Watch Out for Allergies During Seasonal Transitions

Ferah Ece, Chest Diseases Specialist at Liv Hospital, shared important information regarding increased risk of illness in spring due to seasonal transitions and temperature fluctuations. Ece noted that pollens, which predominantly emerge during seasonal transitions, cause allergies, and stated: "It is very important that people with allergic conditions and asthma patients use their medications regularly during this period. They should never stop taking their medications by saying 'I feel fine.'"

Seasonal Allergies Can Progress to Asthma in 30 Percent of Cases

Allergens enter the body through inhalation, ingestion (in the form of foods and medications), contact through skin or mucous membranes, or by injection. Allergic reactions have many types and can occur in different parts of the body. Depending on the affected system, they cause hives on the skin, redness in the eyes, itching in the nose, congestion, discharge, breathing difficulty and cough. Seasonal allergies typically start in the upper respiratory tract and over time affect the lower respiratory tract as well, causing asthma attacks. The fact that 30 percent of seasonal allergies progress to asthma demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis in allergies. There are many factors that trigger allergies. The most common among these are: tree pollens, house dust mites, pet hair, and cockroaches. The most basic measure to take against allergies is to avoid allergen exposure.

Important Recommendations for Protection Against House Dust Mites

• All dust-collecting items should be removed from the bedroom. Carpets should be taken up, and books, decorative items, and plush accessories should be stored.
• All bed sheets, bedding, and pillowcases should be washed at least once a week at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius.
• Heavy curtains should be replaced with lightweight, washable ones.
• If there are pets, they should not be allowed to enter bedrooms.
• The home environment should not be humid.
• Home and car air conditioner filters should be cleaned regularly.
• During seasons with high pollen counts, care should be taken to avoid going outdoors in the morning hours.
• People allergic to grass pollen should not mow the lawn or be present in the area while it is being mowed.
• To reduce the risk of pollen buildup, clothes and laundry should not be dried outdoors during pollen season.
• When buying or replacing an automobile, models with pollen-catching air filters should be preferred. The pollen filter in automobiles should be serviced regularly.
• In the evenings upon arriving home, clothes should be changed and a shower should be taken.