Avoiding Polynosis Exacerbations: Insights from Allergist-Immunologist Daria Amosova
Conquering Allergy Season: Expert Advice
Gear up, allergy season is here and we've got advice from the top dog at Respiratory and Recovery Center at G.A.U. RS(Y) "Polyclinic 1", none other than Daria Ammosova, a distinguished respiratory expert in Russia and Yakutia. Here's how to sidestep the sneezes and itches.
Escape those Allen-traps
From late May to mid-June, birch and alder trees make their pollen debut. From mid-June to mid-July, meadow grasses such as couch grass, quack grass, oats, and timothy take over. Come mid-July, the pesky weeds like wormwood and purslane kick in, often causing allergic reactions. The downside? This summer's supposed to be a scorcher, which weakens allergy defenses. Minimize contact with allergens by staying indoors, taking prescribed meds, wearing hats and sunglasses, washing up post-outdoor excursions, and don't forget to take a shower. Seal up those windows, especially during the notorious pollen-peak mornings (5-10 AM).
But wait, there's more! Steer clear of so-called cross-reacting foods - they share similar proteins, making that allergy suffer one unhappy camper. Birch allergy sufferers might find themselves reacting to stone fruits (apples, pears, cherries, peaches) and nuts (hazelnuts, almonds), and sometimes even fresh veggies (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes). Meadow grass allergies might cause reactions to cereals, beer, and hops. Weed allergies? Watch out for gourds and sunflower products. Give medicinal herbs like chamomile, thyme, and sage a miss, and be wary with honey.
Guardians of future sneezers
We hate to break it to you, but allergy cases are on the rise worldwide. Breastfeeding is key for infant protection, and for older kids, keep a lid on sweets, soda, chips, and crackers. These bad boys can disrupt gut bacteria and lead to allergic reactions.
Allergies often have genetic roots - if at least one parent has allergies, expect Junior to inherit them too. Usually, it starts with atopic dermatitis in infancy, moving on to allergic rhinitis, and in adolescence, bronchial asthma.
The worst complication? Anaphylactic shock, commonly triggered by medications like local anesthetics, contrast agents, and antibiotics. If you're allergic-prone, be extra cautious with these and always keep medical pros in the loop.
Stay healthy and happy allergy-free season!
Insights:- In addition to pollen and meadow grasses, summer allergens include mold spores and insect stings.- To limit exposure, keep windows closed during high pollen hours, use air purifiers indoors, and shower after outdoor activities to remove pollen.- Avoiding bright colors and scented products outside can help minimize insect stings. Carry epinephrine auto-injectors for severe sting allergies.- Preemptive medication includes non-sedating antihistamines and saline nasal rinses.- For persistent symptoms, consult a pediatrician about allergy testing or immunotherapy options.
- Daria Ammosova, a respiratory expert, advises avoiding birch and alder pollen from late May to mid-June.
- From mid-June to mid-July, one should watch out for meadow grasses like couch grass, quack grass, oats, and timothy.
- Wormwood and purslane, which appear in mid-July, can cause allergic reactions and should be avoided.
- The hot weather in summer weakens allergy defenses, making it difficult to avoid allergens.
- To minimize contact with allergens, individuals should stay indoors, take prescribed medications, wear hats and sunglasses, wash up after outdoor activities, and take a shower.
- During the pollen-peak mornings (5-10 AM), windows should be sealed up to limit exposure.
- Cross-reacting foods, such as stone fruits, nuts, cereals, beer, hops, gourds, sunflower products, chamomile, thyme, sage, and honey, should be avoided by allergy sufferers.
- Allergy cases worldwide are on the rise, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and a healthy diet for infant protection.
- Genetic roots often cause allergies, with atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and bronchial asthma being common progressions.
- Anaphylactic shock, often triggered by medications, can be a complication for allergy-prone individuals.
- To stay allergy-free, one should consider non-sedating antihistamines, saline nasal rinses, air purifiers indoors, and avoiding bright colors and scented products to minimize insect stings. Carrying epinephrine auto-injectors is essential for severe sting allergies. For persistent symptoms, a pediatrician should be consulted about allergy testing or immunotherapy options.
