Allergies are something that is “seasonal” and do not affect them all year, or some years might be worse than others. You might be asking yourself, “Why are my allergies so bad right now?”. Well, there are quite a few reasons why your allergies are not playing fair.
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Table of Contents
The Seasons – Making Allergies Worse
There are many types of allergens present in each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), so of course, as the seasons change, your allergies may start to get worse. Those with pollen allergies may find that Spring and Summer can bring allergic misery. For those with a mold allergy, Fall and Winter might be the peak of your symptoms.
Current Health Status Matters
Your current health status to include your immune system and whether or not you have other allergies, may affect why your allergies are so bad right now.
Your immune system is the powerhouse for handling your allergic response. if your immune system is not in tip-top shape due to a cold or other allergens, your system cannot keep up. The result? Hyperactive allergies. Here is a more in-depth example.
Overloaded Immune System Example
Say you are allergic to pollen, dogs, and cats. You take your dog for a walk (in this scenario, you can’t live without a dog, regardless of the allergy), your allergy “baseline” is slightly elevated because of your dog. Your walk outside in the pollen elevates your symptoms above baseline even further, and you are starting to feel it.
During this wonderful walk, you see a cat that you cannot resist petting (you and your dog both love cats), but now, because of your cat allergy, your immune system has had enough and is overloaded. A healthy immune system can help your body from getting overloaded with allergens.
Location, Location, Location
Location can play a major role in how bad your allergies are right now. For example, if you are allergic to pine trees and live in the southeastern United States, Spring will hit you like a wrecking ball because pine trees are everywhere in the Southeast. Those of us with grass allergies, Kansas is going to be the worst state to be in during the grass pollen season (late spring) because Kansas is the current grass allergy champion location.
Your Home Environment Might be Why Allergies are so bad
The home environment can play a MAJOR role in why your allergies are so bad right now. Your home should be your “safe place” from allergens, but sometimes we unknowingly “contaminate” our home environment.
The biggest home environment no-nos for seasonal allergy sufferers are open windows and a lack of showering.
Windows let in Allergens
Opening windows and doors sounds nice in theory, but not for allergy sufferers. When you open a window or door for a fresh, cool breeze, you are letting in allergens. Pollen is much smaller than the mesh on your screens and blows right into your home.
Frequent Showers
Showering can drastically lower your allergy levels in your home. You will need to become strategic with your showers to improve your home environment. For example, if you have been working in the garden all day, you are going to want to shower when you go inside.
By changing your clothes and showering, you are removing the allergens from your body and preventing the pollen from spreading throughout the house.
Lessening Your Elevated Allergy Symptoms
With your allergies being so bad right now, you are going to want to fight back against the allergens! Here are some heavy-hitting changes that may help your situation.
Avoid the Allergen
Avoiding allergens is the most effective way to stop your symptoms. I know, it is easier said than done. Being mindful of what you are allergic to will help. If you are allergic to dogs, don’t ask, “Can I pet that dog?” (avoidance).
Immune boosting may help
Building good, immune-boosting habits can help keep your immune system up and running. Here are some healthy habits according to the CDC:
- Avoid too much alcohol
- Be physically active
- Eat well
- Get enough sleep
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
Change locations
The types and concentration of allergens vary throughout the world. Research where your type of allergy is the best and the worst. If you live in an area where your allergies are at their worst, consider moving to an area where your allergens are considerably lower.
Check out the list of 39 Worst States to Live in with Seasonal Allergies.
Adjust your home environment
The best allergy-preventing change that worked for me was changing my environment. By creating a home sanctuary, I can eliminate the allergens and give my body rest and recovery. Here are a few pointers to remove allergens from the home:
- Clean – Dust, mop, and vacuum
- Air Purifying – Invest in a HEPA filter
- Showering – Removes allergens from the body
- Closing windows – Prevent allergens from entering
Consider Antihistamines
Antihistamines, whether natural or synthetic, work by lowering the histamine (allergic response) levels in your body, which lowers your symptoms. I don’t like to take antihistamines if I can avoid it, but sometimes my allergies are just too bad. Antihistamines can be a good choice to complement the other prevention measures. Talk to your doctor first and see what is right for you.
Conclusion on Why Your Allergies Are So Bad
The reasons your allergies are so bad right now can vary. It may be the time of year, where you live, or even your current health levels. Hopefully, you will be able to incorporate some of the discussed prevention measures to get you back into the swing of things!
Don’t forget to check out the worst states to live in with allergies, as well as Pollen Allergy: Navigating the Seasons of Discomfort.