When you think of spring, you probably think of all the wonderful things ushered in by this season of hope and growth: budding trees, blooming flowers, peaceful rain showers, sunny mornings, etc. But unfortunately, spring is also known for irritating allergies. What causes allergies in the spring? And how can you nip them in the bud?
What Causes Allergies in the Spring?
So, what causes allergies in the spring? The primary culprit is pollen, which is a powdery substance made up of microscopic grains that are discharged from many trees, grasses, and weeds. Typically, tree pollen peaks in April and grass pollen peaks in June, though this varies by climate. Transported by the wind, insects, and other animals, pollen often spreads far from its original source. For this reason, pollen counts are higher on breezy days (when the wind can carry pollen for miles) and lower on rainy days (when the rain washes pollen away).
When people with hay fever come into contact with pollen, their immune systems view the allergens as a threat and their bodies begin releasing antibodies to attack them. This causes the release of chemicals known as histamines into the bloodstream. Histamines are what trigger allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, and more.
Other Culprits
Of course, pollen isn’t the only allergen to blame when it comes to spring allergies.
Many people are allergic to mold, and mold growth is more common during rainy springtime. It thrives in damp environments, both indoors and outdoors, so you might find it in basements, bathrooms, leaf piles, and more. And instead of dying in winter, mold simply lays dormant, waiting for the weather to warm. Sunny spring days can trigger mold growth after a long, cold winter.
In addition, due to spring cleaning, people who are allergic to dust mites may also suffer allergy symptoms during this time of year. Dust mite waste is a common indoor allergen found in furniture, carpets, bedding, and more. And although spring cleaning can remove potential allergens like dust mite waste, it also stirs them up temporarily, which can trigger allergy symptoms.
How to Cope with Spring Allergies
Although there isn’t a cure for spring allergies, there are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms.
First, visit your general physician to discuss your symptoms and potential treatments. In some situations, your doctor may refer you to an allergist. When it comes to treatments, follow your doctor’s recommendations. In many cases, you can get allergy relief over the counter with the right medication – typically an oral antihistamine. For more information, talk to your doctor.
Next, complete a few simple tasks to make your home more allergy-friendly. Keep your windows closed at night to prevent allergens from entering, and be sure to shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors. In addition, consider using a portable HEPA filter and a dehumidifier to reduce the number of allergens and amount of moisture in the air.
In addition, keep in mind that despite their name, spring allergies often stretch beyond springtime. Here in Florida, we often experience a prolonged and powerful allergy season, partially due to our oak, cedar, and cypress trees. Because we have many varieties of these trees, and they commonly bloom one after the other, the allergy season arrives early and is often quite severe. So it’s best to prepare for allergies in late winter and expect them to last until early summer.
_____
If you’re struggling with spring allergies, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Good luck!
Looking for a memory care facility in Riverview, Florida? We invite you to tour our community, meet our friendly staff, and see our amenities firsthand. Overlooking the Alafia River on twelve beautiful acres, the Crossings at Riverview offers a relaxing atmosphere, and our talented team is committed to cultivating a welcoming and vibrant community. Our goal is to make our community feel like home for all of our residents. To schedule a tour, call 813-671-0222 or contact us online. We look forward to meeting you!