Cut Allergies Short

It’s a brutal year for sufferers, so if your symptoms just won’t quit, know that you are not alone. Thanks to science, there are new strategies for fast relief.

- Mirel Ketchiff

There’s a whole lot of sniffling and sneezing going on and on... and on! “Because of climate change, temperatures are staying warmer and plants are producing more pollen. Ragweed pollen season is nearly a month longer than it was 20 years ago,” says Dr Sandra Lin, vice director of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Plus, thanks to a rise in air pollution, which can trigger symptoms, people who’ve never had allergies might start getting them now. Fortunately, researchers have discovered some effective new techniques to treat – and even help prevent – that scratchy throat, stuffiness, and irritated eyes.

Get into your leggings

Exercise causes the blood vessels in the nose to shrink, reducing congestion. Your best bet is to work out indoors if you can to avoid stirring up dust and pollen, but if you really prefer to sweat outside, aim for midday. 

“Pollen counts are highest in the morning and at dusk,” Dr Lin says. Taking an antihistamine one hour beforehand and wearing a pollen mask over your mouth and nose can also keep symptoms at bay.

Take a probiotic cocktail