Seasonal allergy is a health issue that arises from exposure to environmental allergens during specific times of the year. Commonly known as "hay fever" or "spring allergy," it is frequently observed during the spring, summer, and autumn months when pollen levels are high. Allergens such as grass, tree, and weed pollen increase the sensitivity of the immune system, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes. These symptoms occur due to the immune system's overreaction to these substances. Sometimes, it may negatively impact individuals' quality of daily life.
What are the Symptoms of Allergy?
The symptoms of seasonal allergies vary from person to person. Allergies can cause bothersome symptoms affecting the respiratory tract and eyes. These symptoms become more pronounced when pollen levels are high.
- Sneezing: Frequent and consecutive sneezing attacks may occur following exposure to allergens.
- Runny and Congested Nose: Irritation caused by pollen can lead to constant runny noses or congestion.
- Itchy and Watery Eyes: Allergic reactions can cause issues like watery eyes, redness, and itching, making daily life difficult.
- Itchy Throat: An irritating itch and irritation can develop in the throat due to allergens.
- Cough: Irritation in the respiratory tract due to allergy can lead to a dry cough, especially.
- Fatigue: Ongoing allergy symptoms can increase feelings of fatigue and exhaustion in the body.
- Headache: Filling of sinuses and nasal congestion can frequently result in complaints of headaches.
What Helps with Allergies?
To minimize allergy symptoms during the spring months, it is first necessary to determine which pollens you are allergic to. You can have an allergy test done with your doctor's recommendation. Pollen levels vary depending on geographical regions and are usually highest in the morning. The amount of pollen decreases after rain and in the evening hours.
- Regularly use the medications prescribed by your doctor and do not skip your check-ups.
- Change your clothes when you get home.
- Take a shower and wash your face with plenty of water when you enter your home.
- Avoid going out in the morning hours, in dry and windy weather.
- Prefer indoor areas for sports activities during pollen season.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to protect your skin from pollen.
- Use pollen filters to reduce the amount of pollen inside the home and vehicle.
- Ensure that your laundry is dried indoors during pollen season.
- Keep doors and windows closed, especially during peak pollen hours.
- Try to avoid going outside in windy weather and avoid standing near open windows on public transport.
- Use a brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and face.
- Stay away from areas where grass is mowed, and avoid lying on grassy, flowery areas.
- Do not smoke and try to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
- During pollen season, especially in areas with high pollen, you can use a suitable mask.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion, which negatively affects daily life, usually results from simple conditions such as flu, cold, viral infections, and sinusitis. These conditions cause irritation, inflammation, and swelling of the tissues lining the nose and increase mucus production, creating a feeling of congestion. Most nasal congestion resolves spontaneously within 1-2 weeks depending on the cause. In cases exceeding 2 weeks, consultation with a doctor may be necessary.
What Helps with Nasal Congestion?
Nasal congestion reduces quality of life and negatively impacts daily comfort, often occurring due to colds or seasonal changes. Correct breathing is fundamental to a healthy life, and this is directly related to the quality of air taken through the nose. Breathing comfortably through the nose positively affects both physical and mental health. To deal with nasal congestion, methods such as nasal cleansing with saline water, steam therapy, or humidifier use can help relieve nasal passages and alleviate congestion. Taking care of nasal health in daily life to ensure quality breathing and seeking support from a specialist doctor if necessary are crucial steps for maintaining a healthy and comfortable life.
Effective Methods for Relieving Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is a frequently encountered condition due to causes such as sinusitis, flu, or cold. This problem, which makes breathing difficult, can negatively impact quality of life.
1. Nasal Washing with Saline Water: Saline water cleans nasal passages, reduces inflammation, and alleviates congestion. Saline sprays available at pharmacies or homemade solutions can be especially effective for congestion due to sinusitis.
2. Use of a Humidifier: Dry air can dry out nasal passages, increasing congestion. Humidifiers help thin mucus by adding moisture to the air, easing breathing.
3. Warm Compress on the Face: A warm and moist compress applied to the face relaxes the nasal passages and reduces pressure in the sinuses. This method, applied several times a day, helps mucus loosen.
4. Steam Bath: Inhaling hot water vapor can moisturize nasal membranes and ease congestion. Taking a hot shower or bending over a bowl of hot water to inhale the steam can provide quick relief.
5. Mint and Eucalyptus Oil: Using mint or eucalyptus oil during steam inhalation can help relieve nasal congestion. These oils provide a refreshing effect by acting on the receptors in the nasal mucosa.
6. Consumption of Plenty of Water: Adequate water consumption helps keep mucus thin and fluid. This prevents the accumulation of hard mucus in the sinuses.
7. Keeping the Head Elevated: Keeping your head elevated at night can reduce the effects of nasal congestion. This method helps the sinuses drain more easily.
8. Decongestants and Nasal Sprays: Decongestants and nasal sprays reduce swelling in the nasal vessels, opening the airways.
Natural Supports
- Vitamin C: Strengthens your immune system.
- Chicken Soup: Provides relief by thinning the mucus.
- Spicy Foods: Can increase nasal discharge.
- Herbal Teas: Natural drinks such as ginger and mint tea help relieve congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seasonal Allergy?
Seasonal allergy occurs due to the immune system's excessive response to environmental allergens during certain periods of the year. Pollen, grass, mold, and airborne particles can cause these reactions. Nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itchy eyes are the most common symptoms.
How to relieve nasal congestion due to allergy?
Allergy-related nasal congestion can be alleviated by reducing contact with the allergen, using antihistamine medications, and nasal sprays under doctor supervision. Maintaining balanced humidity levels indoors, filtering allergens, and consistent cleaning can also be effective. For persistent or recurrent cases, an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist is necessary.
Is postnasal drip a symptom of allergy?
Yes, postnasal drip is a common symptom of seasonal allergy. When secretions accumulate behind the nose and drip down the throat, they can cause burning, a tickle sensation, and coughing. This condition is usually more noticeable in the mornings and can be controlled with appropriate treatment.
Does nasal congestion affect the ears?
Allergy-related nasal congestion can also affect the eustachian tube, which allows ear ventilation. This situation may lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, a sensation of pressure, and slight hearing loss. In cases of prolonged complaints, it is important to consult an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
How to recognize allergic nasal congestion in children?
In children, allergic nasal congestion may manifest with symptoms such as restlessness, crying at night, mouth breathing, snoring during sleep, and frequent coughing. Additionally, lack of appetite and difficulty concentrating may be observed. In these cases, support from a pediatric allergy specialist or ENT should be sought.