Allergy Prevention Week Initiated in Komi Region Commences
As the summer season approaches, many people look forward to warmer weather and outdoor activities. However, for those suffering from allergies, summer can be a challenging time due to the increased presence of allergens in the environment.
Grass pollen, weed pollen, and molds peak during the warmer months, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, and sometimes asthma flare-ups.
To combat these symptoms, prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to allergens and maintaining indoor air quality. Staying indoors during high pollen times, especially on dry, windy days and between 5 am and 9 am when pollen levels are highest, is crucial. Regularly checking local pollen forecasts can help in planning outdoor activities.
Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning with HEPA filters is another effective measure to prevent pollen from entering the home. Upon returning home from the street, taking a shower, changing clothes, rinsing the mouth, and rinsing the nose and eyes are advised to remove pollen from the skin, hair, and clothing.
Regularly washing bedding and vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum can help reduce dust mites and pollen indoors. Limiting indoor plants that harbor mold and wiping down pets after they return from outside are also recommended.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting sufficient sleep, can support the immune system and help manage allergies.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a long-term treatment that reduces the body’s allergic response to specific allergens. AIT involves gradually introducing increasing amounts of the allergen (via injections or sublingual drops/tablets) to desensitize the immune system. This treatment can provide long-term relief and, in some cases, permanent tolerance, reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms and the need for medications.
By combining these preventive measures with targeted treatments like AIT, individuals can significantly reduce the impact of summer allergies on their daily lives. The Ministry of Health recommends consulting a doctor in case of suspected allergy, and timely medical assistance is key to relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
In light of the consistently increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Komi has declared a week of prevention of allergic diseases to raise awareness and promote effective management strategies for allergy sufferers. Experts also recommend installing home systems for air purification and filtration, using special nets on windows to reduce allergic reactions, and performing daily wet cleaning to keep indoor environments clean and allergen-free.
References: [1] Allergy UK. (n.d.). Managing summer allergies. Retrieved from https://www.allergyuk.org/living-with-allergy/seasonal-allergies/summer-allergies [2] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (n.d.). Summer allergy relief. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/seasonal-allergies/summer-allergies [3] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (n.d.). Managing summer allergies. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/managing-summer-allergies/ [4] National Health Service. (n.d.). Hay fever: Preventing hay fever symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/hay-fever-prevention/
- Addressing summer allergies involves more than just avoiding outdoor activities; maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep, supports the immune system and helps manage allergies.
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a long-term treatment that reduces the body’s allergic response to specific allergens, providing long-term relief and, in some cases, permanent tolerance.
- In addition to preventive measures like minimizing pollen exposure, maintaining indoor air quality, and regularly washing bedding and vacuuming, it's advisable to install home systems for air purification and filtration, use special nets on windows, and perform daily wet cleaning to keep indoor environments clean and allergen-free.
- For comprehensive management of summer allergies, experts recommend consulting a doctor for allergy treatment options like AIT, and timely medical assistance is crucial to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
