DEALING WITH SPRING ALLERGIES

Who doesn't love springtime? The sun reappears, melting the snow and warming each day in its cheery glow. Days grow longer. Trees begin to sprout buds, and flowers start to poke out of gardens.

Before long, many folks begin sniffling, sneezing and wheezing. Spring has arrived, along with spring allergies.

WHAT CAUSES SPRING ALLERGIES?

Spring allergies may be caused by allergic reactions to many things in the environment. Allergens may arise indoors or outside. The most common offenders for spring allergies are mold, dust and pollen.

Mold may appear wherever excessive moisture is present, and the spring thaw offers an ideal habitat for it. Many people are allergic to molds and fungi. (Some of these individuals also react negatively to mushrooms, which are a form of fungus.) As the snow melts and spring rains soak the landscape, mold can make folks miserable.

Of course, mold allergies may emerge at any time of year, if susceptible individuals encounter mold. Often, damp and dark places (such as basements, garages, forests and even caves) pose allergy hazards to such folks.

Dust allergies also may wreak havoc on particularly sensitive people all year round, whenever they encounter dusty or linty environments. However, as the spring winds pick up and begin to dry out the wet ground, the air may become filled with particles and foreign matter. Breathing dusty air can cause allergic reactions in spring allergy sufferers. Sneezing, coughing, and stuffy heads may result.

In fact, even folks without actual allergies may suffer in dusty conditions.

Pollen allergies peak during the spring months. After the long winter, when leafless trees and the barren ground have yielded no visible foliage or flowers, the spring brings a change. Trees begin to bear leaves and prepare to produce fruit, plants emerge from garden beds, and lawns start to grow grass again. Spring allergy sufferers may react to any or all of these various forms of vegetation.

CAN SPRING ALLERGIES BE PREVENTED?

People with spring allergies can take certain steps to minimize their seasonal impact and suffering.

First, the impact of spring allergies can be minimized, if allergic individuals limit their exposure to mold, dust, pollen or whatever is affecting them. Keeping car and home windows closed during peak times can make a giant difference. Maintaining a dust- and mold-free home, as much as possible, is important too. Air purifying systems

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