Festive Fever 2023: Know How To Manage Allergies That Can Occur During Festive Season
But for allergy sufferers, festivals aren’t always a walk in the park. It comes to them with a toll of increased risk of allergic reactions along with the agony of not enjoying most of it.
The festive season is around the corner, and everyone is looking forward to a peaceful and healthy family time full of enjoyment and warmth of relationships. But for allergy sufferers, festivals aren’t always a walk in the park. It comes to them with a toll of increased risk of allergic reactions along with the agony of not enjoying most of it. A person can be allergic to several triggers including fragrances, lotions, organic as well as inorganic dust, smoke, pollens, some food products, insecticide chemicals along many other chemicals used in daily household. It is wiser to be aware of your triggers and actively avoid them.
Contact with these triggers may precipitate allergic reactions ranging from mild itching in the eyes, nose, and throat to troublesome skin reactions and even potentially life-threatening asthma episodes.
You can ensure some of the following general measures suggested by Dr. Pradeep Nirala, who is the Associate Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, at Teerthanker Mahaveer University to make your holidays more enjoyable.
- Heat can cause eczema flare-ups, so try to avoid heat exposure and keep relatively cool.
- Wearing organic cotton clothing and washed non-irritating laundry products may help.
- When possible, keep affected areas clean and protect the skin with a moisturiser lotion suitable for sensitive skin.
- Whether you have allergies or not, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Even slight dehydration can raise histamine levels, which can cause more severe allergic reactions if triggered. Plus, dehydration is the most common cause of fatigue, so always keep a bottle of water handy.
Additionally, Dr. Dinesh V Kamath, who is a Consultant - Internal Medicine, at Manipal Hospitals, Malleshwaram, Bangalore said, "The smoke emanating from the crackers has a very pungent odour and may trigger symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation, cough, cold, wheezing, breathlessness, and skin rashes. The major precaution to protect yourself during this time is to avoid these areas and/or wear a mask where crackers or diyas are being lit or any allergens are present."
Lastly, Dr. Apoorva Reddy, who is a Senior Otolaryngologist (ENT) and Head & Neck Oncosurgeon, at Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, Hyderabad added, "When attending gatherings, communicate your dietary restrictions due to food allergies, offer to bring allergy-friendly dishes, and inquire about ingredients in festive recipes."
"Maintain an allergen-free home by regular cleaning, air purification, and proper bedding maintenance, particularly for indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander. At outdoors, employ protective measures like wearing a hat, sunglasses, and potentially a mask to shield against outdoor allergens. Always carry your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergies, ensuring friends and family know how to use it in emergencies. Stay informed about the latest developments in allergy management and research. Ultimately, remember that festive seasons are about enjoying time with loved ones, and with prudent planning and precautions, you can participate in the celebrations without undue worry about allergies," she added.
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