Precautions You Can Take Against Summer Allergies

Pollen allergy, which is intense in May, June and July, gives way to wild weed pollens as of August. Emphasizing that the basic principle of allergy treatment is “detection of the allergen and avoidance of it”, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk says that it is possible to take necessary precautions with the correct detection of the allergen.

Considering that 25-30% of the world population is sensitive to allergens, the importance of effective diagnosis and treatment becomes clearer. In patients who have problems such as prolonged cough, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, burning, nasal discharge, itching in the throat, wheezing and shortness of breath in spring months and early summer, allergic causes are definitely investigated. For diagnosis, allergy tests which have become quite practical and quick today are applied. With these tests, allergens that the patient needs to pay attention to and avoid throughout his/her life are detected in a short time like 20 minutes. Correct and timely recognition of allergy, determining whether patients also have asthma symptoms constitute important stages in preventing respiratory diseases in later ages.

The number of pollen increases in sunny and windy weather

After the detection of the allergen, ways to avoid this allergen are explained to the patient; for example, it is explained to people allergic to pollen that the number of pollen in the atmosphere increases especially on sunny, windy days, and intensifies between 10:00-14:00. It is told that it would be more appropriate for the patient to spend time indoors during months when pollen is intense; that there should be pollen filters in air conditioners at home and at work and periodic maintenance would be appropriate; if time will be spent outdoors, they need to wear sunglasses. It is also recommended that clothes should be washed when they come home and dried inside the house, and the patient should not go to bed without taking a shower.

Take these recommendations into account!

Considering that 25-30% of the population worldwide is sensitive to allergens and this rate has increased even more in the last 20-30 years, the importance of effective diagnosis and treatment becomes clearer. The precautions to be taken against allergens can be listed in the following 10 items: Plan according to the pollen calendar: Research shows that pollen density increases especially in the mornings and on windy days. Avoid being outdoors at these times.

• Filter home and office air conditioners: Using air conditioners with pollen filters indoors can reduce pollen exposure at home and at work. Don’t forget to regularly maintain your air conditioners.
• Wear sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses when going out protects your eyes from pollen and reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
• Wash and dry clothes well: Wash your clothes immediately when you come from outside and keep your home clean from pollens by drying them indoors.
• Don’t go to bed without showering: Always take a shower after coming from outside. This way, you prevent the transfer of pollens on your body into the house.
• Get allergy tests and start treatment early: If you have allergic symptoms, get allergy tests for accurate diagnosis and start the treatment recommended by your doctor on time. Because, early treatment provides more successful results.
• Determine the times and environments you need to avoid: Learn about the triggering time periods and environments of pollen allergy. It is important to stay indoors during these times and not spend too much time in the open air.
• Pay attention to hours of avoiding pollen exposure: Pollen density usually increases in the mornings and afternoons. Especially avoid being outside between 10:00-14:00. Staying indoors during these hours is important to reduce pollen exposure.
• Use antihistamines and nasal sprays: Manage symptoms by regularly using antihistamine medications and nasal sprays recommended by your doctor. But remember that the most important thing is to avoid allergens.
• Get professional help: If your allergy symptoms become unmanageable or if more serious health problems such as asthma develop, do not neglect to get help from a health professional.