Spring is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. The birds are chirping. The bees are buzzing. And a lot of humans are sniffling and sneezing and dealing with itchy eyes. Read on to learn more about the causes of springtime allergies and our tips to deal with them.
Causes
Pollen is the number one cause of allergies in spring. Nearly every single plant you see is shooting the stuff out in every direction (some plants send it miles away) in spring. While that’s great news for plant fertilization, it can wreak havoc on your head. When it’s inhaled, the body releases histamines to fight it off and those histamines are what cause the runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes we associate with allergies.
Windy days tend to trigger more symptoms and whip that pollen around even farther. Rainy days tend to tamp down the pollen and may bring some relief from symptoms. But that leads us to the next cause: mold. Rain fosters the growth of mold, which can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. And if you’re into spring cleaning, expect to stir up dust mites which also cause allergies to flare.
What to do
Get tested. If your allergies are severe every spring, you might consider scheduling an allergy test to find out exactly what causes your allergies to flare. You may not be able to avoid every tree and grass but at least you’ll know when to take over-the-counter or prescription medications or stay indoors.
Be informed. A TV station or other local source may provide a daily pollen count with the weather forecast so you can make informed decisions about spending time outside.
Reduce spread. Removing your shoes before entering the house and bathing and washing your hair daily can help keep pollen from spreading throughout the house. Switching out your pillow case regularly can also help if you do not wash your hair daily.
Seek advice. Talking to your healthcare provider and/or pharmacist is also a great idea. They can give you the best recommendations for medications and treatments to help reduce the annoying symptoms of allergies. Over the counter medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays can help reduce symptoms, and prescription meds like steroid sprays and shots can sometimes even help prevent allergy onset if taken regularly. Your provider will know the best options for you.
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