Spring Allergies - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Introduction

The spring season signifies longer days, blooming colorful buds, lush green trees, and more outdoor activities. However, this season can also cause discomfort for some people through sneezing, coughing, and other allergic symptoms. Seasonal allergies occur only during some seasons, such as autumn, spring, or summer, and depend on a specific thing a person is allergic to. Trees such as birch, cedar, alder, cottonwood, maple, juniper, mulberry, pine, etc., can trigger allergic symptoms in some people. However, some measures can be followed to minimize the misery and enjoy the season.

What Are Spring Allergies?

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, approximately eight percent of people in the United States experience allergic rhinitis during a particular season, and it also reports that allergies in the United States are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in people. Spring allergies are also known as hay fever. It is a common condition affecting people globally. They have a massive impact on the quality of life and also significantly burden the healthcare system.

What Are Some of the Causes of Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies can occur when the immune system overreacts to something in the environment and releases histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream.

• Grass, trees, and weed can cause spring allergies. When budding flowers or weeds disperse pollen into the air, and when a person allergic to pollen breathes it, it can trigger the symptoms and affect daily life activities such as studies or work.

• The larger waxy pollen seen on the flowers and disseminated by bees usually does not cause a lot of symptoms. Still, the smaller powdery pollen found on trees, grasses, and weeds is lighter and easily blown by the wind, which results in allergies.

• Pollen is not the only trigger, as spring rains can cause rapid plant growth and an increase in mold and mildew spores reproducing inside and outside the house, especially in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, etc.

• As the temperature rises during the spring, it causes an increase in insects such as mosquitoes, bees, wasps, fleas, etc., which can also spread germs and allergens.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Spring Allergies?

Symptoms of spring allergies can vary among individuals depending on the weather conditions. Pollen counts can suddenly increase in the morning or when the weather becomes warm or windy. Mold can develop quickly in highly humid environments. The majority of the symptoms resemble those of the common cold; however, allergies usually do not cause fever. Some of the symptoms include;

• Runny and itchy nose.

• Sneezing.

• Coughing.

• Watering eyes.

• Congestion.

• Exacerbations of asthma.

• Red and swollen eyelids.

• Irritation in the throat and airways.

• Sleep disturbances.

• Fatigue.

• Skin irritations and rashes can occur due to exposure to certain plants, grasses, or insect bites.

How Are Spring Allergies Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional can easily diagnose spring allergies compared to others, as they occur only during specific seasons. Allergy testing may not always be required. The doctor examines the ears, nose, and throat and determines the diagnosis based on the symptoms. Sometimes, an allergy specialist may recommend specific skin or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. The main goal is to pinpoint the reason for allergies, prevent flare-ups, and manage them effectively.

• Skin Tests: The doctor performs the test by pricking the skin's surface (usually on the upper arm) and injecting a tiny amount of suspected allergens. If the person is allergic to it, the skin becomes red and inflamed, which can cause temporary discomfort. This test is fast and usually takes one or two days to confirm the diagnosis.

• Blood Tests: It is mainly recommended to identify perennial allergies, food allergies, and allergies due to insect bites or stings. These blood investigations may take several days to confirm the diagnosis. However, these tests can diagnose more allergens than skin tests. It is also preferred for patients suffering from eczema, psoriasis, etc.

How Can Spring Allergies Be Managed?

• Staying indoors on dry and windy days.

• Avoiding lawn mowing, gardening, or pulling weeds may raise allergens.

• Wearing a mask when outdoors.

• Using an air-conditioner in the house and the car during the season.

• Oral decongestants can help provide temporary relief from nasal congestion.

• Antihistamines such as Cetrizine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine, etc., can relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.

• Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone, Budesonide, etc., can be helpful. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray can be used to reduce the symptoms. It is usually effective if started before exposure to allergens and used around four to six times daily.

• Saline solution can be used to rinse the nasal passages, an effective way to relieve nasal congestion, as it directly flushes the mucus from the nose. If irrigation devices are used, they must be thoroughly cleaned and left open to air dry after each use.

• Natural or herbal remedies using plant extracts can benefit some people; however, sufficient evidence is not available to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of such treatments, and a healthcare provider must be consulted before trying alternative methods.

• Allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy can be effective for some individuals with frequent allergies. It involves administering injections containing tiny amounts of allergens regularly, which over time, reduces the immune system reactions that cause allergic symptoms.

How to Minimize Exposure to Spring Allergies?

• Maintaining the house neat and clean or using a vacuum cleaner is more effective than manual cleaning.

• Frequently wash hands with soap and water as soon as coming from outside.

• Checking the weather forecast before going out or limiting outdoor activities, especially in the early morning when the pollen count is high.

• As pollen can coat clothing, laundry driers can be beneficial.

• Keeping the doors and windows closed.

• An air purifier or dehumidifier can filter the air to keep the indoor air dry.

• Regular maintenance of air conditioners and purifiers or the use of high-efficiency filters.

Conclusion

Spring is a beautiful season, but at the same time, it can be a crucial time for allergies in some people. It occurs due to the release of pollen from trees, grass, and weeds or due to mold growth. It is associated with symptoms such as congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, etc. Using oral antihistamines or decongestants and following certain preventive measures can help manage the symptoms of spring allergies.