What Happens When You Move to Another Part of the Country? Coping with New Regional Allergies.

Feeling worn out, congested, and sickly after a recent move? It might be allergies you didn’t know you had! Here’s what you need to know about managing your allergy symptoms in a new location.

The Allergy Adventure

The following is a story of a young woman. Her name is Emily.

When Emily got accepted to her dream college thousands of miles from her hometown, she could barely contain her excitement. She was leaving her sunny, sparsely populated community for the bustling city of Mugwort!

Emily was drawn to Mugwort University because of its fantastic STEM program and because the city offered urban sophistication punctuated by vibrant wild green spaces. Having lived her entire life in an arid town with more gravel than greenery, Emily was thrilled at the opportunity to go hiking, camping, and exploring the lovely verdant parks.

She didn’t anticipate how her body would react to the change in environment.

During Emily’s first week in Mugwort, she felt off. Her eyes itched, her nose ran constantly, and she felt an unusual fatigue. At first, she brushed it off. It was probably the stress of moving and adjusting to a new routine, and maybe the cold weather.

One bright and crisp afternoon while exploring the beautiful Mugwort Park, Emily found herself sneezing uncontrollably. She sat down on a bench, feeling frustrated, headachy, and horrible.   “Why do I feel so different here?” she wondered.

A friendly local, noticing her discomfort, sat down next to her. “You must be new here,” the local said with a smile. “The allergies in Mugwort can be pretty intense, especially this time of year.”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Allergies? I never had allergies back home!”

The local nodded. “Different regions have different allergens. Mugwort is known for its high Mugwort pollen count. It’s how we got our name.”

Managing New Allergies

If you’re moving to a new part of the country for work or school, you’re probably making dozens of necessary preparations. However, there’s one area you probably haven’t considered, particularly if you’re in good health: How will your body react to your new environment?

Approximately one-quarter of people in the United States experience seasonal allergies, with one-quarter of allergy sufferers first experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms in adulthood.

In Emily’s case, exposure to a specific pollen in an unfamiliar climate triggered her first symptoms. How does this happen?

New Location, New Allergens

Transitioning from a warm, dry climate to a cool, humid environment can trigger allergy symptoms in individuals who have never previously experienced seasonal allergies.

For Emily, who was used to a desert climate, being in a cooler, more humid environment caused an aggressive immune overreaction. She was exposed to a variety of previously unfamiliar allergens, including mold spores, pollen from different plants (like the ubiquitous mugwort weed), and dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions.

So, what can someone in Emily’s situation do?

Embracing New Allergy Treatment

Determined to enjoy her college experience despite this unexpected challenge, Emily decided to take action. She visited a local allergist who confirmed that she was indeed reacting to the new allergens.

Armed with a new allergy medication and some helpful tips, Emily started to feel better.

She learned to check the local pollen forecasts and planned her outdoor activities accordingly. Emily also invested in an air purifier for her dorm room and made it a habit to shower and change clothes after spending time outside. Slowly but surely, her symptoms began to improve.

Visiting an allergist was key to discovering the likely allergens and developing an effective management plan. While significant symptoms might require medications to resolve effectively, there are nonetheless numerous strategies that can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

Allergy Medications

A combination of nasal corticosteroids and antihistamines can provide the most comprehensive relief.

Nasal corticosteroids address the inflammatory component of allergies, while antihistamines target the histamine-mediated symptoms. This dual approach can be particularly effective for individuals with multiple or severe allergy symptoms.

Manage Allergy Symptoms at Home

The following home and lifestyle modifications are very effective allergy symptom management strategies:

• Use Air Purifiers: Invest in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
• Keep Windows Closed: During high pollen seasons, keep windows and doors closed to prevent allergens from entering your home.
• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Dust surfaces regularly and wash bedding in hot water weekly.
• Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, which helps prevent mold growth and dust mites.
• Pet Care: Bathe pets regularly and keep them out of bedrooms to reduce pet dander. Learn more about Pet Allergies here: Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Allergies

Manage Allergy Symptoms When Outdoors

Making the following adjustments will help reduce your vulnerability to outdoor allergens:

1. Check Pollen Counts: Monitor local pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors on high pollen days, especially during the early morning when pollen levels are highest.
2. Wear Protective Gear: When outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and a mask if you are particularly sensitive.
3. Shower After Being Outdoors: Change clothes and shower to remove pollen from your skin and hair after spending time outside.
4. Avoid Drying Clothes Outdoors: Use a dryer instead of hanging clothes outside to prevent pollen from sticking to your laundry.
5. Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: Schedule outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.

The above lifestyle adjustments can be highly effective for mild-to-moderate allergy symptom management. However, they do require some vigilance in terms of pre-planning and ensuring a consistently allergen-free environment. For those who’d like a more relaxed, long-term solution, immunotherapy might be a great option.

Some even say that experimenting with local honey may help. Here’s what you need to know about this debated topic: Allergies and Local Honey.

Long-Term Allergy Relief

Emily loved the great outdoors and wanted a more flexible solution for managing symptoms. She wanted to be able to go on a spur-of-the-moment camping trip without sneezing and wheezing.

After researching various options, she chose to undergo immunotherapy, a long-term treatment designed to reduce her sensitivity to allergens. The process involved regular injections of small amounts of allergens, gradually building up her tolerance over time.

The journey wasn’t easy. Nevertheless, she kept her eyes on the goal: a life where she could hike, camp, and explore without the constant burden of allergies.

Slowly but surely, Emily’s symptoms began to diminish. By the time she entered her sophomore year, her worst allergy symptoms were a distant memory, and she was able to enjoy her new home in comfort.

Immunotherapy: Allergy Shots

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) is highly effective, with studies showing that it successfully reduces or eliminates symptoms in approximately 80 percent of people treated. Patients often begin to notice a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms after about six months of treatment.

Beyond immediate symptom relief, allergy shots can lead to long-lasting benefits. Many patients experience a sustained reduction in allergy symptoms even after completing the treatment, as the immune system retains its tolerance to the allergens.

Allergy Partners: Your Partner in Long-Term Allergy Relief in 130 Locations

If you’re moving to a new city, there are countless details to consider. If you don’t have seasonal allergy symptoms, it probably won’t occur to you to research environmental factors and pollen counts in anticipation of allergies you have never previously suffered.

That’s where Allergy Partners comes in.

With 130 locations throughout the United States, we ensure people experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time have access to experienced allergists and immunologists. These specialists possess in-depth knowledge of the different regional allergens and their presentations, providing personalized care to help new residents manage their symptoms effectively.

Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, Allergy Partners is here to support you with expert care and guidance, making your transition smoother and more comfortable.