When nature blooms and you’re raining! How to survive allergy season?

Proljeće je za mnoge najljepše doba godine – temperature rastu, priroda se budi, dani su sve duži, a Spring is the most wonderful time of the year for many – temperatures rise, nature awakens, days get longer, and the sun tempts us to spend more time outdoors. However, for many people, the spring months also bring unpleasant allergy symptoms . Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throats are just some of the symptoms allergy sufferers face during the flowering season.

What are seasonal allergies and how do they occur?

Seasonal allergies , also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis , occur when our immune system overreacts to pollen from plants that bloom at certain times of the year. When the body recognizes the pollen as a threat, it releases histamine, a chemical that causes inflammatory reactions in the nose, eyes, and airways.

What are the symptoms of spring allergies?

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can range from mild to very severe, and most often include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itching in the nose, throat and eyes
• Tearing and redness of the eyes
• Cough
• Fatigue due to poor sleep quality caused by symptoms

In some people, symptoms can be so intense that they interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life.

Which plants cause allergies in spring?

Different plants release pollen at different times of the year. During spring, the most common allergy triggers are:

• Hazel (Corylus) – begins to bloom as early as February, but pollen may remain present throughout March.
• Alder (Alnus) – its pollen is one of the earlier spring allergens, often present in March.
• Birch (Betula) – one of the strongest spring allergens, blooms in April and May and can cause strong allergic reactions.
• Hornbeam (Carpinus) – blooms in April and May, often next to birch.
• Oak (Quercus) – blooms from April to June, and its pollen can travel long distances.
• Grasses – although they bloom most in late spring and summer, some species begin releasing pollen as early as May.

How to relieve allergy symptoms?

If you are prone to seasonal allergies, there are several steps you can take to reduce their severity:

1. Take your prescribed medication regularly – Follow the advice given by your doctor who has prescribed the medication according to your needs.

1. Follow the pollen calendar and avoid exposure to pollen – Find out about the pollen concentration in the air and, when it is high, limit your time outdoors, especially in the morning and on windy days.
2. Close the windows – During the flowering season, keep the windows closed, especially in the morning and evening when pollen concentrations are highest.
3. Wash your hair and change your clothes regularly – Pollen accumulates easily on hair and clothes, so it’s a good idea to change clothes after being outside.
4. Use air purifiers – HEPA filters can help reduce the presence of allergens in indoor spaces.
5. Wear sunglasses – They can protect your eyes from contact with pollen and reduce symptoms of tearing and itching.
6. Drink plenty of fluids – Hydration can help thin mucus and ease symptoms.

Natural therapies to relieve allergies

In addition to classic antihistamine therapies, many allergy sufferers are looking for natural methods to relieve symptoms . Some of these include:

• Locally sourced honey – Regularly consuming small amounts of honey from the region can help the body gradually adapt to the allergens present.
• Quercetin – A natural compound found in fruits and vegetables (like apples and red onions) may act as a natural antihistamine.
• Probiotics – Gut health is linked to the immune system, and some evidence suggests that probiotics may help reduce allergic reactions.

HBOT and photobiostimulation – can they help allergy sufferers?

Two therapies that are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of allergies are hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT) and photobiostimulation .

• HBOT (hyperbaric oxygenation) – Oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber can reduce inflammatory processes in the body, which can help with allergy symptoms, especially in people with asthma or more severe allergic rhinitis.
• Photobiostimulation – This method uses low-intensity laser light or LED light to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. Some research suggests that it may have a positive effect on reducing inflammation in the airways and nasal mucosa, thereby relieving allergy symptoms.

Their effectiveness has not yet been researched and recorded in a sufficiently large number of trials, but the results so far are promising.

The study “May Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Play a Role in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis? A Double-Blind Experimental Study in Rat Model” investigates the effects of HBOT on allergic rhinitis in rats.  https://www.hybo2.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/may-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-play-a-role-in-the-treatment-of-allergic-rhinitis-a-double-blind-experimental-study-in-rat-model-hyp-zpus-copy-1.pdf ?

The study “Efficacy of Using Photobiomodulation Therapy in Allergic Rhinitis” suggests that photobiomodulation therapy may be a promising therapeutic option for people with allergic rhinitis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39828891/

The study “Photobiomodulation Therapy Restores IL-10 Secretion in a Murine Model of Chronic Allergic Pulmonary Inflammation” investigates the anti-inflammatory role of photobiomodulation in a murine model of chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.789426/full ?

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating, but there are many ways to help alleviate them. Proper pollen protection, lifestyle changes, and natural and innovative therapies like HBOT and photobiostimulation can help reduce symptoms. If you suffer from allergies, it’s important to monitor the pollen forecast and adjust your activities to reduce your exposure to allergens. That way, you can enjoy spring without too much discomfort!

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or replace consultation with a professional healthcare professional.