Spring is a beautiful season full of nature when trees start to bloom and flowers bud, but it comes with its downside. The key time of the year for seasonal allergies. Millions of people start to suffer from seasonal allergies which come with sneezing, runny noses, itchy, congestion and other symptoms. Some allergy symptoms can become more fatal like a life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

The most common seasonal allergy is called Hay Fever or Rhinitis, it causes cold-like symptoms but unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. This allergy to hay is an allergy to the grass which is eaten by farm animals. Hay comes from a variety of grasses and other nutritious plant materials.

HAY FEVER

Here are some Hay Fever signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Itchy eyes, nose and roof of the mouth
• Fatigue

Some triggers to avoid:

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Dust mites and cockroaches
• Fungi and mould
• Perfume or cigarette smoke

Here is some treatment to help with Hay Fever

• Keep your windows and doors closed when the pollen is high.
• Wear sunglasses to keep the pollen out of your eyes.
• Wash hands after petting any animals.
• To limit mould exposure, keep your humidity in the home low.

Hay fever can last as long as you’re around and exposed to allergens. Most of the symptoms should disappear after 7 days, this infection is usually short-lived. You must go and see a doctor if you don’t find relief for your symptoms, if the allergy medications aren’t providing you with any relief or support and if the condition becomes life-threatening

If you see signs of anaphylaxis which include confusion, blue lips or difficulty breathing, call your medical emergency immediately.

In Canada, one in every five Canadians have allergies to Rhinitis

There are a large variety of pollens that can cause Hay Fever. In spring it’s mainly from the trees. The tree pollen is dry and lightweight so it can travel greater distances in the wind. Some of the worst tree allergens include:

• Ash
• Beech
• Birch
• Elm
• Oak
• Red Maple

Most people with allergies are only usually allergic to one type of tree but sometimes it can react to more than one. It’s called cross-reaction.

Grass Pollen

Grass allergy season usually starts in late spring. Every plant and grass seed release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants which causes allergies. You won’t be able to see grass pollen in the air. There are hundreds of different types of grass but only a few can cause allergies. The most common types are:

• Ryegrass
• Orchardgrass
• Bermuda grass
• Bluegrass

Here is some treatment to help with grass pollen

• Keep your grass short
• Limit your time spent outside
• Bath or shower every day to remove pollen
• Wear a mask when mowing the lawn
• Replace your grass seeds with low pollen seeds or place features like rocks, sand or water

If you find that you get grass pollen allergies, you might want to consider avoiding some fruit and vegetables which are botanically related to grass. This reaction is called oral allergy syndrome.

• Peach
• Tomato
• Celery
• Oranges

Nurses on Demand can help

There is an allergy test that you can take to diagnose and identify the allergen. For these tests, you will have to see a doctor.

Here at nurses on demand, we can provide you with quality relief care and advice. We are here to help patients get the quickest and safe care possible. No need to wait in an uncomfortable hospital waiting room for hours. We are here to care for you when you are in need.

If you need help assessing your symptoms, are unsure what medication to take, require other assistance, personal care please contact Nurses on Demand.