Spring fever is on its way – if not here already – and that comes with those pesky allergies acting up.
While many welcome the warmer days, blooming flowers and a breezes carrying pollen around can cause the dreaded runny nose, sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes that many allergy sufferers must deal with.
Research shows that South Africa’s increasing population and urban green infrastructure has brought about an increase of alien tree species like mulberry, oak and plane trees. The abundance of these plant species increase respiratory illnesses like hay fever, which are triggered by allergic reactions to their pollen.
Mzansi’s luscious and green terrain hosts a range of flora and springtime is when they shine.
According to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, “Trees may release pollen all year round but the highest tree pollen levels are found in late winter or early springtime. Grasses release millions of tiny pollen grains that are easily inhaled and do the grass season in sunny South Africa is longer than it is in many countries that have very low winter temperatures.”
Over-the-counter antihistamines and prescription medications usually do the trick to alleviate allergy symptoms but not everyone finds relief from them or reacts well to the common side effects such as drowsiness and long-term usage concerns.
Experts share solutions to your allergy problems.
1. Take a fresh approach
Try your hand at preventative measures like monitoring high pollen count days on pollencount.co.za, extra house-cleaning to get rid of pollen that may be blowing in through open windows and doors as well as showering and changing clothes as soon as you come in from the outdoors.
2. Try out aromatherapy
If medication isn’t for you, qualified pharmacist and aromatherapist Doryce Sher suggests using aromatic compounds from plants like eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint, which have been used for centuries to alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory illness and are safe to use for kids.
“Apart from how effective they are at bringing relief, aromatherapy solutions have the advantage of being non-drowsy and help to avoid the long-term over-use of products such as nasal decongestants. So many sufferers of seasonal allergies end up with a condition known as rebound congestion.
“This happens because conventional nasal decongestants should only be used for a few days in a row. However, allergic rhinitis can go on for weeks leading to over-use of the product which has long-term consequences.”
3. Build up your immune system
Much like with any illness, ensuring that your body is strong enough to fight against foreign bodies and bacteria.
Studies have shown that vitamin C, especially delivered intravenously, plays a key role in reducing allergy symptoms. Since it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, vitamin C does well as a treatment for allergy symptoms like hay fever rash.
Vitamin C can be found naturally in different fruits and vegetables including bell peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and strawberries among others.
