BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Do you start coughing or sneezing every time it rains?
Do you feel itchy or suffer from asthma attacks more often during the wet season?
Those could be signs of an allergic reaction triggered by airborne allergens.
Every July 8, the country observes National Allergy Day to raise awareness about the different types of allergies, their common triggers, and how to manage them.
According to the World Health Organization, one of the most common types of allergy is seasonal allergy, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, which is usually caused by airborne particles.
These allergens include dust, pollen, animal dander, some types of food such as seafood, and even certain medications.
Some people may experience skin irritation, while others suffer more severe reactions such as asthma attacks or even anaphylaxis.
An allergy is basically our immune system reacting to something that’s harmless to most people, but our body sees it as a threat.
In the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) leads awareness campaigns to help patients understand their condition, identify triggers, and reduce risks.
Their programs also aim to guide parents and teachers in recognizing early signs of allergies in children.
Though not always life-threatening, allergies can lead to complications if left unmanaged.
Medical experts recommend keeping antihistamines and other allergy medications ready, especially during the rainy season when these conditions often worsen.
Those random sneezes and itchy episodes might just be your body’s way of saying: watch out for allergens in the air.
