Fall 2021 Guide: Allergy Prevention
Allergens affect different people in various ways, or not at all. Some people have allergies year-round. Some experience these symptoms primarily during a specific time of the year. Some people experience severe symptoms, and others merely see their allergies as a seasonal nuisance. Since the fall and winter months are infamous for the passing around of cold and flu viruses, feeling the onset of respiratory symptoms can be unnerving; is it the common cold, influenza or allergies? What causes colds? It’s often challenging to immediately know the cause of the symptoms, and a significant allergy onset can feel like something much more sinister. Some of the most common allergy culprits in the autumn are ragweed, mold, trees, grass and other weeds. Fortunately, although it may not seem so if you’re suffering through them, there are benefits to having seasonal allergies rather than a cold or flu. There are several ways to combat these allergens, including avoiding the allergens themselves, taking antihistamines and other allergy medicines, nasal steroids, saline rinse and allergy shots.
What Causes Allergies?
When your immune system reacts to a strange substance, it sees it as a harmful invader in the body. Your body will produce antibodies that identify a specific allergen as dangerous, even if it isn’t. Allergies can be caused by pollen, pet dander, dust, molds, insect venom, and many other things, even some foods. Many people have seasonal allergies, which affect them mostly during specific times of the year. These allergies involve symptoms such as inflamed nasal passages, coughing, sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itchy, swollen skin, or digestive problems. Brillia health offers an array of healthful alternatives to prescription medication to combat the various types of allergic reactions.
Difference From Cold & Flu
Airborne allergies are different from the common cold and seasonal flu in several ways. For example, they only last as long as the allergen is present, they respond to antihistamines and decongestants, and you won’t have a fever. People with allergies also commonly experience itchy and watery eyes. Allergies aren’t caused by a virus, but colds and flu are. All three issues involve the body’s immune system responding to an invader by kicking the respiratory system into high gear, but colds, flu and allergies originate from different causes. Flu is usually the most severe and can sometimes lead to serious health problems.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, whether mild or severe, you know the toll it can take on your daily life. Sniffling, sneezing and constantly reaching for a facial tissue, this experience can be exhausting. Even worse, being unsure if it is a cold or flu coming on can be anxiety-provoking. Fortunately, there are effective methods for fighting these illnesses, such as detox flu and cold medications and other remedies. Take care of yourself and your family this fall and winter by being proactive. Stock your medicine cabinet with treatments for various symptoms before they strike. You can even find immune-boosting products that may help you prevent an illness.
