Springtime brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and unfortunately, allergies for millions of people. As trees start pollinating and releasing allergy-triggering proteins into the air, spring allergies kick in and cause frustrating symptoms. Keep reading to learn all about identifying, preventing, and finding relief from common springtime allergy troubles to help prevent coming down with a cold.
What Exactly Causes Seasonal Spring Allergies?
Springtime allergies typically flare up when trees begin blooming and releasing pollen into the air in a process called pollination. As the weather warms, the air fills with microscopic protein particles that trigger allergy symptoms in susceptible people. Some common spring allergy triggers include:
Pollen From Budding Trees
Many trees release pollen as early as late winter or early spring depending on climate. Evergreen trees tend to pollinate in early spring while birch, oak, maple and mulberry trees release clouds of allergy-causing pollen later in mid-spring.
Grasses Greening Up
Just as tree pollen starts to fade in late spring, grass pollens take over. Grasses bloom and pollinate later in spring through the summer months. Some especially allergenic types include Timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass and Bermuda grass.
Sneezeworthy Ragweed
Ragweed plants are major late summer and early fall allergy triggers, releasing billions of microscopic grains of pollen. As ragweed pollen levels peak, spring allergies can blend right into fall allergy woes for sensitive individuals.
Invisible Mold Spores
In addition to pollen, mold spores proliferate indoors and outdoors in spring’s wet weather. While molds release spores instead of pollen, they trigger the same bothersome allergic reactions.
Misery-Causing Spring Allergy Signs and Symptoms
When allergy-provoking pollen or mold particles make contact with the eyes, nose or throat, they trigger antibody production and release inflammatory chemicals like histamine. This causes irritating allergy signs and symptoms including:
Repeated Sneezes
Frequent sneezing, sometimes dozens of times per hour, commonly occurs during spring allergy attacks. Sneezes expel mucus containing trapped allergens from nasal passages.
Runny, Itchy Nose
As the nose attempts to clear itself of irritating particles, it compensates by producing more mucus. This runny nose often accompanies incessant sneezes. Seasonal allergies also cause maddening nasal and sinus itchiness.
Red, Watery Eyes
Itchy, burneding, watery eyes result from histamine release around the eyes. Rubbing reddened eyes tends to make this troublesome symptom worse.
Nasal and Sinus Stuffiness
While initially the nose tries to purge allergens through mucus production and sneezing, eventually it becomes overwhelmed. Swelling of nasal and sinus membranes causes miserable congestion and pressure.
Hacking Cough
Post-nasal drip from congestion often drips down the throat, triggering an obnoxious cough, especially at night. Coughs expel this excess mucus from the throat area.
Pounding Headaches
Inflammation and congestion from seasonal allergies commonly causes headaches centered around the sinuses. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide some relief.
Itchy Rashes or Hives
Some unlucky allergy sufferers react to pollen exposure with skin symptoms like red, itchy patches or hives instead of respiratory troubles. Antihistamines calm down these bothersome reactions.
Spring Allergy Season Varies By Location
Depending on what part of the country you live in, spring allergy season starts and ends at different points on the calendar. In southern climates, trees start flowering as early as January while northern areas see more April tree pollination. No matter the location, paying attention to local pollen counts helps determine personally troublesome allergy seasons. Tracking symptoms day to day also aids identifying your spring allergy start and end dates annually.
Generally, tree pollen kicks off spring allergy miseries starting as early as February in the South and lasting until June in northern latitudes. Grass pollens take over anywhere from May through the summer months. Ragweed pollen then completes the annual allergy gauntlet from August until the first fall frost.
Testing Provides Answers About Problematic Allergens
Because so many different allergens cause similar spring allergy issues, testing often helps identify specific triggers. Simple skin prick testing performed by allergists checks reactions to common regional allergy culprits. Blood tests also measure antibody levels indicating sensitivities.
Once documentation shows exactly which pollens or molds aggravate existing symptoms, avoidance measures can aim at the right targets. Knowing specific allergens also assists choosing appropriate medications to control flare ups.
Tips to Reduce Pollen and Mold Exposure For Symptom Prevention
Once aware of personalized springtime allergy triggers, preventing exposure prevents problems. Though not always practical, minimizing contact with problematic pollens and molds improves seasonal misery including:
Stay Indoors During High Pollen Times
Checking local pollen counts through websites or apps shows when allergen levels peak. Planning outdoor activities before or after high points avoids health hassles. Consider wearing a protective mask when pollen reaches very high levels.
Shut Windows, Circulate Clean Air
When driving or at home during allergy seasons keep windows firmly closed. Make sure home heating and cooling systems include quality filters to circulate clean, pollen-free air throughout living spaces. Consider adding standalone air purifiers in often used rooms.
Remove Pollen After Time Outside
After outdoor exposure on high pollen days, remove clinging particles by changing clothing and showering. Wash pollen residue from skin and hair before settling on indoor surfaces. Keeping household pets clean also prevents them from spreading allergens indoors.
Take Preventative Medications
Starting oral antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and allergy eye drops before symptoms strike helps many endure seasonal allergy troubles. Conferring with allergists determines most effective options for each individual.
Use Dehumidifiers
In addition to filtering air pollutants, dehumidifiers maintain optimal indoor humidity levels below 50 percent. Lower humidity prevents mold growth and ideal survival conditions for microscopic allergens.
Medications Ease Spring Allergy Misery After Exposure
When prevention fails and seasonal allergy signs strike, medications alleviate symptoms. Always following dosing instructions provides optimal relief with minimal side effects. Frequently used options include:
- Antihistamines – Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra) block histamine release reducing common symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes
- Decongestants – Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) provide temporary relief from sinus pressure and nasal congestion
- Steroid Nasal Sprays – Corticosteroid nasal sprays effectively reduce inflammation and prevent common allergy issues
- Itch-Alleviating Eye Drops – Over-the-counter allergy eye drops containing ketotifen fumarate alleviate red, burning, watery, itchy eyes
- Natural or Home Remedies – Home or natural remedies like saline sprays, irrigations or supplements demonstrate varying effectiveness for spring allergies
Research demonstrates clinical effectiveness varies greatly among these methods. Always discuss options with healthcare providers first since safety data is limited.
Book an appointment On Doctor Telemed to get properly diagnosed allergy medication.
Difference Between Spring Allergies and Colds
Symptoms between common colds and seasonal allergies overlap so much, it is often confusing determining the cause of spring sniffles. Paying attention to subtle differences provides vital treatment clues:
- Colds arise abruptly causing sore throats and fevers while allergies develop gradually without systemic symptoms
- Thick, discolored mucus signals infection but allergies manifest watery, clear drainage
- Colds last 5-10 days improving over time versus allergy persisting without medication
- Itchy eyes, ears, nose and throat point to allergies whereas colds typically lack itch
Bottom line: bacterial or viral co-infections can complicate allergy troubles. Seeking medical advice brings relief faster and wards off complications. Don’t hesitate reaching out for personalized guidance.
Effects of Spring Allergies on Individuals with Asthma
Studies consistently demonstrate strong connections between allergy and asthma conditions. Asthma involves bronchial tube spasms whereas allergies cause upper respiratory woes, but both share inflammation components.
Appropriately managing one condition lessens the other’s impact. Asthma increases allergy sensitivity so optimal control prevents severe flare ups. Conversely, allergy control reduces asthma aggravating factors minimizing life-threatening attacks.
Any breathing troubles require prompt medical care. Being prepared with rescue inhalers or epinephrine devices saves lives until help arrives by immediately reversing attacks. Patients find tracking symptoms day to day useful identifying key triggers to avoid.
Climate Change Influence on Seasonal Allergies
Multiple research analyses confirm measurable climate changes occurring globally. These warming trends do negatively impact spring allergy patterns by increasing pollen production and extending seasons.
Higher temperatures encourage more vigorous plant growth and flowering. Increased carbon dioxide levels directly stimulate overproduction of allergenic proteins in pollens. Consequently, much higher pollen counts result lengthening allergy seasons.
Observations already document earlier yearly tree pollination expanding allergy calendars by weeks or months in many regions. Climate researchers expect increased intensity and duration of hay fever seasons directly matching current climate change trajectories.
Frequently Asked Spring Allergy Questions
Below find answers addressing some commonly asked queries regarding seasonal allergy troubles:
How do spring allergies differ from year-round, indoor allergies?
Seasonal, outdoor allergies involve pollen or spore proteins triggering antibody responses causing spring through fall sneezing and sniffles. Perennial, indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites or cockroaches bring on similar year-round reactions when inside contaminated buildings.
What role do pets play in springtime allergy woes?
Outdoor allergens stick to pet’s fur coats tracking inside. Allowing animals to sleep on human beds transfers microscopic particles settling into bedding. Bathe pets regularly while following veterinarian approved shampoos to prevent spreading seasonal allergen issues indoors.
Will honey or bee pollen supplements help my seasonal allergies?
Minimal research data confirms claims about honey or pollen products lessening environmental allergy troubles. Very high quality evidence proves other options effectively control pesky seasonal symptoms without risking serious allergic reactions. Always discuss pros, cons and safety considerations using alternative products under physician supervision.
Source: Eating local honey can cure seasonal allergies
Can air purifiers remove springtime allergens from home environments?
Quality HEPA filter equipped air purification devices effectively capture most airborne pollen grains circulating indoors providing cleaner breathing zones. Using them in often used spaces like bedrooms and common rooms brings relief by reducing exposure to seasonal allergens sneaking inside.
Source: United States Enviromental Protection Agency
Helpful Tips For Managing Seasonal Misery
In addition to recognizing personalized triggers and following prevention protocols, individuals frustrated with spring allergies uncover useful by:
- Using a nasal saline rinse to remove pollens coating nasal passages
- Placing soft, washable covers on pillows and mattresses to avoid sleeping with allergens
- Wearing wrap-around style sunglasses and hats outdoors to keep pollens away from eyes and hair
- Scheduling annual check ups to review symptom patterns and adjust treatment plans
- Identifying and confirming specific pollen sensitivities through medical tests
Seeking Specialist Care from Allergists
Board certified allergists complete specialized training exclusively treating environmental allergies and asthma. Consulting these experts optimizes diagnosis and therapy for seasonal woes not controlled by primary doctors.
Allergists determine exactly which pollen, mold or other allergens trigger patients’ miserable symptoms using precise skin and blood testing. This allows pinpointing avoidance recommendations and best medication options for each person.
Ongoing sneezing, nasal drips, congestion or itchy eyes despite over-the-counter therapies warrant seeing allergists. They often effectively control severe symptoms using prescription strength nasal sprays, eye products or layered oral medications.
Long Term Allergy Relief Through Immunotherapy
Allergy shots introduce gradually increasing doses of customized extracts made from patient’s unique allergen triggers. This targets the underlying immune response defects providing extended remission from symptoms.
Similarly, newer sublingual drops or tablets taken by mouth use specific allergens. These raise tolerance by passing extracts under the tongue where immune cells reside instead of traditional injection routes.
Immunotherapy option benefits must outweigh potential risks for doctors recommending them. Close provider supervision carefully tracks treatment effectiveness through scheduled follow ups. Both injection and sublingual products may take months reaching peak benefits but bring lasting relief from frustrating allergies.
Immunotherapy option benefits must outweigh potential risks for doctors recommending them. Close provider supervision carefully tracks treatment effectiveness through scheduled follow-ups. Both injection and sublingual products may take months reaching peak benefits but bring lasting relief from frustrating allergies, much like the proactive approach of getting an annual flu shot.
Promising Outlook For Future Allergy Treatment Advances
Multiple emerging therapies show encouraging potential improving allergic disease management through improved scientific understandings of underlying mechanisms. Current active research directions include:
- Novel biologic monoclonal antibody products
- Modified allergy vaccines
- Genetics-based medical interventions
- Other immunomodulatory pathways
Patients are understandably hopeful about these advancements, as they make daily allergy prevention and control measures feel like just temporary fixes. Until more spring allergy solutions become available, avoiding triggers, using medications when needed, and consulting with allergists for tough symptom management can help you enjoy life despite seasonal allergies.
