If you “always feel cold”, you cough, you feel “head heavy”, your nose is always stuffy too, it may be an allergy. You might think it's just pollen that's causing your distress, but other substances may be involved, allergists say.
Allergies can appear at any time of the year PHOTO: Archive, The Truth
Allergy season can occur at any time of the year, as there are different types of allergens that can trigger symptoms. According to Dr. Irina Alexandru, specialist in Allergology and Immunology from Iasi, when you have an allergy, “your immune system reacts to something that is well tolerated by other people”.
“That is, it becomes more sensitive and has exaggerated reactions, trying to defend itself from certain external factors. People with seasonal allergies react to pollen from plants. Symptoms can include repeated sneezing, stuffy nose, watery nasal discharge, cough, watery eyes, itchy eyes, nose, mouth, throat, ears, even skin rashes and wheezing, difficult breathing.” claims the doctor.
On her Facebook page, Dr. Irina Alexandru made a list of five things about seasonal allergies that could give us headaches.
1. They can manifest as food allergies. People who suffer from seasonal allergies sometimes experience the so-called “pollen-food allergy syndrome” (or oral allergy syndrome), which involves allergy symptoms in the mouth, throat, ears (itching, tingling, even swelling of the lips , tongue or throat) when eating fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots, celery, peaches or cherries. The plant proteins in these foods cross-react with certain pollen proteins, causing symptoms suggestive of a food allergy.
2. Stress can make allergy symptoms worse. Reducing stress levels is not only a modern remedy, but it can reduce the production of histamine, the substance that causes allergic reactions in the body. Exercising or dedicating at least 30 minutes a day to meditation or yoga can help you manage your symptoms.
3. Thunderstorms can trigger allergic asthma. They can cause an allergic person to have difficulty breathing (wheezing), even if they have never had significant breathing problems before.
4. Chlorine can make allergies worse. Whether you're going to the pool or just coming into contact with chlorine-based disinfectant aerosols, it can irritate your airways, making seasonal allergy symptoms worse.
5. You should start allergy treatment early. Medications work best and are most effective if given before the pollen season begins.
