What are Spring Allergies: It's Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

What are Spring Allergies: It's Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Spring is a time of flower buds and blooming trees - and it's also a time of sneezing, congestion, runny noses and other irritating symptoms for millions of Americans suffering from seasonal allergies. In addition to hay fever and allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies can make you miserable.

The springtime brings pollen into the air from trees and grasses. These pollens trigger allergies when inhaled. It's common to associate spring with tree pollen stirring up in the air, but there are also several other types of pollen that can trigger allergies in springtime.

During which months are spring allergies most common?

As early as February, spring allergies can occur and last until summer, depending on your location. If you want to know when the blossoming will begin, check your local weather.

Allergies generally fall into two categories:

Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms usually occur in the spring, summer, or fall. Pollen and mold spores are to blame.

Perennial Allergies: The symptoms persist throughout the year. There are a variety of causes, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroaches.

What Causes Spring Allergies:

Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system overreacting to a harmless substance, known as an allergen. In allergic people, the body produces antibodies that travel to the cells where histamine and other chemicals are released.

In an attempt to prevent allergens from entering the body, histamine causes swelling in the nose and eyes. Sneezing is also caused by histamine, which removes allergens from the nasal cavity. Pollen, which reproduces and grows during the spring, is the primary cause of spring allergies.

Pollen:

Small grains produced by plants for reproduction. Insects are used by some plants to spread pollen, but wind is used by others. People with pollen allergies suffer from allergy symptoms due to pollens spread by the wind. Pollen is released by trees in the early spring. In different states, pollination begins at different times of the season.

Spring Allergies Can Be Triggered Due to:

Spring Allergies Due to Trees: One of the biggest problems for allergy sufferers in spring is pollen carried by the spring breeze. Specifically, tree pollen has several types - Box elder, Cedar, Aspen, Beech, Oak, Willow, Cottonwood, Cypress, Alder, Ash, Hickory, Juniper, Maple, Mulberry, Olive, Palm, Pine, Elm, Poplar, Sycamore

Spring Allergies Due to Grasses and Weeds: It is often thought that grass pollen is an allergy of summer, but it actually gets started in spring and depending on the weather, can release pollen late in the spring, also being carried by the wind for several miles like tree pollen.

Pollen from grass is extremely small, even microscopic. It will probably never be visible to the naked eye in the air, but if you're allergic, your body will still react to it. The impact of grass pollen is lessened in dry, windy, and cold weather, whereas pollen allergies are worsened in dry, windy, and damp weather. These types of grass are the most common causes of allergy symptoms: Perennial rye, June, Orchard, Redtop, Saltgrass, Sweet vernal, Timothy, Bermuda, Fescue, Johnson

It is possible for weed allergies to contribute to spring allergies, although they peak around the end of the summer and the beginning of the fall and are more extreme than tree and grass pollen. Approximately 75% of spring allergy sufferers are allergic to ragweed, which is the most common cause of weed pollen allergies. Aside from ragweed, there are other weeds that pollinate and cause allergic reactions. Some examples include: Curly dock, Cocklebur, Ragweed, Goldenrod, Pigweed, Nettle, Sagebrush, Dandelion, Lamb’s quarters,

It is usual for pollen counts to be particularly high on windy days because the wind picks up the sneeze-inducing grains and carries them through the air. Meanwhile, rainy days remove allergens from the air.

It's not just pollen that causes allergies. Mold grows more indoors and outdoors when it rains in the spring. Dust mites are also stirred up at home during spring cleaning.

What are the Symptoms of Spring Allergies:

• Congestion of the nose is among the most common and uncomfortable symptom of allergies.
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Runny, itchy nose
• Irritated, swollen eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion
• People who suffer from chronic allergy symptoms are more likely to suffer from frequent sinus infections and ear infections as a result of untreated allergies.

Prevention of Spring Allergies:

During the spring, you can minimize pollen exposure by taking the following measures:

• When pollen counts are high early in the morning, remain indoors as much as possible or wear a mask while going out.
• Make sure your bedding is pollen free by taking a bath and washing your hair before bedtime. We recommend washing your bedding weekly with hot water.
• Use an air conditioner with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters and keep the windows closed.
• The indoor air can be dried with the help of a dehumidifier.
• Protect your eyes and hair from pollen by wearing a hat and sunglasses outside.
• Pollen particles can also be filtered by wearing a mask outdoors.
• It is advisable to wash your clothing after spending time outdoors. To dry them, put them in a dryer instead of hanging them outside.

What are the Treatments of Spring Allergies:

Spring allergies are usually treatable at home using home remedies or medications. The most effective long-term treatment for allergies is allergy shots, which may be recommended by your doctor if symptoms are severe and interfering with your normal activities.

Allergic symptoms can be relieved by over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Some of these medications include:

• In addition, nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can reduce nasal swelling. It is recommended that nasal sprays should be begin at least two weeks before pollen season, in order to have maximum effectiveness.
• The antihistamines block your immune system's production of histamines, which in turn reduces congestion, sneezing, irritated eyes, and itchy skin. Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra are examples.
• Taking a decongestant, which shrinks the nasal mucosa, makes breathing easier. Sudafed, Mucinex, and Afrin are some decongestants you can take as an oral decongestant.

How to Treat Spring Allergies at Home:

These natural remedies may help relieve allergy symptoms along with medications:

Foods Rich in Quercetin: Quercetin is an antioxidant found in various plants, including onions, garlic, broccoli, grapes, and berries. Quercetin prevents histamine release in allergic individuals.

Saline Nasal Rinse: It is possible to reduce congestion by rinsing your sinuses with a saline solution. You should use saline rinses after gardening or performing other outdoor activities. Squeeze bottles and neti pots, which are small containers with spouts, can be used. Using distilled water and rinsing the container after each use is the best method for achieving maximum results.

Acupuncture: Several studies suggest that acupuncture can be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Your body may respond better to allergens with acupuncture.

Butterbur: Taking this herb may help ease allergy symptoms without making you sleepy.