More about allergies in the tropics

About 10 years ago I wrote an article about allergies in Costa Rica and how to deal with them. When I moved here about 40 years ago I remember that I started to experience allergic reactions. I made an appoint to see a nose, ear and throat specialist called an otorrinolaringólogo or especialista de los oídos, nariz y garganta.

Doctor Gonzáles told me that many ticos and expats are plagued by seasonal allergies. In fact he said in jest, “If you do not have any allergies you will probably develop some soon”. Not all expats are susceptible to allergies but I specifically remember one Canadian woman who moved here with her husband and two small children. Soon after arriving she went through a living hell because of here allergies. She tried everything but eventually had to return to Canada. This is an extreme case but these things can occur here because of the unusual tropical climate.

Costa Rica is the land of year-round springtime. And as most know, springtime is synonymous with the allergy season in many parts of the world. The country has diverse climates and plant life, meaning allergens present problems no matter where one goes. Some say going to the beach can provide relief but different tropical plant and flower species thrive on the country’s coasts. Allergies be a frustrating condition to have to deal with in Costa Rica and people tend to suffer most when the seasons change here.

The climate can change from sunny and warm weather to rain and then muggy and hot within a couple of hours. When the rain stops the winds spread dust, pollen and mold. The combination of these materials in the air can cause congestion, rashes,and rhinitis in those sensitive to the contaminants. For asthma suffers, the effects can be more severe. I specifically remember the case of former president and Noble Peace Prizer winner, Oscar Arias Sánchez, who has suffered from asthma since childhood.

All of this can be compounded by dust from the country’s volcanos. Automobile exhaust can also exacerbate allergy problems.

So what can a person do to combat allergies here? Try eating foods with a high content of vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen one’s immune system. Foods that can help alleviate symptoms include cranberries, citrus fruit, blackberries, vegetables like onions and spinach, black and red beans, red wine, teas and dark chocolate.

Pharmacies (farmacias) sell sprays and pills over the counter to combat allergic reactions.

The country’s private medical centers have excellent specialists who have many years of experience treating those with allergies.

If you have allergies you should not let them be an obstacle in fulling your dream of living here. By taking the advice above you should be able to control your allergic condition.

Believe it or not? I have heard some expats say that their allergies clear up after moving to Costa Rica.