The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and spring is it the air! It's awful, isn't it? If you're one of the millions of Americans who have allergies to pollen and other plant or tree-based material, you understand. Spring would be so nice if it weren't for all the sneezing, the runny nose, and puffy eyes that come with the season. The reality is that for many who suffer from seasonal allergies, it is hard to find anywhere that you're safe from the symptoms of hay fever. Many even suffer at home, the one place where being symptom-free would most benefit their quality of life.
What Causes Hay Fever?
Hay fever is caused by a process called sensitization. Sensitization is when your body decides that something harmless (in this case pollen) is dangerous. Your body responds in the same way it would to something genuinely harmful. Your eyes start watering and nose starts running to flush out the pollen, and some tissues) especially in your nose and around your eyes) become inflamed as your immune system tries to fight back. All of this translates into a whole lot of misery when pollen is in the air.
Where Can I Find Relief?
Many allergy sufferers turn to modern medicine for relief. This is a good option for many, but some find the side-effects outweigh the benefits of these medications. So is there relief for those who choose not to pharmaceuticals? Indoors, at least, the answer is yes!
Thanks to advances in air filtration and climate control technology, it is now possible to dramatically cut irritating allergens indoors. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends that allergy sufferers start by cleaning thoroughly to remove irritants that have settled into carpets or on other surfaces, and then improve indoor air quality through filtration and lowering indoor humidity levels. Modern filtration systems improve air circulation by bringing in all that fresh outdoor air, but not until after they've scrubbed it of all that nasty pollen. This means that you can enjoy the fresh air without getting a nose full of misery. As an added bonus, home systems can be equipped for humidity control which can cut down on allergy-causing mold and fungus.
You may not be able to do much about your seasonal allergies when you're out and about, but do yourself a favor and make your home a sanctuary. Look into getting yourself a quality home air purification system, and become free of that runny nose and red eyes.
Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, website content and more.
For home air purification and other air quality systems in Utah, contact GNL Heating and Cooling.
