Weather Changes - A major Cause For Allergy Flare-Up

An allergic reaction is an immune response to any foreign object the body views as a threat. Many people suffer chronic allergies and a vast majority of them swear that the weather plays spoilsport in their lives.

A slight change in climate activates a dormant allergen and within moments they are seen sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itching, vomiting or battling severe cramps. The article explains "why" and "how" changing weather patterns affect our health.

Cold Climate
With the onset of the winter season, the image of people coughing uncontrollably, sneezing and tending to a runny nose is a common one. We often mistake the flu-like symptoms to be a cause of cold weather. However, in most cases, it is an allergic reaction to dust. Dust particles attract pollen, mites, insects and mold. It causes allergic symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and itchy skin. If you stay indoors for long periods of time, you continue to expose yourself to the allergy-causing dust particles and hence feel sick and lethargic.

Many insects such as ladybirds and bugs enter houses to seek shelter from the chilly climate. The fluids they release cause allergic reactions in humans.

Warm Temperature
Warm climate is no lesser a culprit than a dip in temperatures. Increased humidity is the cause of summer allergies. As temperatures rise, the capacity of air to hold moisture also increases. A rise in the relative humidity impacts indoor air quality.

Warm temperatures coupled with damp conditions create a perfect breeding ground for mold and other disease-causing bacteria. It also grows in homes where there is a lot of darkness and improper ventilation. Mold is one of the factors responsible for allergies. High home humidity results in chronic cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. There are different indicators of high moisture levels in the house. These include damp spots on ceilings, peeling wall paint, condensation on water pipes, mold growth, wood decay and bad, musty odor.

Spring is another season that brings in warm temperatures. The abundance of flowers increases the amount of airborne pollen. The weather related triggers - mold and pollen also worsen asthma. Asthma sufferers report that their symptoms exacerbate during thunderstorms.

Measures to Minimize Adverse Allergy Symptoms
One can take certain precautions to prevent the onset of or lessen the severity of symptoms. You should keep a record of the substance you are allergic to. It will help you determine if you are sensitive to weather changes or environmental allergens triggered by inclement weather. You should visit your doctor.

 He will guide you on how to manage allergic reactions and symptoms. 

Read the weather forecast daily.

Humidity trapped in the walls and other dark recess can also result in damage to your home. 

Different methods to decrease humidity if the heating and air-conditioning ventilation is not available. This includes improving home ventilation. Open the windows to allow the air to circulate. 

Use exhaust fans in high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Avoid hanging or drying wet clothes in the house.

 Hang them in an open space such as a balcony or on the terrace. One can use swamp coolers and dehumidifiers to decrease the amount of moisture in the air.

Adapted from EzineArticles.com/8184794