Springtime is almost here. The days will finally get longer, the sun will shine brighter, and the flowers will start to bloom.
Unfortunately, this also means the start of spring allergies for many people. Symptoms can vary from person to person but often include sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your allergy symptoms naturally, chiropractic care may be a good option for you.
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What are allergies, and what causes them?
We hear every year about seasonal allergies, but what are allergies? Allergies are a common and sometimes frustrating springtime problem.
Pollen, dust, dander, and mold can all irritate the immune system, causing allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses.
Common Types of Spring Allergies
Springtime brings all sorts of allergies, and the symptoms vary from person to person.
Tree and Grass Pollen Allergies
These are common in spring and can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and headaches. Along with grass pollen, the trees start to bloom in spring, so tree pollen is a common spring allergy trigger for many people.
Mold Allergy
Mold grows on trees and plants and other places where there’s moisture, like your bathroom or basement. When spring arrives, the weather warms up, making mold grow more quickly during this season than any other time of year.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments and can be found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains, and furniture. People with dust allergies may experience symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are common, too, and can spark up when spring rolls around. Dogs, cats, rodents, and other animals all release pet dander which is the source of allergy problems for many people. Especially when the weather begins to warm, animals lose their hair, and dander moves more quickly than in the winter. Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and a rash or hives on the skin.
Spring Allergy Symptoms Occur in People of All Ages
Infants
Infants with spring allergies may have a cough, fussiness, or congestion that doesn’t seem to go away. For infants, check with their pediatrician on how to help relieve symptoms. For a stuffy nose, try using saline solution and a bulb to clean the nasal passage.
Children
Children with spring allergies may experience watery eyes and noses, along with sneezing. They also run the risk of developing asthma if left untreated for too long. Children’s immune systems are more susceptible at this stage in life than adults. They may even experience a symptom called hay fever, which is a pollen allergy. You may consider pediatric chiropractic care for your child with allergies.
Adolescents
Adolescents with spring allergies may have trouble concentrating and be more susceptible to viral infections like colds or flu because their immune systems are still developing. This makes it harder for them to deal with allergies than adults who have fully developed immune systems.
Adults
Adults with spring allergies may experience cough, congestion, itchy eyes, or runny noses. Adults can relive their symptoms with various remedies, such as a nasal spray or an oral decongestant.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Some medical professionals may suggest patients participate in allergen immunotherapy. This therapy includes getting allergy shots which can help reduce symptoms. If you are not keen on getting a shot, we have good news: you can relieve and prevent your symptoms naturally. Here are a few ways to relieve bothersome symptoms caused by seasonal allergies.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Visit your local general store and check to see what types of allergy medicines they have. Your local drugstore should have a decongesting nasal spray. Nasal sprays are easy to use and can ease congestion. You can also try oral decongestants, which can provide relief to your stuffy nose.
Clean Your Sinuses
Nasal irrigation is a quick and inexpensive way to clear and clean your nasal passages. Nasal rinses are typically made with a saline solution that rinses out mucus and allergens lingering in your nose. When the pollen count is high in early spring, try a nasal rinse to reduce your nasal congestion.
Keep Your Indoor Air Clean
Outdoor allergies are bothersome, but so are indoor allergens. When managing allergies, try to keep your indoor air clean with these simple tips:
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Utilize the air conditioning in your home if keeping your windows open intensifies your allergies.
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If you have a forced central air system, use high-quality filters and be sure to change them out regularly. Most systems recommend changing the filter every three months or so.
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Use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.
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Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the rooms you use the most. Learn more about HEPA filters and how they can keep your air clean.
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Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Regular vacuum cleaners can allow airborne allergens to stir around in the air.
Reduce Your Exposure to Outdoor Allergens
Seasonal allergies seem to escalate in the spring and summer. That’s when the pollen count tends to be higher. If your allergy symptoms worsen during these times of the year, it’s important to try to reduce your exposure.
Check your local weather station and see what the pollen counts are before enjoying the outdoors. Whether you are managing grass pollen allergy or ragweed, do what you can to lower your exposure and save your sinuses from aggravating allergy symptoms.
Alternative Treatments Including Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic spinal manipulation helps alleviate the symptoms of spring allergies by stimulating the body’s nervous system and allowing it to function at its best without interference from subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae). Research shows that those who receive regular chiropractic care have healthier immune systems overall than those who do not. This is because a healthy nervous system supports proper communication between your brain and your other body parts.
Check with your insurance company to see if your health insurance plan may cover a set amount of visits to the chiropractor.
With spring just around the corner, health care providers are preparing for patients with allergy symptoms. Your local chiropractor is also available to relieve your allergy symptoms. When the spine is aligned, your nervous system can communicate more efficiently to the rest of the body. When your body can communicate better, there is an opportunity for your immune system to work better.
At ADIO Chiropractic, we provide chiropractic care for the whole family. If seasonal allergies have you down, give us a call at (608) 824-0950 or schedule an appointment to see us today.
