Spring is in the air, and as such allergies are reaching a peak. Our year-round growing season here in Arizona means that there are more pollen sources available to enact allergy reactions. Pollution is also common, and mold spores can lead to asthma symptoms when inhaled through breathing. This article will discuss how you might best stay healthy during the spring and summer months, which tend to be our peak allergy seasons here in the valley of the sun.
Arizona allergens in the air
The air is dry and dusty in Arizona, which can be a problem for residents with allergies. Phoenix area residents sometimes experience severe dust storms called “dust devils” during our monsoon season because of the lack of rain to soak up some desert sand. Air pollution also becomes an issue at times due to its location being surrounded by mountains that trap pollutants from leaving.
In recent years dust storms and dust devils have been on the rise in Phoenix. For those with allergies, this is never good news! Desert dirt affects respiratory systems causing coughing, wheezing and watery itchy eyes. Air pollution can also be a problem because of our location that makes pollutants hang around for long periods of time.
Desert plants have pollen too!
Desert plants can create havoc for Arizona Allergy sufferers. For most of us, when we think about allergies, we think about blooming plants, grasses, and climates with lush landscapes. However, many people don’t realize that desert plants have pollen too.
Arizona is known for its dry climate and, unfortunately, that may be the root of your allergy problems. Allergy sufferers in Arizona are faced with a special challenge. We enjoy over 10,000 species of plants in the Sonoran Desert, many of which release pollen at all times of year making them difficult to identify and avoid.
Will Moving to Phoenix Help Clear Up My Allergies?
While many believe that moving to Arizona can help them avoid allergens, Arizona’s climate is ripe for creating large amounts of dust that can get on your clothes, in your home, and in your eyes and nose. As we know, there is dust everywhere! As natives know, between the months of June and September, be ready for an influx of dust from Arizona’s monsoon season.
How to find relief during allergy season in Arizona
We hear the struggles from our patients who suffer from seasonal allergies all the time. Their eyes are constantly red, their nose won’t stop running, their head aches are so bad that sometimes even taking Tylenol doesn’t help. One of the worst symptoms can be the constant fatigue, and compounding that is the relentless Arizona summer heat. It makes you feel drained, unproductive, and unmotivated. Here’s 3 tips for finding some relief:
- Exercise. Staying in shape and keep your heart and respiratory system strong can be one of the best defenses against seasonal allergies. Cardio and yoga are especially great. Stay active and stay healthy.
- Air filters. Believe it or not one of the biggest culprits for pesky allergens in our home can be found in your air conditioning. Make sure to routinely replace your air filters so that the air circulation in your home is efficient and clean. In Arizona we tend to spend a lot of time indoors (especially when it is over one hundred and fifteen degrees outside), so keeping your indoor air quality top notch is extremely important. You may not see improvements right away but the allergens in the air will dissipate with high quality air filters.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C has many important jobs in your body, but it’s probably best known for supporting your immune system. But does vitamin C help with allergy symptoms? After all allergies are immune reactions to substances in your environment. Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant, and some studies have shown that it may decrease inflammation, swelling, and related symptoms that happen at the site of an allergic reaction. Vitamin C can be found in many foods, such as oranges and other fruits like strawberries and pineapple that are rich in vitamin C. You can also supplement with a multivitamin or drink orange juice for an extra boost of the immune system’s helper.
Where to get allergy treatment when all else fails
Allergies can be a really tough issue to deal with. Fortunately, Arizona has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them without compromising your health! At AlphaMeD we focus on keeping you healthy so you get back to life. If your experiencing allergic reactions or need relief from Arizona allergies come see us! AlphaMed is a group of neighborhood urgent care clinics in Arizona. We offer a range of walk-in services including allergy and minor allergic reactions. Book an appointment online or walk-in to our Urgent Care clinics today.
