Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim explained the symptoms of spring allergy and ways to prevent it, and gave important warnings and suggestions. Sevim lists the prominent symptoms of spring allergy as follows, and said that if one or more of these symptoms occur at a frequency that will negatively affect daily life, especially in the spring-autumn months, mostly due to pollen, an Allergy, Chest Diseases or Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist should be consulted. Here are those signs;
9-question spring allergy test
“Do you have repeated episodes of sneezing? Nasal congestion / runny nose start when you encounter allergens? Do your eyes, nose, mouth and ears start to itch? Are your eyes swollen, red and watery, and do you have dark circles under the eyes? Do you have nasal discharge, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath? Do you have itching and rash on your skin? Do you feel a decrease in your sense of smell and taste? Do you suffer from snoring and sleep disturbance due to nasal congestion? Do you complain of poor concentration, weakness and fatigue during the day?”
Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim emphasized that if spring allergy is not treated, it can lead to sinusitis, otitis (middle ear inflammation) and even asthma.
5 effective measures against spring allergies
Explaining that the first and most important step in the treatment of allergic diseases is 'getting away from the responsible allergen', Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim stated that it is not easy to avoid pollen, but with some precautions, the pollen season can be spent more comfortably. Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim explains the measures that can be taken against spring allergies as follows:
“Wash your glasses with water”
“Most tree pollen is concentrated in the atmosphere in late winter and early spring, grass and grain pollen is more concentrated in spring and early summer, and weed pollen is more concentrated in late summer and autumn. Change your clothes when you get home, as outdoor pollen can stick to your hair, body, clothes and shoes. Wash your glasses with water. Take a shower, wash your hair and face with plenty of water. Do not dry your laundry outside so that the pollen does not stick.”
Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim stated that it can be protected by learning about the pollens that cause allergies with a simple skin test or some blood tests, and said, “Pollens are especially intense in the early morning and noon hours and decrease in the evening hours. While pollen density increases in hot, sunny and windy weather, it largely disappears in the first few hours after it rains. Take care to keep your doors and windows closed during the hours when the pollen density increases, to keep the windows closed while driving, and to use pollen filters at home, at work and in the air conditioners in your vehicle. Try to sit away from open windows or doors on public transport.” made suggestions.
“Be careful not to be nearby while the lawn is being cut”
Assoc. Dr. Tülin Sevim continued her explanations as follows: “Minimize your outdoor activities when pollen is high, if possible, do not go out. Be careful not to have picnics in the meadow (grass) areas, and not to be nearby while the lawns are being mowed. When going out; Wear a mask to prevent pollen from entering your mouth and nose, and wear sunglasses to prevent it from getting into your eyes. Wear a hat and wear long sleeves and long legs to prevent pollen from sticking to your hair and body.”
Drawing attention to the importance of drugs in this regard, Sevim said, "If your doctor has prescribed you drugs such as tablets and nasal spray, do not stop these drugs without consulting your doctor when your complaints subside. For an effective treatment, be sure to use your medications regularly for the period recommended by your doctor. he said.