Mississauga’s Seasonal Health Challenges: What to Watch Out For

1. Pollen allergies

Pollen grains are tiny. They are almost invisible to the human eye. The wind carries these tiny tree pollens into our lungs and causes allergic reactions. Tree pollen allergies can cause symptoms similar to other common allergies that affect the nose and respiratory tract, such as:

• Watery, puffy, or itchy eyes
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat

In addition to exacerbating asthma, pollen allergies can also cause other symptoms like coughing or wheezing. Taking a shower at the earliest can help an individual get rid of pollen grains. It is advisable to keep the windows closed during specific months if you live close to gardens or trees. One can also use an HVAC system to filter the air inside your home.

Pollen allergies are often treated with antihistamines or nasal steroid spray, depending on symptoms. Contact your family doctor in Mississauga to address pollen allergies.

2. Cold and Flu

Colds and flu are highly common in the winter. They spread through contaminated surfaces and airborne droplets. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, and body aches. The flu can spread when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk, passing droplets to those nearby.

One can prevent the spread of infection by often washing hands, avoiding touching your face, and staying away from people who are sick. You can also maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and always practice good hygiene to reduce your risk of illness.

3. Asthma and Respiratory Issues

People with asthma often face challenges in cold temperatures. They are exposed to cold and dry air, which leads to airway constriction and inflammation. During an asthma attack, an individual can experience wheezing, coughing, sneezing, or tightness in their chest. However, it can be allergic or non-allergic. Allergic asthma can be triggered by exposure to pollens, mold spores, insect allergens, pet dander, etc. Non-allergic asthma occurs due to several reasons. A few of them are inclement weather, influenza, and dust mites.

An individual with asthma must be able to identify the triggers of asthma attacks. They should prevent exposure to allergens. They should not venture out in the cold and take regular medicines as prescribed by the family doctor in Mississauga.

You can ensure optimal health and well-being by regular visits to the AHG Walk-in Clinic. Get regular health screenings and our family doctor’s personalized treatment. Schedule your appointment here.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of mental health challenge associated with variations in seasonal temperature. The onset and end of SAD are roughly coincidental each year. Your symptoms, which deplete your energy and make you feel moody, begin in the fall and last throughout the winter, if you’re like the majority of people with SAD. The spring and summer are when these symptoms usually go away. Less frequently, depression brought on by SAD sets in in the spring or early summer and goes away in the fall or winter.

SAD symptoms and indicators could include:

– feeling depressed or hopeless most of the time, almost every day
– losing interest in past hobbies or interests
– feeling lethargic and low in energy
– Having issues with excessive sleep
– Feeling the need for carbohydrates, overindulging, and gaining weight

The onset of seasonal affective disorder cannot be known to be avoided. On the other hand, one can opt for bright light therapy after consulting their family doctor to keep the symptoms in check. Contact us at the AHG family clinic in Mississauga to learn about treatment options.

If you can anticipate when these symptoms could appear, you might be able to prevent significant shifts in mood, appetite, and energy levels. Complications can be avoided with treatment by a family clinic, particularly if SAD is identified and managed before symptoms worsen.