Pollen is still king when it comes to allergy triggers, but protecting yourself from spores isn't enough to stop symptoms completely. That's because there are a number of unexpected irritants that could also be to blame for your runny nose and watery eyes. Interested in getting to the root of your seasonal sniffles? Check out these eight surprising allergy triggers that could be to blame.
1. Fresh fruit
If you knowingly suffer from seasonal allergies, the phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" may not apply to you. That's because tree pollen – the traditional source of most seasonal discomfort – closely resembles fruit pollen. When your body is vigilantly trying to protect itself from irritants, explained Health magazine, it's going to reject any substances that are similar to your primary allergen. As such, many people with pollen allergies may experience an adverse reaction to consuming fresh fruit, especially during the height of allergy season. If your mouth feels itchy or your allergy symptoms worsen after consuming fruit, try peeling or cooking it first, suggested the source.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience a host of unexpected changes to their bodies over the course of 9 months, but perhaps one of the most surprising is gestational rhinitis. According to Reader's Digest, this syndrome affects about 60 percent of pregnant women, and often manifests itself towards the end of the final trimester. Fortunately for women who only experienced allergy symptoms during their pregnancies, gestational rhinitis typically dissipates a few weeks after they deliver.
3. Hair products
Your hair gel makes you look amazing, but is it also the reason you're feeling so down? According to Active Beat, your hair products may hold some responsibility for your allergy symptoms. Creams, gels, sprays or other "sticky" products can actually capture pollen and other irritants throughout the day, making your hair-do a pretty big hair-don't. The source recommended reducing the number of products you use and washing your hair every day to ensure the elimination of irritants from your scalp.
4. Alcohol
While having a beer won't magically saddle you with seasonal allergies, drinking alcohol can significantly worsen existing allergy symptoms. According to Health magazine, the blood vessels in your nose widen you drink spirits. This can exacerbate the sneezes, sniffles and respiratory issues associated with allergies. Notably, wine tends to spark the most severe reactions, though any type of alcohol can elicit a response. To reduce your risk of aggravating your symptoms, avoid alcohol any time you feel like you may be having an allergic reaction, recommended the source.
5. Books
Lining your walls with volumes, manuscripts, novels and more can lend your home a scholarly vibe – and, unfortunately, contribute to your allergy symptoms. As Reader's Digest pointed out, books and newspapers are dust and mold magnets, especially when they're kept in warm, humid environments. While allergies to mold and dust are quite common, many people fail to see the link between their allergy symptoms and their beloved books.
If you suspect your literature might be too blame, go through all your books and inspect them for mold or water damage that could become mold. Once you've gotten rid of any fungi-filled publications, reevaluate the environment in which you keep your paper products. The source recommended storing books in an open, airy space with humidity levels below 45 percent.
6. Morning showers
If you like to start your day with a refreshing shower, you're not alone. For many individuals, it's as essential to their morning routine as a cup of coffee. However, waiting until the AM to wash away the day before could be a key factor in determining the severity of your allergy symptoms. Health magazine explained that going to bed without showering means that you're sleeping with whatever irritants your hair, skin and clothes picked up throughout the day. By showering at night, you're setting yourself up for a sniffle-free morning.
"Reduce overnight irritation with allergy bedding."
Of course, shifting your shower routine might just not be possible. If that's the case for you, be sure to at least wash your face before calling it a night. Consider getting allergy bedding to reduce the amount of irritants you're exposed to while sleeping.
7. Ceiling fans
That cool, gentle breeze flowing from your ceiling fan could be carrying some far less pleasurable irritants. That's because ceiling fans, while common in many homes, are often neglected in the cleaning process. Dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, hair and other irritants can quickly accumulate on the blades and scatter throughout your environment once you turn on your fan. The good news is that all it takes to reduce ceiling fan-related allergic reactions is a little elbow grease: Don't turn your fan on without thoroughly cleaning each blade.
Notably, this principle applies to all types of fans you may use in your home. Refrain from using table, floor and window models that haven't been carefully disinfected as well.
8. Anxiety and stress
While mental health issues like stress and anxiety don't cause allergic reactions, they certainly don't help your body in the battle against irritants. Health magazine explained that when people are stressed out, they tend to produce more of the proteins associated with allergy attacks, which may in turn spark symptoms. The source noted that individuals who live with consistent stress and anxiety may also have weaker immune systems, which means their bodies aren't as equipped to fight allergens. As such, they may experience more severe allergy symptoms than their non-anxious counterparts.
If you think your stress and anxiety is getting the best of you, try carving out some time for relaxation and self-care. Health magazine recommended taking a hot bath, practicing meditation or doing yoga. For severe cases of anxiety that are chronically affecting other aspects of your health, talk to your physician about treatment options.
