies

 

1. Minimize going out

• While the allergy season is on, avoid going out for unnecessary errands. The air would be rife with pollen. You would not only be exposed to allergens but are also likely to bring them back home.

2. Wash, wash, wash yourself!

• After coming back from the outdoors, be sure to change your clothes and have a good bath. Your clothes and shoes come in contact with those tiny particles that cause allergies, so don’t neglect this part.

3. Protect yourself even when indoors

• Yes, the weather is great outside but you are prone to allergies. Protect yourself. Shut the doors and windows of your home and stay indoors. It’s advisable to reduce contact with pollens as much as you can.

4. Dry your clothes indoors

• Don’t hang out your clothes to dry. If possible use a clothes dryer so that pollen does not stick to your clothes outside.

5. Take the prescribed medication

• Many of us are conditioned to think that medicines have side effects and we should use home remedies as far as possible. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I talked to my doctor I understood that taking medicines is an integral part of getting well. I personally use non-sedative antihistamines and get a lot of relief.

I hope this article proves useful for the readers and is helpful in spreading awareness about the prevention of allergies.

Know more about allergies and their management here.  

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Sanofi India. Sanofi India bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health- related information.

References:

1. hopkinsmedicine [dot] org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-allergies/allergies-answers-from-allergy-expert-dr-sandra-lin
2. bc1 [dot] modernhealth[dot]net/what-you-need-to-know-about-seasonal-allergies/
3. healthline [dot] com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies