Sinus season is upon us as the shift from spring to summer is slowly crawling closer.
Additionally, the Cape is facing a bumper pollen season due to recent heavy rainfall, and levels of grass, tree pollen and airborne mould spores are set to peak from October.
Many people suffer severely from sinus infections and get accustomed to the fact that nasal spray, and tissues have to be in reach at all times of the day, and although this phenomenon is not deadly, it is certainly a frustration.
However, Chelsea Cleaning from the the greater Cape Town and Helderberg areas have compiled some tips and tricks to lessen the grip sinus has on our lives:. Monitor pollen counts in Cape Town. One way to mitigate the worst effects of the Cape’s allergy season is to know when pollen counts are high and which plants are responsible for the current peak. A team of scientists at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has come up with a reliable online resource, The Real Pollen Count, featuring current pollen counts in Cape Town and other South African cities. By using data published in the weekly reports, allergy sufferers can take extra precautions during peak pollen times. . Seek medical treatment for hay fever. Treatments for this allergy vary according to the severity of the symptoms, and in mild cases home remedies may be effective against a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion and sneezing. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor experienced in treating allergies for the best treatments. A number of reputable sources online offer information about the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Two examples are information by the National Health Service (NHS) on hay fever. Another platform that can be consulted is StuffThatWorks, which gathers results from surveys about the treatments the public find the best for specific health conditions, including hay fever.
Lowering the exposure of allergens and pollen can dampen the severity of allergic hay fever. Here are a few ways to reduce symptoms:. Installing extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, using a vacuum cleaner with Hepa purification systems, close windows and doors when pollen counts are high, or avoiding tending to the garden can further reduce hay fever.. Furthermore, covering the mouth and nose when dusting and cleaning, exercising outdoors later in the day when pollen counts are lower, tumble-dry washing instead of hanging it outside, invest in a dehumidifier for damp areas, and staying indoors during dry, windy weather are additional pre-cautionary measures.. A good clean more often than not is another mode of attack in the war against hay fever. Reducing the amount of pollen and mould in one’s home can lessen the severity of sinusitis.
