16/09/2022
There is no cure or escape unfortunately for allergic rhinitis but there's comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from allergies and in the United States over 80% of people with allergic rhinitis have pollen allergies. If your problem is debilitating only during the Spring months, consider yourself lucky. Although living in Durban, chances are if you are really bad in the spring months, you have some level of discomfort during other months of the year also.
The best solution is to prevent seasonal allergies before the symptoms become debilitating. A prescription nasal spray in combination with an antihistamine is the best form of treatment. But if you are not quite convinced you need medication just yet, here are a few tips that may help :
- Shower after working outside. Wash your hair, eyes, and eyelashes
- Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from pollen when outdoors
- Remove work clothes outdoors after working outside and carry them in a bag to the washing machine
- If you have been prescribed medication for your allergies, take it at least 30 minutes before going outdoors
- Stay indoors when pollen counts are high for pollens you’re allergic to (this would involve knowing your triggers and checking the pollen counts for your area)
- Delegate yard work to someone else, or wear a microfibre face mask if you absolutely have to do it yourself
- Keep windows closed at home and when driving, and when possible, use an air conditioner.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for vacuum cleaners.
Being aware and recognizing that your symptoms can change from day to day depending on the weather and pollen counts as well as the knowledge that they could be caused by pollen floating in the air from miles away may frustrate you and make controlling symptoms difficult, but learning more about your potential causes and trigger avoidance methods is a good start.
If you are still having difficulty finding relief, it might be time to talk to a doctor or ENT about your concerns.