Worldwide allergic rhinitis affects between 10% to 30% of the population.
People with Seasonal Allergies
Aerobiology Research Laboratories are experts in environmental allergens and we want to help those affected by seasonal allergies live a better life.
Prevalence
Asthma and allergies are becoming more prominent in society. Approximately 80% of people with asthma also have pollen allergies (which means their asthma symptoms get triggered by pollen).
In every country around the world the intensity and duration of the allergy season as well as the rates of people affected by seasonal allergies is increasing.
Effect #1
The tiny hairs in your nose trap particles from the air including pollen and fungal spores. In people with seasonal allergies these trapped particles cause swelling, itching, redness and mucus production much to the misery of allergy sufferers.
Effect #2
Similar symptoms can occur in a person’s eyes. Allergen can be trapped in eye lashes causing swelling, itchiness, redness and watering eyes.
Effect #3
The excess mucus production in the nose and sinuses that is common in allergy sufferers can block the nasal passages. When the nasal passages are blocked pressure in the sinus cavities will build up causing facial pain or a sinus headache.
STUDIES
There are many studies that support these findings.
Pollen Overload: Seasonal Allergies in a Changing Climate
Watery red eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing—these familiar symptoms mean spring is in the air. Millions of people suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by airborne pollen—not just in spring but in summer and fall, too—and now evidence suggests their numbers will rise in a changing climate.
Olfaction in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review
Olfactory dysfunction is a key symptom in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Despite the implications for quality of life, relatively few articles have tested olfactory function in their investigations. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the following 2 questions: (1) What does AR do to human olfaction? (2) How effective is the treatment of AR in restoring the sense of smell?
The hidden burden of adult allergic rhinitis: UK healthcare resource utilisation survey
The affliction of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been trivialised in the past. Recent initiatives by the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology and by the EU parliament seek to rectify that situation. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive picture of the burden and unmet need of AR patients.
Impact of ocular symptoms on quality of life (QoL), work productivity and resource utilisation in allergic rhinitis patients
The presence of ocular, in addition to nasal, symptoms among patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) results in poorer quality of life, reduced work productivity and increased resource utilisation. Patients with nasal and ocular symptoms require more healthcare consultations.
How to improve your quality of life
Tips and Tricks
Know pollen levels
Join our personalized pollen alert forecast program and receive daily pollen forecasts delivered straight to your smart phone. Get a daily forecast of the allergens you are allergic too in your area and a calendar to input your symptoms and medication. The program also provide daily tips and tricks to reduce affects of pollen on your quality of life. Get the app through Apple App Store or Google Play.
Reduce spreading pollen
Remove shoes and coat when you come in the house. This will lessen the amount of pollen you track into the house.
Wash hair
Wash your hair before bed. Pollen collected in your hair throughout the day will rub off on your pillow.
Reduce spreading pollen
Reduce exposure to pollen by closing your house windows and doors especially on high pollen days. Consider doing this in your car as well. You might want to put on the recycled air rather than fresh air in your car to ensure pollen particles are not in your car.
Plan your outdoor activities
Check our pollen report on the free app or use our premium version to set up your own personalized forecast subscription. Check our partner websites Weather Network or reactine.ca to know what the forecast is for pollen levels. Pollen levels are generally highest in the early morning hours, so it is best to plan your activities in the afternoon or evening if you plan on being outdoors.