Weather allergies - Effective prevention and treatment

Weather allergy is a condition in which the body overreacts to sudden changes in the weather, most commonly occurring at the change of seasons, when the weather turns cold, or when humidity and temperature increase. This is not a life-threatening disease but causes discomfort, reduces the quality of life and if not treated properly can lead to allergic rhinitis, asthma or chronic skin diseases.

Common symptoms include:

Itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose.

Skin rash, hives, dryness or peeling.

Dry cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness (in people with underlying respiratory disease).

Fatigue, insomnia due to prolonged itching.

Causes of weather allergies

Weather allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental factors such as:

• Sudden change in temperature: from hot to cold or vice versa.
• Air humidity: low humidity causes mold and bacteria to grow; dry air causes skin to lose water and become easily irritated.
• Pollen, fine dust, smoke: often flare up when the weather changes seasons.
• Constitutional factors: people with allergies, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis are prone to relapse when the weather changes.

How to prevent weather allergies effectively

To limit weather allergies, you can apply the following measures:

1. Keep your body warm in cold weather

Wear a mask, scarf, gloves and socks to avoid direct exposure to cold wind. Pay special attention to keeping your nose, neck and feet warm.

2. Maintain moisture for skin and air

Use appropriate moisturizer to avoid dry, chapped skin.

Use a humidifier in the room during the dry season.

Drink enough water (1.5 - 2 liters/day) to replenish moisture from within.

3. Limit exposure to allergens

Clean the house, wash bed sheets regularly to remove dust and mold.

Wear a mask when going out to limit dust and pollen.

4. Strengthen resistance

Eat lots of green vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins C and E.

Maintain 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Get enough sleep to help your body fight off allergens.

Treatment of weather allergies

Treatment depends on the severity and symptoms of the disease. Patients should consult a doctor for accurate advice. Some commonly used methods:

• Antihistamines: Help reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose, and rash.
• Nasal spray or eye drops: Relieves nasal congestion and itchy eyes.
• Topical corticosteroids or specialized moisturizers: Used for dry, inflamed, or hives-prone skin.
• Treat the underlying cause: If the patient has allergic rhinitis, asthma needs to be well controlled to avoid recurrence.

Note: Do not use this medication for a long time without a doctor's prescription because it may cause side effects.

When to see a doctor?

Patients should see a doctor if they experience the following conditions:

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness.
• Rash spreads, itching intensely.
• Symptoms last for more than 1 week without improvement.
• Allergies that recur several times a year.

Conclude

Weather allergies are a common disease that can appear at any age, especially during the changing seasons. Active prevention by keeping warm, taking care of the skin, limiting exposure to allergens and strengthening resistance will help significantly reduce the risk of disease. If symptoms persist or are severe, see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid unwanted complications.

Source: https://skr.vn/weather-disease-prevention-and-effective-treatment/