Breathe Easy: How to Outsmart Hay Fever and Enjoy the Outdoors
Hay fever has several names; pollen allergy, seasonal allergy, and allergic rhinitis. It causes cold-like symptoms including a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful (allergen).
Examples of such allergens are pollen, dust mites, dead skin, and spores from fungi/mold.
Allergy prevention requires education and quick action. There are many different things you can do to prevent these nasty allergies. Some of the most effective allergy tips include:
- Eat Healthy: Incorporate carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes into your diet as they all contain carotenoid which is a naturally-occurring plant pigment that has been proven to help reduce inflammation in our airways and improve the immune system. Eat foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin D.
- Maintain good personal hygiene: Wear clean clothes, shower after an outing, wash hands and avoid frequent contact with your face, wear hair bonnets or wash hair, change sheets, and beddings regularly, clean make-up tools, vacuum and clean regularly to prevent allergens in the air settling on furniture.
- Stay hydrated: The better hydrated you are, the more moist the mucous membranes of your nose are, and that increases your chances of getting rid of allergens more easily.
- Avoid beers and alcohol: Research has shown that alcohol intake increases the risk of allergic rhinitis.
- Use medication: Nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants prevent and provide relief from symptoms.
In conclusion, while hay fever can be a nuisance, there are strategies you can employ to outsmart it and still enjoy the outdoors. With the right approach, you can reduce the impact of hay fever and fully embrace the joys of outdoor activities.
