The arrival of spring is a welcome time for most people. The increase in hours of sunshine, the reduction in rainfall and the rise in temperature encourage outdoor activities, which are so beneficial for health. But while this is true for most people, it can be hell for others, particularly those allergic to pollen.

The eyes become red, watery, itchy and have difficulty looking at sunlight; the nose alternates between periods of feeling like a fountain, sneezing and itching; the throat becomes sensitive and painful. In more serious cases, asthma attacks occur, requiring the use of SOS medication or even a trip to the emergency room.

Pollen, a tiny microscopic grain, is the male element in plant reproduction. In Portugal, practically all plants pollinate in spring, but the pollen calendar is dominated by three species: grasses, the herb parietaria, also called alfavaca, and the olive tree.

What can be done to control this situation?

In addition to the essential pharmacological control (medicines and vaccines), the person with allergic disease must have a set of skills that will enable them to alleviate this major seasonal problem. Among them, there are behaviors that can make a difference.

10 rules for surviving pollen:

1. Get to know the pollen bulletin for the area where you live or travel to. You can consult the website of the Portuguese Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology at www.spaic.pt;
2. When you go outside, you should wear glasses, preferably dark ones. You can also wear a face mask;
3. If you can, stay indoors whenever the wind is blowing more strongly; strong winds increase the concentration of pollens in the air;
4. Take advantage of the higher humidity after sunset to air out the room;
5. Make sure that the windows in your house are well sealed;
6. Avoid having pollinator plants at home or put them outside during this season;
7. When traveling by car, do so with the windows closed. Traveling with the windows open concentrates pollens inside the car. At the start of the season, also make sure your car's air filter is properly maintained. If you travel by motorcycle, wear a full-face helmet with the visor closed. Ideally, avoid this route during the peak pollination period;
8. Between spring and summer, spend your free time by the sea, where, due to the natural humidity, there are fewer pollens in the atmosphere;
9. Don't play on the lawns and stay away from those that are being treated. Mowing causes an intense release of pollen;
10. If the complaints are very intense, avoid physical activity outdoors. This is a good time for indoor physical activity.

Compliance with these behavioral measures contributes to better control of pollen allergies and is an excellent adjunct to medication, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature in spring with greater health and peace of mind.

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