The smell of jasmine, lavender and other fragrant plants blooming is a reminder of just how quickly the time goes.
In less than three months, some of us will be about to set off on our year-end vacation. Four months, and it’s 2024, and the smell of Spring is a promise of another Summer of good memories ahead.
But for those who suffer with seasonal allergies, the first blossoms of spring aren’t always a welcome sight. For those who struggle with allergic rhinitis – also known as hay fever – spring is a season of sniffing, sneezing, stuffiness and itching. And, unfortunately, this spring may be worse than ever. Here’s why.
While many of us know that hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen – and that there’s a lot of pollen around in spring – the connection that may not be so simple to make is that between longer pollen seasons and climate change. But there is a clear link: temperatures are rising across the globe.
According to USAID, since 1990, South Africa’s national average temperature has increased twice as fast as global temperatures.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America sees a clear link between warmer temperatures and longer pollen seasons, reporting that warmer weather has caused the pollen season to be 11 to 27 days longer. Further research by the US Department of Agriculture shows that pollen seasons now feature 21% more pollen than in 1990.
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The School of Public Health (SPH) at Harvard University says that, in addition to warmer conditions causing plants to bloom earlier and for longer, the greenhouse emissions that are the main cause of climate change are causing higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this is stimulating plants to produce and release more pollen.
However you look at it, warmer temperatures mean longer pollen seasons and more pollen means stronger airborne allergens, poorer air quality, and more allergies.
Not only is hay fever irritating, painful and detrimental to your quality of life, it can also affect your sleep, which directly affects your brain’s ability to function normally.
Managing your symptoms is one thing. Importer of dehumidifiers Solenco offers three top tips for preventing hay fever.
- TIP 1
Always shower before bed: Pollen and other allergens get trapped in our hair during the day and then make their way into our airways. If you don’t shower at night, you essentially spend eight hours with the triggers you’re otherwise trying to avoid.
- TIP 2
Don’t remove your nose hair: The hairs in your nose act as a defensive wall that keeps allergens out. Sneezing, while often seen as a symptom, is actually an immune response triggered by your nose hairs to expel allergens.
- TIP 3
Allergy-proof your home: Pollen counts are highest in the early morning and evening, so keep doors and windows closed at these times. Tiled floors are easier to keep dust-free than carpets. Dust with a damp cloth so that allergens are absorbed and disposed of.
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Too much moisture in the air can encourage mould, which can also bring about allergies, says Trevor Brewer, Solenco air treatment specialist. He recommends that people who live in damp or humid regions invest in a dehumidifier to prevent damp and mould from forming in their homes.
Claire Bowen, brand manager for Shower to Shower also suggests that: “As we transition from winter to spring, [you should] use this time to transition into new habits, routines, and activities. Get ready to jump - or spring - into something new!”
Declutter your space, suggests Claire. “Shed the weight of disorganisation by decluttering your living space. Start small and move room by room, sorting items into categories like ‘keep’, ‘donate’, or ‘discard’. A decluttered environment makes room for new experiences and ideas to blossom.”
Now’s also the best time to revamp your fitness routine, Claire concludes. “With the weather warming up and nature coming alive, take advantage of the outdoors by trading indoor workouts for outdoor activities like jogging, hiking, or biking. Get some fresh air and enjoy the added endorphins!”
