Experts

5 Weird Things that can Worsen Allergy Symptoms

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Sep 04, 2014 02:49 PM EDT

Seasonal allergies are not fun. The constant sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can really impact one's everyday life. People might notice that on certain days, their symptoms worsen. They might assume that these symptoms are due to an increase in the amount of allergens present during the day. However, people often do not realize that there might be other kinds of triggers that affect the severity of these symptoms.

Here are 5 Weird Things that can make your allergies worse:

1. Eating Produce with Pollen-like Proteins

For roughly one-third of all seasonal allergy sufferers, they might also have something called oral-allergy syndrome (OAS), according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Oral-allergy syndrome occurs when people eat fruits and vegetables that contain a protein present on the surface. Common fruits and vegetables include apples, tomatoes and cantaloupe.

"Pollen and food proteins are like first cousins," said Dr. Cliff Bassett, founder of Allergy and Asthma Care in New York City according to FOX News. "So your body thinks you're swallowing pollen."

Prevent worsening your symptoms by pealing the skin whenever possible or avoiding these items.

2. Stress

Stress has been identified as a risk factor for many different health problems and allergies is one of them. In a study that was published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & immunology, researchers concluded that people with higher levels of stress were more likely to experience flare-ups. People with allergies can benefit from relaxation.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol can also make allergy symptoms worse. Red wine, in particular affects people who are sensitive to sulfites, triggering flare-ups or symptoms, such as a stuffy nose. The only way to prevent allergies from worsening is to forgo that drink.

4. Perfume and Candles

People with allergies can also be sensitive to scents. In this case, perfume and candles could irritate the eyes and nose, which would then worsen symptoms. Whenever possible, people can avoid walking into stores that carry these products. Within the home setting, it might be better just to eliminate them.

5. Showering in the Morning

Showering in the morning can surprisingly make allergies symptoms worse. The actual act of showering is not problem. Instead, when people shower in the morning, they are less likely to shower at night. At the end of the day, pollen can build up on the skin and hair. By showering at night instead of the morning, people can wash away these irritants and wake up feeling less affected by their allergies.

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