Getty ImagesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowSpring came early this year and for all its scenic merits—sunny days, blue skies, tree blossoms—this byproduct of climate change has prompted the onset of severe seasonal allergies. For many, this is the worst year for hay fever yet: According to a recent report by the National Wildlife Federation, a whopping 25 million Americans are reported allergy sufferers and account for 32 billion dollars in lost work days and medical debt. Thankfully, there are measures you can take to keep itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, and/or headaches from getting the better of you.
More From ELLESYMPTOMS
The first step in conquering outdoor allergies is correctly identifying them. Nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, share a lot of the same symptoms as the common cold and all too often sufferers incorrectly self-diagnose. This leads to the use of ineffective medications or worse, ignoring the problem in the hopes that symptoms will subside overtime. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are indicators that can help you decipher allergies from a cold. Colds are viral infections precipitated by the spread of germs from one individual to another, whereas itchy allergies relate to the inflammation of nasal passages and airways following direct contact with foreign particles, such as dust or pollen. Allergy sufferers and cold patients both experience coughing, sneezing, and sinus headaches (throbbing pressure in the front of the forehead), but cold sufferers may also have pain in the teeth and body, as well as fever temperatures. Thick, yellow mucus from the nose and throat is also common amongst cold sufferers versus the thin, clear fluid associated with nasal allergies.
The most significant difference between colds and allergies is how they develop. Colds typically progress slowly over the course of several days, and have a brief lifespan of 10 days, at most. Allergies are activated within hours of exposure to grass and tree pollens (e.g. ragweed) and subside when these factors are removed. These conditions also occur en mass at totally different times of the year. "Colds are common during the winter months, whereas peak allergy seasons are the fall and spring," says Christopher Randolph, MD, Yale University allergy and immunology specialist. "Keep in mind what's going on around you. If everything's growing and getting blown around in the air, you are likely dealing with outdoor allergies."
TRIGGERS
There are a number of triggers for this year's outbreak of allergies, and a few that may surprise you. Some scientists point to global climate change as a direct a link to the number of people suffering this season: Randolph says that the advance of spring-like temperatures led to an earlier pollination of plants and trees and thus, more allergens in the air (in this month alone, specialists at Connecticut's Waterbury Hospital found pollen count ratios to be the highest of the decade).
Those living in urban areas are more prone to outdoor allergies this time of year as well. In addition to pollen, air contaminants found in heavily trafficked areas—think sulfur dioxide in car exhaust and ozone from factories—further inhibit lung and nasal passage function. "If you live within 500 meters of a city interstate, your asthma and allergies are going to be exacerbated," says Randolph.
Recent studies also show that the varying degree of allergic reactions may be traced back to stress levels. In a study done by scientists at Ohio State University College of Medicine, subjects receiving allergen prick tests had greater reactions after doing stressful activities (speaking before a panel, solving math questions in their heads, etc.). It was determined that stress is somehow related to the immune system and when these emotional receptors are triggered in the brain, the body's defenses against histamine (the protein in allergens that causes nasal inflammation) are hindered.
TREATMENT
Stay Indoors. As tempting as that jog in the park is, severe outdoor allergies are best combated by staying inside. "While I'm an advocate of regular exercise, this is one case where I think it's far more important to stay indoors—stick to the gym if you need to," says Randolph. If your allergies are tolerable and you're outside for an extended period of time, shower and change clothes as soon as you're home.
Hit the Pharmacy. Various over-the-counter medicine can lessen the effects of allergies; it's just a matter of knowing which remedy to buy. Medications containing loratadine, such as Alavert and Claritin-D are considered to be effective antihistamines and are regarded for their non-sedative properties. Another powerful antihistamine: cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec, which until 2008 was prescription-only.
Look out for medicines whose primary ingredient is pseudoephedrine, however. This decongestant (found in most nasal sprays), as well as phenylephrine, triggers a nervous system response in order to decrease blood flow to affected areas like the eyes, nose and throat. Much like caffeine consumption, users are prone to "rebound" within hours of intake and experience sluggishness. These drugs also become less effective with prolonged usage. And, if itchy eyes are your enemy, go for antihistamine eye drops containing olopatadine (like Patanol).
Eat Right. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA (found in salmon), as well as the flavonoid phytochemical quercetin (red berries, onions, garlic and apples), are shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help build up antihistimine in the body. Dairy products containing L-92, a probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain, ease certain tree pollen allergies as well. Alternately, aged cheeses, processed meats, and wine contain histamine triggers and should be avoided.
See a Professional. Seeking the help and advice of a board-certified allergist is your best bet. If your allergies worsen, a doctor may run blood and skin prick tests to trace the source of your suffering. For prolonged allergy suffering, he or she may prescribe immunotherapy with weekly shots.
QUICK FIXES
The best cure for allergies is through prevention and treatment, but you can definitely keep from announcing your condition to the world. Should itchy eyes act up, rinse the affected area with cool water. Stick to waterproof mascara and steer clear of potentially irritating liners. Instead, opt for green on the lids to neutralize the appearance of eye redness, and do a bright lip to distract from swollen eyes. To soothe irritated areas around the nose, use a skin salve like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant or a redness-reducing cream like First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum.