Its Nothing To Sneeze At: Control Seasonal Allergies

Two of the dreaded times of the year for allergy sufferers is spring and fall. Unlike the individual who has pet allergies, the seasonal allergy sufferer typically demonstrates the allergy symptoms in accordance with the growing seasons for different types of plant life. Subsequently, it is during these times of the year that pollen is generated and sent into the air. It is this pollen that will typically trigger seasonal allergies.

Therefore, it is important to know how to control seasonal allergies or more specifically how to manage the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. First of all, it is important to know what are the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies and how to control seasonal allergies as they begin to be demonstrated in the individual.

What Are The Symptoms Associated With Seasonal Allergies?

The symptoms associated with seasonal allergies are similar to those when an individual has a common cold. Specifically, those symptoms include having a running nose, congestion, dry cough, watery and red eyes, etc.

These symptoms are due to the fact that the immune system of an individual releases histamine. This reaction of the immune system is not normal because generally the introduction of pollen through the eyes, mouth or nasal passages does not illicit symptoms mentioned above in most people.

How To Control Seasonal Allergies

Obviously, the best way to avoid allergies is to avoid those things or substances that cause the allergic reaction. For example if a child has pet allergies, the parents may need to give that pet to another loving family. Or if an individual has a food allergy they certainly will want to avoid eating that food. However, in order to control seasonal allergies it may prove to be more difficult. That is because it is difficult to control the environment.

Additionally, there are many choices available to the individual who wishes to control seasonal allergies and help to alleviate some of the discomfort. Some of those ways to control seasonal allergies include the use of over the counter medications, natural treatment methods or the use of allergy shots.

An example of an over the counter medication is one that contains an antihistamine. This ingredient helps to counter the symptoms produced in the body through the release of histamine.

A natural method is through the use of a small teapot-like container that is called a neti pot. This neti pot is filled with lukewarm water and is gently poured through one nostril and allowed to be released through the other nostril. This allows the delicate membranes of the nostril to be rinsed ridding the passages of the pollen.

Another treatment method is through the use of allergy shots. Once the allergen is identified that causes the allergic reaction in the individual, the individual is injected with allergy shots comprised of the allergen. Through subsequent shots, which become progressively more potent, the allergy sufferer builds up their immune system.