While we all appreciate the longer days, warmer temperatures and sunnier moments that come with spri
Public Group active 3 years, 1 month agoWhile we all appreciate the longer days, warmer temperatures and sunnier moments that come with spring, there is one dreaded downside…
and that is hay fever.Pollen is back and is here to stay, so if you are one of the 25% of Irish people who suffer from allergies, we are here to help.In fact, there are lots of very common allergies in Ireland at this time of year, with symptoms making it difficult and uncomfortable to maintain our normal daily schedules.So, where do allergies come from? Allergies are caused by the body reacting to an allergen as though it is harmful, like the way it would react to an infection.Your body produces a type of antibody to fight off the allergens and one of the chemicals involved in this allergic reaction is called histamine.
Some people are more likely to develop an allergy because it runs in their family and environmental factors also play a part.What are the most common allergens?• Dust mites.• Grass and tree pollens.• Pet hair or skin flakes.• Fungal or statyourself.com mold spores.• Food (particularly milk, eggs, wheat, soya, seafood, fruit and nuts).• Wasp and bee stings.• Certain medication, such as penicillin and aspirin.• Latex.• Household chemicals.How can you prevent allergies, both indoors and outdoors?Regularly clean and dust your houseThe best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen that causes it.This is not always easy.
Allergens such as dust mites or fungal spores can be hard to spot and can breed in even the cleanest house. Vacuum regularly and wipe down any hard surfaces that collect dust with a damp cloth.Limit the amount of space your pets are inIf you live with pets and find that you are reacting more than usual to them as you spend more time indoors, try to set limitations. Keep your bedroom a pet-free zone, wash pet beds and clean out cages regularly, vacuum carpets and rugs to prevent a build-up of allergens, and groom your dogs and cats to reduce shedding.Make sure your home isn’t dampSpores are released from mold when there is a sudden rise in temperature in a moist environment, such as when central heating is turned on in a damp house, or someone dries wet clothes next to a fireplace. Keep your home dry and well ventilated.
When showering or cooking, keep internal doors closed to prevent damp air from spreading through the house and use extractor fans.Monitor your dietMany of us are experimenting in the kitchen of late. Remember to keep an eye on any food allergies people in your household may suffer from and keep these in mind when cooking.
The most common food allergies are caused by crustaceans, dairy and nuts.What is a dust mite allergy?This is a very common allergy that occurs all year round. Dust mites are found all over the house but especially in the bed, as they favour moist, warm conditions. It’s estimated that over two million house dust mites live in a double bed at any one time.
Dust mites cause allergic reactions such as allergic dermatitis and allergic asthma.What are the main symptoms of allergic dermatitis?· Rash.· Itchy skin. What are the main symptoms of allergic asthma?· Wheezing.· Shortness of breath, tightness in chest.· Coughing.· Sneezing.· Itchy, runny nose.How can you prevent dust mite allergies?1.
Encase your mattress in an anti-allergy mattress cover.2. Wash all bedding at over 60 degrees.3. Avoid padded headboards where dust mites can breed.4. Wipe down your bed heads with a damp cloth.What is hay fever?Hay fever is very common in Ireland, with up to 80% of people who have asthma also suffering with this condition.Hay fever, also known as a pollen allergy, is very common and is caused when plants release pollen particles into the air (pollination). Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, so the months that you get hay fever will depend on what sort of pollen(s) you are allergic to.
Typically, people are affected during spring and summer.What are the main symptoms of hay fever? • Runny nose.• Red, itchy eyes.• Watery eyes.• Nasal congestion.• Sneezing.What are the common hay fever triggers?• Tree pollen.• Grass pollen.• Flower pollen.• Fungi spores.• Wood pollen.<div class="art-ins mol-factbox femail" data-version="2" id="mol-8f696a10-a2b6-11eb-9470-b11669d2f4a8" website to tackle different types of spring allergies
Sorry, there was no activity found. Please try a different filter.