Springtime can be frustrating for you if you have allergies, especially as pollen exposure increases when the weather warms up. Symptoms of spring allergies might include an itchy nose and throat or eye irritation, preventing you from participating in outdoor activities.
Luckily, many allergy treatments can help. Read on to learn more about spring allergies.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Spring is beautiful, but that is until your allergies start to flare up. As plants release pollen, millions of people inhale these pollen particles, causing the dreaded seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies occur when something in the immune system reacts strongly to an item in the environment. In most people, these happen in the spring when there is plenty of dust and pollen in the air. Statistically, 19.2 million people reported suffering from hay fever symptoms in the last 12 months.
The environment causes seasonal allergies, but what is it in the natural environment that prompts such a strong reaction?
What Causes Spring Allergies?
The cause of seasonal allergies includes several items, from grass pollen to tree pollen and dust. Any amount of pollen that gets into the human body can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
When experiencing allergens, our immune system produces antibodies against them. Inflammatory substances and tissue swelling also signal help from other body parts, such as white blood cells. These are key players when fighting off an infection or maintaining health.
The main culprit in spring allergies is pollen, causing problematic reactions in many individuals. According to healthline.com, over 8% of the people in the United States experience hay fever during pollen seasons.
Pollen
Pollen is a tiny grain that runs off plants for reproductive purposes. Experts state that pollen grains shifted by the wind are the top reason for seasonal allergies in those allergic to pollen.
Shifts in weather can change how much pollen a plant releases into the air. Trees release powdery pollen grains at different points in the year. Some may let go of pollen earlier in the season, while others push the grain out later.
Symptoms Of Spring Allergies?
Many symptoms may indicate spring allergies, ranging from minor to severe ones. Some people are impacted by serious health outcomes, while others experience minor symptoms.
The most common include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
Such nasal symptoms or other discomforts can indicate you’re suffering from spring allergies.
Statistics state that allergic conjunctivitis exists in about 30% of the population and 7 out of 10 patients with allergic rhinitis. To avoid such symptoms, take action as soon as possible.
How To Diagnose Spring Allergies?
If you think you have spring allergies, you should first speak with your primary doctor; they may diagnose you or refer you to an allergist for additional blood tests or skin testing.
Once at the allergist, they will prick your arms and back with inflammatory substances to note reactions. If the spot rises, you may be allergic to the allergen.
Natural Remedies Available For Spring Allergies?
Natural remedies are some of the best alternative treatments to handle spring allergies in urgent situations. One natural remedy is to use water and salt. Take warm water, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of nasal irrigation. This combination will help ease your spring allergies. Nettle is another excellent source of relief.
Several more medication options exist if you don’t want to try these methods. Our world has plenty of natural cures for spring allergy sufferers who need assistance easing their allergic symptoms.
Quercetin
Quercetin is another natural remedy for spring allergies. It’s a nutrient often found in onions, apples, and black tea. According to research, it blocks the release of histamines in the system and can provide relief from allergens.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle is still in the research process as a treatment for allergies, but there is exciting information that freeze-dried stinging nettle relieves allergy symptoms. According to webmd.com, it’s an excellent way to deal with the worst allergy symptoms.
There’s not much research to show that freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves work as an allergy treatment, but many people have found them helpful in relieving symptoms.
What Are Some Allergy Medications For Spring Allergies?
It’s possible to work hard to avoid contact with pollen all season long. However, those with the worst symptoms and health concerns may find it necessary to take prescription medications for the spring. There are a couple of options available.
Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids can provide excellent help to the body during the spring. This medication reduces nasal congestion and relieves nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and runny noses that typically come with hay fever.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical released by mast cells in response to an allergen. This item stops the release of histamine and reduces the effects of hay fever.
Decongestants
This class of medicine works by constricting blood vessels and lowering swelling and redness. Decongestants are used to treat colds and flu, but they can worsen hay fever symptoms. Be careful if you take a decongestant to reduce your allergy symptoms in the summer months.
Preparation For Allergy Season?
The best way to prepare for the allergy season is to ensure you reduce your exposure to pollen. One of the best ways to do so is to use an online allergens kit. This tool will help you determine the reactants in your area. There are also a few more ways to get ready for the spring.
Allergy Shots
If you have been diagnosed with hay fever, you may want to consider getting allergy shots. This treatment involves injecting small amounts of certain substances (allergens) under the skin. Over time, exposure to allergens desensitizes your immune system so that it no longer reacts to those allergens.
How Long Do Spring Allergies Last?
When pollen falls off the trees, nature provides a natural signal that it’s time for the seasonal allergy season to begin. When temperatures exceed 50 degrees, the plants bloom and move pollen into the air. Someone who suffers from spring allergies will notice the symptoms in early March and continue feeling them until late May.
How Many People Die from Allergies?
Unfortunately, plenty of people are dying from allergies in the United States. According to aafa.org, black and older adults have the highest death rate due to allergic reactions to medicine, food, and even unknown allergies.
While it’s not likely a pollen allergy could cause death, it’s critical to be familiar with your allergies. You never know when a dangerous situation could arise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is spring allergy season?
The spring allergy season occurs from early February to the late spring. The majority of the season happens in April and May.
What are the allergy seasons?
Three major allergy seasons exist in the world; the first is spring. This season has peak pollen times from blossoming trees and flowers.
Summer is the following season, producing pollen allergens - though not as severe as in the spring. Pollen eases here.
Finally, there is the fall season. It’s critical to take care of yourself at this time of the year; it is full of ragweed-dominant wind due to the release of seeds around nightfall every evening.
What are the most common fall allergies?
Fall is another time of year for severe allergies. Ragweed pollen, tree nuts, and mold are a few of the most common to appear and can cause worse trouble than pollen in those with severe allergies.
What Are The Best Ways To Prevent Spring Allergies?
The best way to prevent spring allergies is to avoid pollen output whenever possible. This action means checking the pollen count level and weather and cleaning your home as often as possible to keep the plant material out of your home.
What is the biggest spring allergy trigger?
The biggest spring allergy trigger in the warmer months is pollen. This item drifts through the air for reproductive purposes and causes allergic reactions in those allergic to them. It’s by far the biggest issue for those with hay fever.
What are the common signs of pollen allergies?
There are many symptoms of pollen allergies that can occur. The most common include itching, sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. The most severe pollen allergies can cause uncomfortable sinus infections or allergic asthma episodes.
What is the difference between spring allergies and summer allergies?
April and May are the months when spring allergies occur most often. On the other hand, summer allergies happen in May, June, July, and August. The allergens produced in these months differ significantly from what appears in the year's first half. There typically isn’t as much pollen production.
What are the best days to get rid of pollen?
The best days to get rid of pollen are the rainy ones, as the rain washes away the pollen.
What are the effects of cleaning?
Cleaning your home is critical if you have spring allergies. The process will remove dust mites and pet dander. It will also eliminate the pollen tracked inside by the people and pets occupying your home. Clean your home early in the spring to avoid indoor allergens.
What is a skin test?
An allergist will give you a skin test, which can be done in many different ways. The most common way skin testing is done is by pricking the surface of your skin with an allergen needle to see if it causes any reactions on the spot.
What if I’m allergic to the substance?
If you think you might be allergic to a substance, there are signs to look for on your skin. A small red spot, also known as a “wheeze,” will appear if you are injected. This dot is what allergen doctors use to determine if you are allergic to a particular substance.
What are the best medicines for allergies?
There are several medicines for allergies. The best include antihistamines, decongestants, and particular medications that are a combination of the two to combine both drug effects for powerful results.
Final Thoughts
Spring allergies can be problematic, especially for those who suffer from intense symptoms. Luckily, there are a few ways to handle them. You can go with natural remedies or take prescription medicines to experience relief. There are additional ways you can avoid pollen and common allergens. One such way is to make use of Airzey’s filter subscription program in order to get the highest quality filters delivered directly to your door.
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