Watery eyes, runny or blocked nose, asthma, sneezing, itchy throat—are these symptoms that sound familiar to you around this time of year?
For many, spring is the best time of the year; flowers are in bloom, the air is comfortably warm and the days are growing longer. But for many, spring is a time synonymous with allergic rhinitis—better known as hay fever.
At best, hay fever is inconvenient and irritating. At worst, it can manifest as dangerous, debilitating allergic reactions. Either way, it’s important that if you suffer from it, you’re managing it as best you can to ensure your own safety and quality of life.
So, why are allergies worse in spring?
Pollen is the primary culprit associated with spring-time allergies. With trees and flowers in bloom, the pollen count in the air increases considerably.
Pollen is a powdery substance produced by plants when they reproduce. It is picked up and carried by the wind to other plants to fertilise them. The pollen that is most often responsible for causing allergies comes from trees, weeds and grasses, but it can also be found in mould. When it circulates through the air in higher quantities during spring, it makes its way into our bodies and in some people, can trigger allergic rhinitis or asthma by irritating the nasal passages, eyes, and lungs.
How do I know if I’m experiencing hay fever?
Chances are … if you know, you know.
Plenty of people experience hay fever and unfortunately, even if you’ve never experienced it before, you can develop it at any point.
Symptoms of hay fever can include:
- A runny, itchy, or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
- Itchy ears, throat, or roof of mouth
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath (particularly in people who suffer from asthma)
- Itchy skin or rash
What can I do to manage hay fever?
1. Avoid your triggers
If you experience hay fever in spring, it’s likely you’re reacting to the pollen content in the air and while there’s no way to avoid this completely, there are a few things you can do to minimise your exposure to it.
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- Leave your shoes at the door
- Regularly wash your clothes
- Keep your space clean. Vacuum your floors regularly and consider using an air purifier
- Wash your pets—pollen and dust can accumulate in their fur!
- Shower when you get home; wash the day, and the pollen, off!
- Keep your windows closed
- Regularly check your local weather forecast for pollen counts and forecasts, so you can plan accordingly
2. Consider medication
Plenty of people require medication to help them through spring and there are a range of options to consider.
WholeLife pharmacists and other health professionals are always happy to discuss medication options with you, to ensure you’re getting the most appropriate support for your allergies, and to be certain you’re using your chosen medication safely and effectively.
Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claratyne block your body’s response to histamine—a chemical released by your immune system as an allergic response. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, so make sure you read labels carefully and discuss options with your pharmacist or health professional.
If your primary symptom is nasal congestion, antihistamines are not always effective. Nasal sprays can be helpful in this regard, relieving congestion, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure. They’re available from a range of brands, including Rhinocort and Nasonex. You could also consider a saline spray or nasal wash, such as the FESS nasal spray or FLO Sinus Care Kit, to flush out, and relieve pressure in, your sinuses.
It’s important to remember that nasal sprays work most effectively when used preventatively and consistently. If you know you suffer from allergies in spring, start using a nasal spray 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the season. This will help to stave off inflammation and will prevent some of your worst symptoms before they begin. Once you’ve started, don’t stop! Consistency is key—make sure you’re using your nasal spray daily throughout the season.
3. I tend to get seasonal asthma. What can I do about that?
Asthma is another common reaction to increased pollen levels in the air during spring. If you’re predisposed to asthma, you could notice that it worsens and even if you don’t suffer from asthma chronically, you could develop symptoms around this time of year.
Symptoms to look out for include:
-
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- wheezing upon exhalation
- chest tightness or pain
If you notice these symptoms, we advise seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional. There are a range of prescription and over-the-counter medications that will help alleviate your asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Spring is undoubtedly a beautiful, albeit challenging, time of year that everyone deserves to enjoy! Thankfully, there are a range of treatment options available to help you manage your hay fever. Pop into your local WholeLife store if you suffer from allergies—our pharmacists would be happy to help tailor a medication plan to your specific needs.
References
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (2020) Hay Fever, American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. <https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/>.
Cleveland Clinic (2023) Histamine, Cleveland Clinic. <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24854-histamine>.
Cleveland Clinic (2023) How To Tame Your Spring Allergies, Cleveland Clinic. <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-manage-spring-allergies/>.
healthdirect (2021) Antihistamines, healthdirect. <https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antihistamines#:~:text=Treating%20allergies%20and%20allergic%20reactions,eases%20the%20symptoms%20of%20allergy>.
Life Point Medical, LLC (2023) 5 Tips for Managing Spring Allergies, Life Point Medical, LLC. <https://www.drtsbeck.com/blog/5-tips-for-managing-spring-allergies>.
Nemours KidsHealth (2023) Definition: Pollen, Nemours KidsHealth. <https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pollen.html>.
Whelan C (2021) What to Know About Seasonal Asthma, healthline. <https://www.healthline.com/health/allergic-asthma/seasonal-asthma#treatment>.
Williamson H (2022) Expert tips for managing spring allergies, Parkview Health. <https://www.parkview.com/blog/expert-tips-for-managing-spring-allergies>.