PharmaPassport Health Tips Blog» Seasonal Allergies: What You Should Know

Seasonal Allergies: What You Should Know

Kcondon — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:05:24 +0000

What are seasonal allergies?

To better understand seasonal allergies, one needs to know what allergies are. Allergies occur when the body mistakes certain substances (known as allergens) as a threat. When the immune system detects the allergen, it releases histamines which induce the physical symptoms of allergies. Seasonal allergies are allergies which occur periodically according to the season.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Allergens of seasonal allergies differ depending on the allergy season. During the spring the common culprit is tree pollen. Grass commonly causes seasonal allergies in the summertime, whereas allergic reactions to ragweed are commonplace from late summer to the end of fall. Year-round allergies are most commonly caused by dust and mold.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

The symptoms of seasonal allergies are similar to the symptoms of year-round allergies. The most common symptoms include: itchy palate, itchy throat, sinus congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Sufferers of year round allergies usually take allergy medication on a regular basis throughout the year.

Why do people have seasonal allergies?

Although the direct cause of allergies remains unknown, genetics are suspected to indirectly cause allergies. Specific allergies are not inherited, however the tendency of developing an allergy increases if one’s parent(s) has allergies.

How can I prevent seasonal allergies?

By avoiding the outdoors when the pollen count is high, one can reduce exposure to pollen thus reducing the occurrence of seasonal allergies. To make outdoor activities and events more enjoyable, it is best to make outdoor plans when the pollen count is low. To reduce contact with allergens, take a shower and changes your clothes once you have returned indoors. If you have pets, make sure to keep them clean as well, as pet fur can contain dander and outdoor allergens which can aggravate your allergies.

How can allergy medications treat seasonal allergies?

Over the counter allergy medications are often anti-histamines. Anti-histamines work to inhibit the production and action of the naturally released histamines in the body. For best results, it is recommended for one to take anti-histamines before allergy season. Doing so will make the event of allergies occurring less likely, and you will not have to deal with any of the symptoms. For eye irritation, eye drops are taken to relieve one from itchy red eyes. There are allergy medications available which can treat nasal symptoms along with irritated eyes such as Reactine. If you continually suffer from eye related allergy symptoms, you can use allergy eyedrops which work to soothe and prevent these symptoms for reoccurring.

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Natural Remedies for Hay Fever

Paul — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:34:31 +0000

Hay Fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction caused by your immune system as a response to foreign material such as pollens and mold. Hay fever usually occurs in the spring or in the fall. Symptoms of hay fever include: fatigue, stuffy, itchy, red nose, mild sore throat, plugged ears, and itchy, puffy, and watery eyes. If you’re not into taking discount prescription drugs, here are a few things you can do to treat hay fever

Chamomile oil can help reduce symptoms of hay fever in a couple ways. Smearing chamomile oil onto a towel or tissue and inhaling or boiling chamomile and inhaling the steam will benefit anyone who is suffering from hay fever.
Take peelings from grapefruit and lemon and bring to a simmer. Add honey to sweeten, then digest to ease symptoms of hay fever.
Having locally produced honey can decrease sensitivity to pollens. Since honey is produced from bees pollen, being exposed to these pollens will reduce your symptoms of hay fever.
Eating fruits and vegetables can also do the trick! Berries are the best at treating hay fever.
Drinking a hot 18oz cup of coffee is surprisingly helpful. The heat of the coffee can open up your airways to help you breath much better.
Having ginger can strengthen your immune system and thus reduce symptoms of hay fever. Although digesting garlic cloves will put an unpleasant taste in your mouth, it can be helpful in relieving hay fever.
Tea bags that are prepared and cooled and placed on eyes will help alleviate inflammation and soreness of eyes.
Herbs can always work magic when it comes to illness. Whether you use capsules or prepare them, they work! Herbs such as lavender can be prepared in a warm bath to reduce symptoms of hay fever.

Whatever your preference, there are many ways to help relieve hay fever. If natural ways are not showing you results, medications such as Claritin, Medrol, and Periactin can definitely help relieve symptoms of hay fever.

Is It a Cold or Allergies?

Amanda — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:33:04 +0000

Its summer but you’re feeling lousy. You might have a runny nose, congestion and watery eyes, but you’re unable to tell if it’s a summer cold or seasonal allergies. Telling the difference between a cold and allergies is difficult to do – especially if you need to choose between Benadryl and Claritin. Read on to learn about the difference between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms.

Colds are caused by viruses that trigger symptoms because of your body’s immune response. The common cold is contagious and causes symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion. Allergies, on the other hand, are not caused by a virus but by an overactive immune system. When harmless substances (like pollen) enter your body, your body over-reacts and releases the chemical histamine into your blood stream. This causes swelling in your nasal passages, coughing, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Allergies are not contagious, but can be commonly mistaken for a cold.

How to determine if you have a cold or allergies:

Colds

Symptoms of a cold are slightly different than symptoms of allergies. Colds tend to last anywhere between 3 days and 2 weeks. They are most common in the winter, but you can catch a summer cold. The symptoms tend to take a few days to appear after the infection with the virus occurs.

Common symptoms: aches, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose (yellow mucus). It is not likely that you will have itchy or watery eyes if you have a cold.

Allergies

Symptoms of allergies can last days to months – as long as you are exposed to the allergen that triggers your symptoms. Allergies usually occur in the spring and summer months when pollen and allergens are more likely to be airborne, but allergies can occur at any time of year. Usually your symptoms will occur immediately after you have been exposed to an allergen.

Common symptoms: Itchy or watery eyes, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose (usually clear mucus), and sometimes fatigue. If you have allergies, you will never have a fever or aches.

The symptoms of colds and allergies are very similar; however the main difference is that colds don’t normally last more than 14 days.