How It Attacks
1. During a nasal allergy, allergens (dust, mould, pollen, bacteria) enter through the nose
2. The allergens interact with cells inside the nose
3. And then spread in the body through arteries
4. The interaction in the nose causes a discharge of a substance called histamine. This causes sneezing, swelling, nasal congestion and nasal discharge of mucous.
Is Not A Cold
- You can have a fever with a cold, but not with allergies.
- With a nasal allergy you may have itchy eyes and nose, not with a cold.
- Cold symptoms usually last 7-10 days; nasal allergies can linger for months.
- If the symptoms hit at the same time every year, you probably have a nasal allergy.
Myths About Allergies
- Moving fixes it: Not a sure-shot remedy because there are other types of pollen to which you could be sensitive.
- It's in your head: Allergies are real medical conditions that hit the immunesystem. Emotional stress may worsen symptoms.
- Shorthaired pets are better: You are allergic to their saliva, urine or dander, not their hair. Left untreated, they can lead to asthma
- It's untreatable: Several available drugs can control nasal allergies
- Nasal steroids are bad: In prescribed dosages they are effective
10 Tips To Take On The Monster
- A balanced diet improves your body's ability to heal itself
- Drink enough fluids to loosen the secretions in your nose and throat.
- Exercise regularly for better mobility of bronchial and sinus secretions.
- Avoid alcohol and exposure to smoke of any type.
- Avoid chilled drinks, ice-creams, artificially flavoured and coloured food and drink.
- Track your tolerance of perfumes, deodorants, sprays and lotions.
- Keep windows closed in seasons where the pollen and mould counts are high.
- Use dacron- or polyester-stuffed pillows. Feathers, foam, silk-cotton fibre and old pillows are often allergens
- Avoid houseplants (mould in the soil) and pets
- The cleaner you keep your house, the harder it is for mould to grow.
