Watch Out for Spring Allergies in These Months

Spring months are the peak season for airborne pollen. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şule Çağlayan Sözmen, Specialist in Pediatric Allergies and Immunological Diseases at Istanbul Okan University Hospital, provided important information about the most common allergic symptoms seen in children and adults during this period and what should be done to protect against allergies. Allergic complaints developing to tree, grass and weed pollen are defined as spring allergy. The pollen season begins from the end of December (such as cypress tree) until the end of August (such as grass pollen). However, the period between late March and June is when airborne pollen concentration is at its highest. During these months, children and adults sensitive to pollen may experience: sneezing, nasal discharge or congestion, itching, redness and watering of the eyes, itching in the throat, mouth, nose and ears, loss of smell, pain in the temples and forehead, fatigue, and rashes in the form of hives (urticaria) on exposed body areas where pollen makes contact. Patients experiencing these complaints during spring should consult a physician for treatment. If the specific pollen to which these individuals are sensitive is identified, allergists for adults and children may recommend "immunotherapy," also known as allergy vaccination.

Ways to Protect Against Spring Allergies

• * You can use jellies that prevent pollen from entering the nose by applying them around the nose.
• * Wear sunglasses that completely cover the eye area to reduce eye contact with pollen.
• * When you return home from outside, change your and your child's clothing and take a shower.
• * Stay indoors as much as possible.
• * Make sure to keep your home windows closed, especially during morning hours.
• * Use a pollen filter in your vehicle.
• * Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner at home and perform cleaning with it.

Definitely Do Not Do These!

• * Avoid activities such as walking on grass or mowing grass.
• * Do not spend excessive time outdoors.
• * Do not keep fresh flowers inside your home.
• * Do not smoke or be in environments where smoking occurs.
• * Do not dry your clothes outdoors. Because pollen can attach to your clothes in open air.
• * If there is a child or adult in your home sensitive to pollen, do not allow animals to enter your home since they can carry pollen from outside into the house.