What causes seasonal allergies? Know what to do and places to avoid in spring

The arrival of spring in the country brings with it an increase in temperatures, the flowering of plants and the return of migratory animals. However, it also tends to bring negative aspects, as is the case with allergies seasonal .

The change of season causes an increase in the number of people suffering from allergies, causing itching and sneezing during these months. In Chile, around 30% of the population suffers from this pathology in spring .

That is why different experts in the field have given La Tercera some tips to overcome the seasonal allergies that will exist in spring in the country.

In spring, seasonal allergy season begins for thousands of people across the country. A lot, They tend to think that this is only due to oriental bananas that exist in the streets of Chile, and mainly in the capital. Although this tree causes allergies, it is one of the many species and allergens that cause people to suffer during the season.

There are different allergens that affect humans, This will depend on the geographical location in which we find ourselves. . In the case of Santiago, as explained by Dr. Paola Toche, immunologist at Clínica MEDS, some are sensitive to certain grasses also for pollen that comes from trees such as maples, poplars and eastern plane trees, as well as weeds.

Regarding the duration of seasonal allergies, several specialists told La Tercera that It is mainly concentrated between September and November which it’s him peak pollen . But Dr. Toche added that many people start experiencing allergic rhinitis in August, especially those who are sensitive to certain grasses.

Furthermore, the weed pollen could spread, due to climate change, until March, April and even May .

Although it depends on the type of allergy In general, the otolaryngologist at Clínica Bupa, Stella Rodríguez, gave some advice to La Tercera:

• Try to be in as clean a place as possible.
• That there is no dust on the construction site.
• Be careful where you sleep. Avoid rugs under the bed, objects accumulated on the nightstand and animals nearby.
• Prefer sites that can be cleaned frequently.

Examedi’s medical advisor, Benjamín Pizarro, added that Exposure to pollen release schedules should be avoided which occurs at midday, when there is more sunlight and high temperatures.

Furthermore, there are over a million allergens so in case of doubt people can identify it There are certain tests, such as serology or skin tests. .

If you suffer from allergens in spring, Benjamín Pizarro pointed out that allergies are classified as mild, moderate and severe. The first one are allergic rhinitis , or with itching in the eyes, nose and mucus. In these cases, it is first of all identify what caused it and avoid exposure to it as much as possible .

Have symptomatic care, you can take an antihistamine or intranasal corticosteroid and in moderate cases oral corticosteroids always under the doctor’s indication because they can have undesirable effects.

In the serious cases such as anaphylaxis, symptoms may include enlargement, rash, angioedema (swelling) which may make it difficult to breathe, and in more severe cases, cause cardiorespiratory arrest .

Given this, Pizarro points out that You should stop exposure to the allergen and go to a health center immediately. where advanced support measures are applied.

Seasonal allergies and colds have similar symptoms, which can confuse spring pollen sufferers. Dr. Rodríguez gave some tips to differentiate.

“Colds are caused by viruses. Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens. which is very common with the arrival of spring and the flowering of the trees.

• Cough : With a cold this normally happens, but due to allergies it sometimes happens.
• Body pain : usually with a cold, but never with allergies.
• Headache : usually in cold weather and sometimes occurs due to allergies.
• Itchy eyes : occasionally during a cold, and due to allergies, this normally occurs.
• Nasal congestion and sneezing : This normally happens with colds and allergies.
• Fever : May occur occasionally during a cold, but never due to allergies.
• Decreased sense of smell : This rarely happens due to a cold, but it normally occurs due to allergies.