Your Month-By-Month Allergy Guide

Contributed by – Healthians Team

People suffering from allergies, which can be at any time of the year, often wonder when they will get a relief. Those who fall victim to seasonal allergies like spring allergies, fall allergies, or winter allergies might get some relief during their off seasons. But for people who experience allergy symptoms all year-round, it’s a constant scuffle with different allergens all through the year. Increasing pollution only adds to this battle.

The most common allergy symptoms that trouble people are:

• Cough
• Running nose
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Sneezing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Watery eyes

Here, we have created a month-by-month allergy guide with tips to help you fight your allergies better.

JANUARY

The start of the year! It is winter time and people tend to spend most of the times indoor; making them prone to indoor allergens like house dust. Exposure to winter clothes or blankets can make things difficult.

Tip: For house dust, regular use of vacuum cleaner is the best solution and for allergy to winter clothes always remember to sun them before using. Avoid early morning walks also if you live in North India.

FEBRUARY

Winter season continues and people face similar risk factors as in January. House dust and winter wear can continue to trouble most people.

Tip: Regular vacuuming, ventilation and sunning your winter wear are the best solutions.

MARCH

With a transition of winter season into spring, pollen becomes a major issue. Spring allergies from tree pollen, pollen from weeds and grasses may also be an issue if the spring comes early. This can also trigger asthma and respiratory issues.

Tip: If you are prone to pollen allergies, then try avoiding getting exposed to pollens. Use of a mask when outdoors and proper cleaning of your house and pets (if you have any) will help.

APRIL

April is a season of nurturing of pollen production for many trees, grasses, and weeds, which is a worrisome for people suffering from pollen allergies. Asthma and respiratory issues can trouble people.

Tip: Try keeping the windows closed to avoid letting the airborne allergens into the home or car. Whenever outdoors, use a mask. Proper ventilation of your room is important. If possible, switch on your air conditioner to help clean the air.

MAY

Pollen allergies continue trouble many. In addition to that insects also become a cause of concern.

Tip: Try keeping the doors and windows closed to avoid letting the pollens and insects into your home.

JUNE

June marks the beginning of monsoon in most part of the country.  We experience a mix of drop in temperatures and rain. Threat from mosquitoes and insect bites also increase. Dust levels are high also.

Tip: Take off the shoes at the door; change your clothes as soon as you get inside. It is advisable to take a shower before going to sleep. All these measures will keep you safe from dust allergies.

JULY

The Rainy season is here! The spring allergies are gone, but it marks the growth of fungus and mold spores and seeds causing respiratory allergies.

Tip: Regularly check your bathroom, kitchen and basements for any collected moisture or leaks. Use of air conditioners is advisable to fight moisture as well as dust simultaneously.

AUGUST

Mold levels are at their peak, due to the hot, humid weather. Apart from this, it is also the breeding season for mosquitoes. This leads to an increase in malaria and dengue cases.

Tip: Wear fully-covered cotton clothes and apply mosquito repellents. Avoid standing water in kitchen, bathroom, backyard etc.

SEPTEMBER

The sneeze season is here and to stay. Weed pollens are the major threat to allergy sufferers in September, and it reaches its peak in the middle of the month.

Tip: Regularly check your bathroom, kitchen and basements for any moisture or leaks. Avoid any outdoor activity when pollen counts are high, keep doors and windows closed and turn your air conditioners.

OCTOBER

The winter season is approaching and if you’re a seasonal-sneezer, then October could be challenging. Respiratory disorders, asthma and COPD cases are at their peak. Hay fever suffers also have a difficult time.

Tip: It is advisable to keep a track any dampness or leakage in the house. Proper ventilation is important. Since winters are fast approaching, include Vitamin C in your diet for a stronger immune system.

NOVEMBER

The temperatures drop in most parts of the country. The cold and dry air can trigger allergies. Also, pet lovers can have a difficult time during winters.  Cases of cold and fever are on a high and so are cases of Asthma cases.

Tip: Keep your house and pet clean. Sun your winter wears and blankets before use. Add amla and citrus fruit to your diet.

DECEMBER

At this time of the month, indoor allergies from house dust and dry air because of the use of heaters are a point of concern. Fog and pollution levels are also very high especially in north India.

Tip: For indoor allergies, regularly dust your house and keeping it clean. Remember to sun your winter clothes before using them as they were packed for over 6 months. If necessary, use a mask for outdoor activities.

Fight Allergy the correct way

Though we all have heard and tried of many age-old formulas to deal with allergies, a proper test to identify the true trigger is important.