365 Days Of Allergies

Spring allergies - Author: Tennessee Wholesale Nursery

When trees start to bloom and release pollen into the air,

sneezing, sniffling, and itchy, red eyes aren’t far behind. More than 58

Million Americans suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis – most commonly known

as hay fever – annually. And while there isn’t a cure per say for allergies,

there are ways to keep them at bay.

The beautiful greenery of spring is the most significant cause of

allergic reactions in both adults and children. As grasses, weeds, and trees

begin to reproduce, tiny grains of pollen get swept into the air. These

particles enter the body through the nostrils, where they have full reign to

wreak havoc on the immune system. The body views pollen as an outsider and

tries to fight it off with its most effective weapon, antibodies. As the

antibodies and allergens battle, the body releases histamines into the

circulatory systems. Histamines cause an inflammatory response leading to the

most common allergy symptoms.

Some of the most common origins of spring reactions are:

Trees

• Pine
• Oak
• Elm
• Aspen
• Sycamore
• Willow
• Hickory
• Juniper
• Elm

Grasses/weeds

• Timothy grass
• Red top
• June
• Johnson
• Fescue
• Bermuda

Summer allergies

For most, allergies tend to dissipate in the summer when

trees are full of leaves, and the ground is covered with well-established grass.

However, many still suffer throughout warm weather months. The most common

cause of allergic reaction in the summer is ragweed, but pollution plays a

significant role and can exacerbate symptoms. Aside from plant-based allergies, many

people are allergic to certain insects, with yellow jackets, wasps, fire ants, and

bees being the most prominent offenders. Additionally, microscopic insects called dust

mites peak during warm summer months. Dust mites thrive indoors and nest in

carpet, fabric, and beds.

Fall allergies

As with summer, ragweed is one of the biggest triggers

throughout the autumn months. Nearly 75% of people who suffer from spring

allergies also suffer in the fall. Ragweed pollen can travel on wind for

hundreds of miles and can cause a reaction in people who live nowhere near

where it grows. Those who are allergic to ragweed are often sensitive to foods

such as zucchini, bananas, and certain types of melon if they’re grown in a

region or ragweed is common.

Another fall trigger to be aware of is mold. Molds spores

thrive in damp conditions both indoors and out. In the fall, un-mulched leaf

piles are the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Winter allergies

Winter reactions often go misdiagnosed because allergies

cause many of the same symptoms as the common cold. At first glance, it can be

difficult to distinguish between the two but given a week from the onset of

symptoms. A doctor can quickly tell the difference. A cold runs its course in

between three and seven days. They rarely deviate from the schedule. If

symptoms last longer than a week, the chances are that allergies are the culprit.

Common triggers of winter allergies are:

Damp wood

Mold and mildew

Temperate Climates

Pet Dander

Winter allergies can be irritated by warm, dry air from H VAC

units as well as from smoke from wood-burning fireplaces.

Allergy symptoms

Regardless of the time of year, most allergy sufferers

Experience similar symptoms. These include:

Runny nose

Itchy, watery eyes

Coughing

Sneezing

Dry, irritated throat

Dark under-eye circles

More severe allergies may trigger bouts of asthma which can

Be chronic or acute. Asthma is a condition that narrows the airways and makes

Breathing difficult. Asthma symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing,

coughing, and an elevated heart rate while at rest.

Diagnosis and treatment

Allergies are often diagnosed after a conversation with a

doctor reveals exposure to certainly known allergens. An allergist may perform a

scratch test – a 15 min. extended test that measures the level of irritation after

the skin is punctured with minute amounts of potential allergens. Allergies are

typically treated with over-the-counter medications, which may consist of a

combination of:

Antihistamines

Nasal sprays

Decongestants

Eyedrops

Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer a combination of Decongestant and antihistamines. A more holistic approach to warding off allergy symptoms is honey.

Local honey - that which is produced within 50 miles of the

allergy sufferer’s home - contains the pollen of the same flowers, trees, and grasses

That causes allergies. The belief is that continual exposure helps the body

Build up a tolerance to the allergens. Bee pollen is also claimed to prevent

allergies.

Managing allergies

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to avoid allergens and

irritants altogether. But, you can ease many symptoms by sidestepping the primary

triggers. When possible, allergy sufferers will find it best to remain indoors

when pollen counts are high; pollen peaks in the mid-morning hours. Windows and

doors should stay closed during spring months, and you may use an air purifier

to eliminate some particles.

Central heat and air systems need to be cleaned

regularly. People with long hair should shower after exposure to the

elements as hair can trap pollen and cause a delayed reaction. Floors must be

vacuumed at minimum twice weekly to capture any dust, mold, pollen, or dust

mites that settled into the carpet.

Plant & Tree Allergy Information Provided to you from Tennessee Wholesale Nursery.