It is estimated that in Spain around 16 million people suffer from some type of allergy and of these, 14 million are allergic to pollen, responsible for the itchy nose and eyes so characteristic of these dates.
Minimizing the effects of allergy to driving is very important to guarantee the safety of its occupants. The consequences of allergies and their effects at the wheel are very important in terms of road safety. For example, during the short time that a sneeze lasts, the car continues to drive at high speed with little control. A distance is traveled that can be vital and the driver may not react in time if he is in the middle of a sneezing or tearing crisis. These two effects, together with nasal congestion, fatigue and itchy skin, eyes and throat are some of the main symptoms. Without forgetting the possible consequences of medication when driving.
The risks of self-medication while driving are always present, but they are an extra risk factor in cases of allergies, since many people tend to go directly to the pharmacy without going through the doctor. However, you must always follow the instructions of a specialist and avoid taking medicines and antihistamines that cause drowsiness. In addition, if we are going to need to use the car for many hours, it is necessary to consult a doctor so that he can prescribe an appropriate treatment.
On the other hand, not even a drop of alcohol should be ingested if we are taking antihistamines, since these can react very quickly causing drowsiness.
What for some may be anecdotal, for others, is a major problem, since the increase in contamination and the abuse of antibiotics are increasing the severity of some allergic conditions, leading to significant episodes of asthma and respiratory distress in those affected. .
Being a closed space, our vehicle can become a major source of proliferation of particles that are harmful to our health. Oscaro’s experts offer us a series of tips that will allow us to combat allergy to driving and drive more comfortably this spring.
Change cabin filter
The cabin filter is responsible for retaining a large amount of dirt that enters the interior of the vehicle. When the allergy season approaches, it is advisable to change this filter or clean it thoroughly, so that it can retain the particles that sneak inside more easily. There are two types, simple pollen filter and activated carbon filter. The latter is more recommended, since it allows a greater number of particles to be retained.
Technology to recirculate the air
There are certain technological products for cars that can help us reduce the effects of allergies by cleaning and purifying the air. Ionizers are a clear example of this, as they can help you breathe better and maintain a healthier atmosphere inside the cabin thanks to the air circulation they generate, capturing dust and reducing harmful gases and bacteria that it may contain. your car.
Driving with the windows up
When we travel in our car during the allergy season, we must do so with the windows rolled up to prevent the entry of dust particles and pollen into the interior of the vehicle. Driving with the windows down can cause an allergy attack and we will endanger our driving. In addition, it will not hurt to change the door seals if they are worn, since we will prevent the air from entering the interior and, therefore, the particles that cause us the dreaded allergy.
Clean the car more often
It never hurts to clean the car, but people with allergies should do it more frequently on spring days. Cleaning the car with a microfiber cloth will remove dirt and prevent the proliferation of particles that are harmful to our health. We must pay special attention to both the upholstery and the seats, which are usually the places where these micro-organisms accumulate the most.
Avoid peak allergy hours
There are certain times of the day when we should avoid driving, whenever possible. Dusk and dawn are the times of the day when there is usually more pollen in the environment, which can cause an allergy attack while driving. If we cannot avoid these rush hours, we will take special care when lowering the windows so that the particles that cause allergies cannot enter the interior of the passenger compartment.
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