There’s a line in a song saying” it’s the most wonderful time of the year…” especially the much awaited Yuletide is coming soon. Many countries especially those located in the western hemisphere have changing seasons that brings a different ambience, weather and mood as well as seasonal allergies too.

Seasonal allergies happen when seasons change and people start having allergic reactions When seasons change, the air changes that comes along with breeze that brings pollen from tree s, grasses and weeds. Trees that can cause seasonal allergies are oak, olive, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut. Usually, plants are pollinated by bees such as flowers but wild plants like grasses and weeds pollinate due to the wind. These long-travelling pollens happens as wind scatters them across the air during spring or fall. When this happens, people begin sneezing, coughing, have itchy red watery eyes and trigger other related disorders such as hay fever, eye allergies and even allergic asthma. Normally, pollen allergies are abundant in the morning when wind is much stronger. This frequently happens during springtime.

Seasonal allergies are also common during summertime. The main reason behind such allergy are grasses. When it’s summer, homeowners regularly cut grass or mow the lawn then the wind spreads the grass pollen easily. In fact, many individuals experience itchiness when their skin comes in contact with grass causing hives which is known as urticaria. Regardless of whether grass, weed or trees trigger seasonal allergies, pollen is the main culprit.
How can we prevent exposure to pollen?

Because pollen is the main culprit behind seasonal allergies, it is practical to avoid pollen by doing the following:

1. Don’t leave your windows open.

2. Avoid going outside during the morning since pollen is airborne between 5am to 10am.

3. Schedule a vacation in areas like the seaside during pollen season

4. Avoid drying your laundry outdoors, use a machine dryer instead|

5. Close all windows of the car when travelling especially on highways.

6. Refrain from cutting grass or exposing yourself to grass cuttings.

Truly, having a good understanding of what causes seasonal allergies and knowing ways to prevent them can lead to a more productive and healthier living.