AAAAAA....allergies!

Allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system against external substances that it interprets as harmful, even if they aren’t. These substances are called allergens. 

One of the most common allergies is pollen allergy. According to the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, there are approximately eight million people in Spain who suffer pollen allergy. But due to climate change, that number is expected to increase in the next years. Warm winters, less rain and early springs have made pollen allergy something less typical of spring months. Why? Because now, allergies tend to start in February and end in autumn, making it almost perennial. 

There are many types of plant species that produce allergy-susceptible pollen: Trees such as ash, birch, olive, etc., some bushes like ribwort plantain or mugwort and, lastly, grasses. The latter is a family of plants whose pollen is highly allergenic. There are more than 700 different genres and 12 000 different species. Some examples of grasses are wheat, rye, oat and many species that are considered as weeds and that grow at the sides of paths and roads. 

The most common symptoms of pollen allergy are: rhinitis, sneezes, itchy eyes and nose, red and watering eyes or cough. These symptoms are troublesome and can affect the everyday life of affected patients, their quality of sleep and focusing capacity. 

Some tips to stop allergy 

• Knowing which type or types of pollens you are allergic to, so you know when and where the presence of said pollens is higher.  There are some websites and App where you can check pollen levels depending on the type or tree or plant. Don’t hesitate to check it out!
• Stay inside when pollen concentration is high and when it’s windy. The critical hours are between 6-10 in the morning (as it is the period of time when pollen is emitted), and between 7-10 in the evening (when pollen descends due to air cooling down). Keep your windows closed during those hours. In case of going out when the pollen concentration is high, you should wear sunglasses. Wearing a mask can help you too, so the contact with pollen particles is reduced. 
• When traveling by car, always keep the windows shut. 
• Avoid doing activities that stir pollen up, such as mowing the lawn. 
• Pollen particle can also stick to clothes, so avoid drying your clothes outside at least when pollen count is high. Don’t forget to change your clothes and shower when you get home. 

Nature’s help

There are some plants that have been traditionally used, due to its anti-allergic properties, since they soothe cough, itchiness, etc. 

• Black currant: it is composed of many anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory substances that prevents the release of histamine. The traditional use consists in rubbing the leaves of the plant on the insect bite to soothe pain and inflammation. In addition, it is diuretic and purifying. 
• Plantain: Some compounds of this plant help avoid the formation of substances involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. It also contains mucilage, which calm cough and irritation of the respiratory mucosa.

Thyme: the essential oils of thyme grant this plant many of its helpful properties in case of allergies. Among them, thyme is a respiratory antiseptic, antitussive and expectorant