Spring has sprung in Arkansas. Flowers are blooming, and while the sight is pretty, the pollen it brings can send many into a sneezing fit. Another thing that spring 2020 brings? The arrival of COVID-19, which may make allergy sufferers stress over their sniffles.
There are key differences in symptoms. Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and cough. Yet unlike allergies, coronavirus causes a fever, with other symptoms including cough and shortness of breath.
Allergies and Heart Health
The American Heart Association suggests when seeking relief, people with allergies who are concerned about heart disease or high blood pressure must be especially careful when taking blood pressure-raising, over-the-counter decongestants. That’s because these can increase the heart rate.
Not breathing easy at night? Snoring can be a bigger problem than annoying your significant other! Congestion can lead to snoring, which is a sign of sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can raise blood pressure. It’s important to keep a healthy blood pressure rate. High blood pressure is a top warning sign for strokes.
Here are more general tips for allergy sufferers from the AHA:
- Keep doors and windows closed and run the air conditioner during pollen season.
- Change clothes and take a shower after being outside.
- Antihistamines can help clear congestion and are safer for the heart than decongestants.
Seeing a physician or allergist can also help people identify allergy triggers, which can help allergy sufferers reduce exposure and anticipate when they should reach for their medications.
Keep Moving
When it comes to keeping the body healthy – a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough sleep – all the things that are important for your overall health are still very important whether you have allergies or not.
If you need some inspiration to stay active, join the Central Arkansas Virtual Heart Walk on Saturday, April 25. Of course, participants and teams will not physically meet, but are invited to get moving at home or around the neighborhood at 9 a.m. Here are a few fun activities to consider choosing from:
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Take a walk outside (while following current social distancing guidelines).
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Get the whole family involved and have an indoor dance party.
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Try out a few strengthening exercises like push-ups, lunges and squats.
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Create an at home circuit workout.
For more details and to register, visit CentralArkansasHeartWalk.org.
If you think you have more than just allergies, contact your physician and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about what to do if you suspect you have or have been exposed to COVID-19.