Spring Allergies

Spring Allergies Overview

Spring is a lovely time of the year. However, it may not be for everyone. Especially not for those who suffer from spring allergies. Blooming flowers and sprouting trees release pollen that causes millions of people with seasonal allergies to sniff and sneeze. The seasonal allergy or hay fever may cause eye irritation, nasal irritation, respiratory irritation, skin irritation or digestive irritation. Spring allergies are triggered in the spring from early February until summer.

Causes of Spring Allergies

The main cause for spring allergy is pollen. Trees, grasses and weeds release these tiny substances into the air for pollination. When this pollen gets in contact with people who are sensitive to them, they may have attacks of pollen allergy.

Pollens are recognized as a dangerous sign (allergens) for people allergic to them, and their immune system starts releasing antibodies. These antibodies will cause histamines to be released from mast cells into the bloodstream and start to show various allergic symptoms.

Pollens from trees, grasses and weeds travel far distances and can reach you even if you don’t have such plants in your backyard. Some common spring allergy plants are:

Trees

• Alder
• Ash
• Aspen
• Beech
• Boxelder
• Cedar
• Cottonwood
• Cypress
• Elm
• Hickory
• Juniper
• Maple
• Mulberry
• Oak
• Olive
• Palm
• Pine
• Poplar
• Sycamore
• Willowthe

Grasses and weeds:

• Bermuda
• Fescue
• Johnson
• June
• Orchard
• Perennial rye
• Redtop
• Saltgrass
• Sweet vernal
• Timothy

If you are sensitive to spring allergy, you will notice a high sensitivity on a windy day as the wind may bring along allergens to your body. Similarly, it would be least sensitive on a rainy day, as rain would wash away the allergens.

Mold

Mold, which triggers a year-round allergy, will wreak havoc in the springtime. This is particularly true when moist and rainy weather is followed by warmer weather, resulting in a high mold concentration.

Spores from mold, such as yeast and mildew, are also carried by the wind. During the spring season, they increase in the outside air and cause the worst symptoms in patients allergic to them.

Some from many outdoor molds are:

• Alternaria
• Cladosporium
• Hormodendrum

Some indoor molds can also trigger you at home, such as:

• Aspergillus
• Penicillium

They show the same symptoms as other spring allergens do.

Symptoms of Spring Allergies

Some of the most familiar spring allergy symptoms are:

• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Sneezing and nose irritation
• runny nose
• irritation in eyes, nose, ears, and mouth
• stuffy nose due to congestion
• skin irritation/allergy
• puffy eyes
• post-nasal drip, a sensation of mucus dripping at the back of the throat
• some may get hives
• coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing in severe symptoms

Preventing Spring Allergies

To prevent triggering spring allergy, one should prevent exposure to the causes of spring allergies, i.e. pollen and mold.

• If pollen levels are high outside, try to remain indoors. You can get the pollen counts checked according to your states through the internet
• Keep your garden grass as short as possible during the springs
• If you need to go outside, use a dust mask. Also, use a mask while mowing the lawn or gardening
• Use air conditions or allergy-friendly filters while keeping your windows closed
• Keep your yard clean from dead and rotting logs
• When exposed to the outer air, wash your hair and bathe to remove pollen
• Change and wash bed linen once a week or more often
• Dry your clothes indoors or in a dryer instead of outdoors
• Remove your shoes before getting into the house
• Use hats and sunglasses to limit pollen entering your eyes and getting in your hair
• Vacuum carpets and floors once a week or more

Spring Allergy Treatments

Spring allergy treatment includes medications as well as some home remedies. Let us have a look into these:

Medication

There are various over the counter or prescribed medications available to treat spring allergy symptoms.

Antihistamines: These are used to relieve symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes and nose, runny nose and sneezing. These may be available in the form of tablets, nasal sprays or liquid.

Corticosteroids: These are considered the most effective medications for allergic rhinitis. It helps by reducing inflammation and may be used as a nasal spray, inhaler, or pills.

Decongestions: These minimize stuffiness by shrinking the lining of the nasal passages. Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, drops, and nasal sprays. Long-term use may have negative consequences.

Leukotriene receptors antagonists: These are tablets that block the action of various chemicals that cause allergic reactions in people.

Eye drops: Eye drops may be used for treating eye allergies due to pollen and molds. They can provide temporary relief from redness, itchiness and swelling in the eyes.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a long-term cure that helps to soothe people from allergies. Physicians can use immunotherapy to treat patients who are experiencing side effects or who are getting little to no benefit from medications.

Allergy shots and sublingual tablets are two forms of immunotherapy. These allergy shots are given for up to 3 to 5 years. It provides resistance from allergens. Sublingual tablets can handle only a few forms of allergies. The affected person may be taking the pills that dissolve under their tongue from spring to the leading months.

Home Remedies

Natural or home remedies may bring comfort to people suffering from spring allergies. These remedies may include:

Steam inhalation

Inhaling steam can open up the nasal passages and soothe people from allergic rhinitis symptoms. If you don’t have a steamer, you can place a container of boiling water on the table. Cover your head, face and container with a towel and inhale the steam.

Saline solution

Using saline rinse relieves stuffy nose and congestion by removing extra mucus from the nasal passage. This solution can also wash out allergens from the nose and sinuses. You can get various saline solutions without a prescription.

Conclusion

Spring allergies may cause severe allergic reactions. However, if proper on time prevention and precautions are considered, one may be able to reduce the symptoms. Once an attacked has occurred, you should consult your doctor and use proper medications to avoid serious health conditions.

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (April 01, 2021)

Medically Reviewed By

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Last Updated on July 5, 2023