How Pollen Allergies Work and How to Fight Them

Plants are essential to life on Earth, and many plants reproduce by dispersing a fine powdery substance known as pollen throughout the air when the time has come to reproduce. While this process is necessary for the existence of much of the food web upon which we rely to sustain life, pollen can also pose problems for humans.
Unfortunately, pollen is not just a vehicle for reproducing plant life. It is also a very common allergen that triggers seasonal episodes known as allergic rhinitis or, colloquially, hay fever. Luckily, there are ways to fight back against pollen-induced allergies that will stop your sneezing in no time.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a fairly common seasonal allergy that impacts between 10 and 30 percent of the world’s population. Symptoms can range from mildly irritating to severe, so pollen is definitely something you don’t want invading your living space.
Some of the most common symptoms aggravated by pollen include sneezing, congestion, irritation of the sinuses, coughing, wheezing, fatigue and, naturally, irritability. Pollen-induced allergies can also lead to difficulty sleeping, headaches, pain, insomnia, and if left unchecked the development of allergic respiratory diseases like asthma.Fighting Back Against Pollen Allergies
Fortunately, you can manage your pollen allergies relatively easily. It’s wise to begin taking over the counter allergy medication as pollen season approaches, but you can also keep your indoor environments isolated from the outdoors by keeping windows closed, regularly cleaning, and maintaining good ventilation systems. When outside, you can wear sunglasses to minimize eye contact with pollen and, if your symptoms are really severe, you can even employ a breathing mask.
Regularly deep cleaning your living environment will ensure that any stray pollen that does manage to make it indoors won’t affect you. Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping your floors is an essential part of managing allergens in your home. You’ll also want to regularly bathe any pets, leave your shoes close to the door, and quickly shower and change your clothes upon returning home.
But the best method to improve indoor air quality and reduce pollen triggers at home by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
Air purifiers are a major game changer for those of us who suffer from allergies, pollen-induced and otherwise. Systems like the Hösh air purifier employ HEPA filters that capture more than 99 percent of contaminants in the air, reducing allergic reactions and minimizing the odds that your health will be impacted in the long run. Hösh runs quietly in a sleek, modern exterior, and also kills harmful bacteria and viruses with medical grade UV lights.
Hösh is building a cleaner atmosphere one home at a time. Breathe easier knowing that your home is one of them!
