If you’ve never been able to figure out why your athletic performance suffers, you may be relieved to know that it might not be you; it might be your spring allergies.
Many people are discouraged from even attempting sports because they can’t seem to get their breathing to cooperate and write it off as it simply being too difficult.
Performance driven
Allergies can definitely bring your body’s internal mechanics to its knees. Caused by the inhalation or contact with any allergens, your body begins to produce and release histamine. This is what’s associated with most symptoms.
Athletes are at a greater risk, especially if they don’t know they have allergies. First off, their performance is all over the place. If they happen to be running during a seasonal flare up, they will simple be unable to push as hard as they usually do.
So how can you find allergies if they hide so well?
Top to bottom search
Pollen, dust and dander are some of the most common allergens and they’re all airborne. Athletes tend to use more air as they push their physical limits.
All that extra air means extra allergens. Finding out whether you have allergies or exercise-induced asthma caused by them is simply a matter of observation.
First thing’s first, write down when you suffer most and look for a pattern in the dates. Do they all fall in the spring or fall?
Secondly, have a look at your symptoms. Are you sneezing? Do you have headaches, migraines or facial pressure? Does your nose run and do your eyes itch? These are all telltale allergy signs.
Lastly, look in to your experience with allergies. Take any medication? Have to avoid certain places, pets or food? For all you know you’ve got more than one allergy or it’s more severe than you thought.
The definitive way to find out though is to go to an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) and ask for an allergy test. This comprehensive skin exam will expose you to a multitude of allergens in hopes of seeing which ones trigger a reaction.
Exiling the enemy
If you feel like you’re done with being held back because your body is being attacked by allergies for entire chunks of the year, you’re probably ready to try anything.
Over the counter drugs and natural remedies aren’t the best choices. The main reason for this is that they’re temporary and because allergies are chronic, that means a lot of money spent on a short-term solution.
Get Back in the Game
You don’t have to be benched by the pollen count. Armed with a little knowledge and a good doctor, you can say leave your spring allergies in the dust as you cross the finish line.
At Houston Sinus & Allergy, we see a variety of allergy issues that result in headaches, as well as other stressful or painful situations, and we know how to provide long term relief.
If you’re experiencing difficulty in smelling or nasal breathing, Book an assessment with us, and let us help you breathe normally again.