Helping You Understand Spring Allergies

The spring is a wonderful time of year — the weather has struck the perfect balance between warm and breezy, and you’re spending more time outdoors. While joy is in the air, so are millions of microscopic irritants.

Keep reading to discover what causes spring allergies and learn ways to treat them and prevent triggers so you can feel whole all season long.

Why Spring Allergies Happen

As we say goodbye to the cold winter weather, we welcome in a breath of warm, fresh air —but that’s not all. While plants and trees begin to blossom, painting the outdoors with beautiful colors, they also produce large amounts of pollen, usually between February and early summer.

But What Causes Spring Allergies?

Allergies in spring, also known as hay fever, are mainly caused by pollen from trees and grasses. During the spring months, trees, grasses, flowers and weeds begin to grow in the warmer weather and release their seeds and spores into the air you breathe. Your immune system overreacts to these airborne particles and mistakes them for harmful invaders, which causes your body to have an allergic reaction.

Common Spring Allergy Symptoms to Watch For

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms vs. a cold, but we’re here to help you know the difference. Common spring allergy symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sinus pressure
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

Symptoms from a cold typically go away within a week, but allergy symptoms can last much longer. Other indicators that you may have a cold are a fever and slight body aches. But regardless of the source, it’s best to visit your primary care provider for the prompt care you deserve.

How Allergies Can Affect More Than Your Sinuses

While allergy symptoms primarily affect your sinuses, they can also affect other parts of your body, such as your respiratory system and skin. Research shows that airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores and other particles can trigger different allergic reactions like asthma and eczema.

For those who already have asthma, exposure to spring allergies can irritate their symptoms even more, potentially leading to an asthma attack. Spring allergies can also affect those with sensitive skin by triggering eczema, which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

It’s important to know that allergies can affect more than just your sinuses. If you have any skin or respiratory conditions, talk with your doctor for a personalized treatment plan before the spring allergy season begins.

Treatment Options That Can Bring Relief

When your immune system mistakes airborne pollutants as a threat, it triggers your body to release histamine, which causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. So, the first line of defense for treating your spring allergies is over-the-counter antihistamines to counteract your body's natural response. Other treatment options include corticosteroid nasal sprays, oral decongestants and allergy shots.

For most patients, over-the-counter medications should do the trick. But for those with severe symptoms, you may need your doctor to prescribe medication to find the relief you’re looking for.

Everyday Ways to Reduce Allergy Triggers

When it comes to allergies, prevention is the best medicine. There are many ways that you can help prevent spring allergies, including:

• Closing your windows
• Keeping your pets clean
• Limiting outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts
• Showering at the end of the day after being outside
• Spring cleaning your home
• Staying hydrated
• Using an air purifier and dehumidifier in your home

Taking these steps can greatly reduce your exposure to allergens and lessen their symptoms.

When It’s Time to Talk to a Care Provider

If over-the-counter medications aren’t providing the relief you’re looking for, or if your symptoms begin to interfere with your everyday life, it’s time to visit your primary care provider. Your doctor may prescribe you an allergy medicine or help you identify your specific triggers and create a personalized treatment plan. If symptoms are severe, it’s important to know when to go to the ER for an allergic reaction. No matter what, our compassionate providers are here to help you feel whole.

Helping You Breathe Easy, All Year Long

Allergies can take a toll on your daily life, but they don’t have to. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms and can’t find the relief you’re looking for, visit our allergists near you for the whole-person support you deserve.