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Spring Allergies Worsening for Millions: Symptoms, Relief, and Prevention
Spring has arrived, signaling the start of blooming flora, but with it comes the resurgence of seasonal allergies. Pollen and other microscopic irritants, responsible for triggering inflammation, are widespread, causing many to experience hay fever symptoms. Health experts suggest these allergy symptoms may be intensifying each year, impacting a significant portion of the population.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that annually, up to 60 million individuals in the United States may suffer from allergic rhinitis, commonly known as seasonal allergies or hay fever. These allergies are frequently triggered when plants release pollen into the atmosphere as part of their reproductive cycle. The body’s immune system overreacts to these airborne particles, perceiving them as threats, which leads to typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with NYU Langone Health, advises individuals seeking to reduce allergy symptoms to limit outdoor exposure during early morning hours and to avoid opening windows at these times. Additional recommendations include changing clothes and showering promptly upon returning home. To minimize indoor allergens, Dr. Parikh suggests using dust mite-proof covers, employing a HEPA air purifier, regularly vacuuming and dusting, and washing bedding frequently.
Identifying Seasonal Allergies: Key Symptoms
The specific types and quantities of pollen vary depending on geographical location. Pollen can induce inflammation not only in the nasal passages but also in other areas of the body. Roughly 70% of those with nasal allergy symptoms also report experiencing itchy, red, or watery eyes. Here’s how to discern if your symptoms are allergy-related and effective strategies for relief.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Sneezing and watery eyes are hallmark indicators of seasonal allergies. Experiencing the following common symptoms increases the likelihood of having seasonal allergies:
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- Frequent sneezing
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion, congestion in ears or chest
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy throat
- Puffy eyelids
Less Common Allergy Symptoms
While the aforementioned symptoms are prevalent, allergies can manifest in less typical ways as well. These less frequent symptoms might also indicate seasonal allergies:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Sudden decrease in exercise stamina
- Mild headache
Symptoms Not Typically Associated with Allergies
It’s important to note that some symptoms listed above overlap with those of a common cold or influenza. If you are feeling unwell, consulting a healthcare provider or getting tested for COVID-19 is advisable. Dr. Parikh points out that nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, and wheezing are symptoms shared between allergies, colds, and flu.
Experiencing any of these symptoms might suggest a cold, COVID-19, or another viral infection, rather than allergies alone:
- Fatigue
- Body aches and pains
- Weakness
- Severe headache
- Sore throat (distinct from allergy-related throat itchiness)
Seasonal Allergy Triggers and Timing
For individuals with seasonal allergies, symptoms usually appear and subside around the same time each year. Symptoms often emerge in spring and diminish by fall, however, allergic rhinitis can occur in any season depending on individual allergy triggers. Dr. Parikh detailed common plant pollen triggers for seasonal allergies:
Seasonal Allergy Triggers by Season
Spring:
Grasses, such as ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass, and Bermuda grass, alongside tree pollen, particularly from oak, elm, birch, cedar, willow, poplar, horse chestnut, and alder trees, are primary culprits.
Summer:
Weed pollens, including mugwort and pigweed, are dominant allergy triggers.
Fall:
Pollen from weeds remains a significant concern during fall. Ragweed, tumbleweed, pigweed, sagebrush, Russian thistle, and similar plants are common fall allergens.
Winter:
Allergy symptoms often subside in winter as most plants are not pollinating. Persistent watery eyes or runny nose during winter might indicate allergies to indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
Managing and Treating Seasonal Allergies
When seeking over-the-counter relief, it is essential to choose the appropriate medication. Consulting a pharmacist or physician for recommendations on suitable antihistamines or other over-the-counter remedies is advised. Allergic nasal congestion has a different underlying cause compared to congestion from a cold, necessitating targeted treatment based on the specific cause and symptoms.
For severe allergies, physicians may prescribe nasal corticosteroid sprays or allergy shots to alleviate symptoms.
While minimizing exposure to allergy triggers is beneficial, it doesn’t necessitate staying indoors entirely. Dr. Parikh recommends proactive strategies to manage allergy season:
- Utilize over-the-counter antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays, and eye drops.
- For asthma-prone individuals, commence preventative inhaler use promptly. Dr. Parikh emphasized that “Proactive symptom management is significantly more effective, and uncontrolled asthma can be hazardous. Consult a board-certified allergist for guidance if you’re unsure about appropriate medications.”
- Upon returning indoors from outside, change clothes and shower to remove pollen and reduce exposure.
- Limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed during early morning when pollen levels are typically highest.
Additional Tips to Lessen Allergy Symptoms:
- Employ an air purifier if sensitive to indoor allergens.
- Wear a dust mask when performing yard work.
- Monitor local weather forecasts for pollen level updates.