An Overview of the Spring Allergy Season

When it comes to spring season there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that the weather will be great! The temperatures will be moderate, the birds will be chirping and the flowers will be blooming. That brings us to the bad news; seeing flowers bloom is a beautiful thing, but with all that beauty comes the pollen

The Trigger

You managed to make it through the ice cold winter weather, only to have spring hit you with sniffling and itchy eyes! It happens to a lot of people in the US –50 million of us to be exact. It’s seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever –and when the season arrives, the symptoms start flowing.

The big trigger of the season is pollen –other allergens like dust and mold are present as well but they can irritate us indoors any time during the year. These allergens tend to be harmless –but in this case our immune system is to blame, they mistake these allergens as intruders. To defend ourselves the body releases histamine, which enlarges blood vessels and causes our eyes to water, skin to itch and congestion. Our reaction to allergens depends on our genetic makeup which is why some of us don’t have to deal with the springtime sadness.

Dealing with allergies can be an agitating experience –people experience itching and sneezing after exposure. What makes it even worse is that fatigue and congestion can hit up to eight hours later! These symptoms also hinder the quality of sleep.

How to Beat Spring Allergies

• Lockdown: Close the windows and crank up the air conditioning to keep pollen out. Try not to use a fan. It can whirl around dust and pet dander.
• Stay in: On windy days, stay inside. Pollen travels and you don’t want to be any part of that.
• Tidy up Your lawn: Keep your grass freshly cut. Wear a mask while mowing the lawn.
• Wear shades: Besides making you look really cool, the sunglasses can also help keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Shower: Before you hit the sheets, take a shower to rid your body of all the allergens.
• Nasal Irrigation: Clear your nasal passages with a little bit of salt water
• Eat Right: There are foods that help fight spring allergies.
• Visit the Drug Store: There are plenty over-the-counter drugs that can help with your symptoms. Antihistamines can alleviate allergy symptoms. Decongestants can relieve congestion.
• See an Allergist: Speaking to an allergist to help develop a plan of action is the best way to manage your symptoms.