Finding Seasonal Allergy Relief

Many people look forward to the nice weather that comes with spring. Likewise, many dread seeing flowers beginning to blossom because they know red, watery eyes and runny nose are about to become the norm.

Millions of people suffer from these seasonal allergies, which are triggered by airborne pollen. Studies show that this number is only going to continue rising due to the changing climate.¹

The symptoms that appear during allergy season are the body’s immune response to pollen exposure. During the spring, flowers begin to blossom, which leads to a much higher pollen count in the air.

Allergy symptoms that appear with changing seasons are typically referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for these allergies. At best, you can reduce their symptoms. Highlighted below is an overview of some of the reasons why people suffer from allergies during certain seasons and how to effectively minimize the symptoms that allergy season brings.

Why Do People Get Seasonal Allergies?

During warmer months, many plants begin to release what is known as pollen, a plant’s sperm cells. These then travel through the air and eventually land on another plant in order to fertilize it. The problem is that during these months, pollen doesn’t always land on other plants, creating a higher pollen count in the air.2

When the pollen count is high, there is a lot of pollen in the air. Therefore, anyone who is allergic to pollen is likely to experience allergy symptoms because pollen becomes trapped in the nose while breathing.

Due to ongoing climate change, flowering plants now produce pollen earlier, and seasons last longer.³ Therefore, more pollen is produced throughout warmer seasons, which may lead to more severe or prolonged allergy symptoms.

Will Seasonal Allergies Ever Go Away?

There is still much to learn about seasonal allergies. It’s not known why certain people have them and certain people don’t. However, having a parent who suffers from seasonal allergies makes it much more likely that you will also experience them.

There have also been studies that show that there are specific genes that are likely to contribute to seasonal allergies, but more research is required.⁴

However, while you might suffer from seasonal allergies at a certain point in your life, your immune system’s response to these allergens can weaken over time. In fact, you might notice that you don’t experience any symptoms at all at some point. The allergies can come and go, but researchers are still unsure of why.

Seasonal Allergy Relief

Remedying seasonal allergies can be difficult considering that it is not entirely known why certain individuals develop seasonal allergies in the first place. So, first and foremost, communicate with your doctor to figure out the best course of action.

However, there are plenty of remedies that you can try. These can be used as a complement to the plan you have established with your physician.

Allergy Shots

One of the most effective options that you could opt for in order to find seasonal allergy relief are allergy shots. These are typically better for those who suffer from severe allergy symptoms or who might already have specific respiratory problems.

An allergy shot introduces a small quantity of pollen into your body to help build up your immune system’s response to it. This will allow your body to build up a tolerance and help you deal with the increased pollen count.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is another effective way to find some seasonal allergy symptom relief. For instance, peppermint essential oil is great for remedying some seasonal allergy symptoms.

The reason peppermint oil is so effective is because of the cooling effects it can provide, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation throughout your sinuses and throat.

Another good option would be a combination of ravensara, frankincense, and sandalwood essential oils, as this has shown to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality in individuals who suffer from perennial allergic rhinitis.⁵

Eucalyptus oil is another essential oil that has shown to help with various seasonal allergy symptoms, such as by opening up the sinuses. This oil also contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Therefore, it can reduce inflammation that one might experience when exposed to the allergen.

Studies have shown that eucalyptus oil was an effective remedy for those who suffered from upper respiratory infections.⁶

To experience the benefits of aromatherapy, try using a few drops of one of the essential oils mentioned above in a bath, in a room diffuser, or in a personal diffuser like Relieve. Remember: breathe gently into your mouth and out through your nose. MONQ should not be inhaled into the lungs.

Final Thoughts

While the verdict is still out on why people suffer from seasonal allergies, there are ways to remedy the symptoms. The trick is finding something that works for you. By discussing available options with your doctor, you should be able to find something fitting.

Having said that, essential oils and aromatherapy can have a tremendous impact on your ability to minimize the symptoms of seasonal allergies. While you might not be able to cure allergies, you can do your best to limit their impact on your quality of life.

Photo credits: AfricaStudio/shutterstock.com, DraganaGordic/shutterstock.com