Beware: Spring & Summer Allergies Are Near
The delayed winter snow has nearly melted, and you are giddy with thoughts of spring and summer adventures. Much to your surprise, your throat begins to itch in between bouts of coughing and sneezing fits. You think you can take refuge within the confines of your home but symptoms persist. What causes these torturous allergic reactions and is there anything you can do to limit their torturous effects? Find out below.
Hay Fever
Spring and summer allergies are primarily caused by the release of pollen into the air. As the weather warms up, trees, grass, and weeds begin to grow, producing little grains of pollen. The pollen travels by wind for miles, settling on many surfaces in its wake, including up the nostrils of unsuspecting and undeserving allergy victims. The human immune system, in turn, reacts by releasing the antibody, histamine, into the victims’ bloodstream to combat the unwanted intruder. This is where the pesky symptoms kick in!
Remember, during this time, the wind will be your enemy and rain will be your best friend. Pollen spreads more profusely when winds blow, so during these times, close your windows tightly to reduce allergy flare-ups. It would also be wise to replace any wind-pollinating plants in your home or garden.
Digesting Pollen
During these windy days, pollen can also land on the produce you consume! For those with allergies, make sure you wash all of your fruit and veggies to ensure that you are not consuming an unwanted kind of ‘snack.’
That being said, don’t avoid eating produce altogether! Eating bright coloured fruits and veggies, such as oranges, grapefruit, carrots, red peppers and watermelon can help you become you again. Rich in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, these delicious treats lessen the punch of hay fever by tackling the symptoms that ail you. While you’re at it, try eating some apples and red onions as well! They contain a natural antihistamine, quercetin, which can relieve those itchy eyes and throat.
Insect Nibbles
As the warmer weather approaches, insects appear! This might be great for the environment, but if you suffer from allergies, their presence could spell trouble. Fire ant, honey bee, hornet, and wasp bites are quite common in Canada during the warmer months. They can cause painful swelling, itching, redness, and in some drastic cases, anaphylaxis. Protect yourself by wearing insect repellants whenever walking through heavily forested areas and keeping an eye out for these pests. If you think you might have been stung and are having trouble breathing, do not wait! Seek help immediately.
Smoke & Smog Triggers
When you think summer, you think of roasting spider-dogs on the campfire or road trips to the beach, right? While these are exciting plans, both are known to trigger allergic reactions in humans. Inhaling campfire smoke and the air pollutant, smog, can affect the way you breathe. To be safe, avoid standing directly in the way of campfire smoke and car exhausts.
These next few months are full of excitement and adventures, but when those dreaded allergies hit, don’t let them cut into your time to explore! Protect yourself, your family and your home by tackling them head-on. Our dedicated staff at Afterglow would be pleased to assist you with removing allergens from your home. Book a maintenance inspection today!