Allergy Mistakes and Cross Reactions
Most spring allergies are caused by pollen. Though pollen is harmless, your body can mistake it for a threat and release histamines. In an attempt to repel the “invader,” histamines cause your eyes, nose and throat to swell, itch and produce mucus.
Even if you know all about pollen, you may not know the best ways to combat it. Avoid these common spring allergy mistakes that can prolong suffering or even make symptoms worse.
Mistake No. 1: Waiting too long to medicate. For best results, allergy medicine should be taken before symptoms begin. Why? Allergy medications stop histamines from triggering a reaction. Symptoms mean histamines have begun to build up, so the medicine has to fight an uphill battle.
Mistake No. 2: Not knowing your triggers. When you start sneezing in the spring, you may assume it’s pollen, but you may also be sensitive to other year-round allergens, such as dust and mold. An allergist can perform a simple skin test that reveals all of the substances making you miserable.
Mistake No. 3: Not coming clean. Take a quick shower in the evening to wash away allergens on your hair and skin so they won’t bother you as you sleep.
Mistake No. 4: Opening the windows. The warm spring breezes are pleasant and refreshing — but jam-packed with pollen. Keep windows in your home and car closed to stop pollen from drifting inside.
Mistake No. 5: Relying on air filters. According to a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, room air cleaners are not effective. Whole-house filtration systems might help, but only if the filters are changed frequently.
As many as 50 percent of people allergic to pollen — particularly pollen from birch trees, grass and ragweed — are also sensitive to some fruits and vegetables, a condition called oral allergy syndrome. In the same way pollen triggers an allergic reaction when inhaled, proteins in some produce can set off a cross-reaction when eaten, causing itching, tingling and swelling in the mouth.
Birch pollen allergy: You may experience a cross-reaction to almonds, apples, carrots, cherries, coriander, fennel, hazelnuts, kiwi fruit, parsley, pears and plums.
Grass pollen allergy: You may cross-react to celery, melons, oranges, peaches and tomatoes.
Ragweed allergy: You may react to bananas and melons.
The good news? Cooking usually destroys the protein responsible for the cross-reaction. Peeling the fruit or vegetable may also help. The key is to know precisely what triggers your pollen reaction, so you know which fruits and vegetables to prepare properly before eating or to avoid altogether.
The biggest mistake is trying to treat allergy symptoms yourself. Your doctor can pinpoint the source of your suffering and recommend treatments that really work.
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