Allergy season is upon us – and you can do something about it
We don't have to dread allergy seasons any more - pharmacist to the rescue.
What’s more fun than celebrating spring in Springs? Spring comes with many wonderful things such as the famous spring day where children and adults go into the streets and splash each other with water, but not all of us get excited about its arrival.
As we await the much-anticipated season to usher us out of winter, many dread its arrival due to allergies.
Most people suffer from common allergies like sinusitis and hay fever and have started to prepare and stock up on humidifiers and allergy medication.
But there are allergies that are unique to Springs and its immediate surrounding environment.
The Springs Advertiser spoke to local pharmacist Bradley Reddy about allergies unique to the town and how to prepare for and deal with them.
“We ultimately do not want to fall ill. It is a good idea to continuously take immune boosters – this will most likely prevent secondary viral or bacterial infections,” he said.
It is important to understand what an allergy is.
Also read: Peanut allergy symptoms and treatment
Reddy explained that an allergic reaction is your body’s auto-immune response to allergens found in and around us.
These allergens could be spread because of climate or seasonal change and our bodies react to them accordingly.
Take note of what triggers your allergy and how it presents itself. Reddy touched on the more common allergies such as rhinitis which are nasal allergies and seasonal asthma caused by the dry and windy months here in Springs.
Other allergies can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen in the air. Other common allergies to look out for are eczema and psoriasis.
These present themselves as the drying or irritation of the skin, especially during the winter months.
”Not too long ago there was a lot of news and literature that suggested there were high levels of sulphur in our air. That would result in a lot of patients reacting towards that. Our air quality could be better, but it is quite compromised. You find that most of the allergies that come to the pharmacy are those with allergic rhinitis,” said Reddy.
Also read: Steam your home to a more hygienic and allergy-free space
It’s not all gloom and doom because there is something you can do about it.
Medications designed to help prevent certain allergy reactions are available over the counter or with a prescription at the pharmacy.
Antihistamines and saline nasal sprays are some of the treatments given to patients who suffer from mild to severe allergic reactions.
Reddy also spoke about allergies that are unique to Springs, due to being a mining and industrial town.
“With veld fires around the area and people who live in informal settlements using fire during the winter months to keep themselves warm, you find patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma suffer worst during these months – because of the air quality,” he said.
It is important to take precautions during times when your immune system is compromised and to take steps to prevent the sickness from overtaking your body rather than treat it.
Visit your local pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist for solutions best catered for you.
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