Spring Allergy Causes, Treatment, and Effective Prevention Methods

Spring allergy causes do not differ much from one person to another, especially with the spread of pollen in the air during this season of the year.

However, spring allergies may cause bothersome symptoms that might trick you into thinking you have a common cold, such as sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes. In reality, allergies are the cause.

So, how can spring allergies be treated? More importantly, how can you reduce the likelihood of contracting these seasonal allergies?

What are allergies and how do they occur?

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance known as an allergen.

The body produces antibodies that travel to cells, which then release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Histamine causes swelling of the nose and eyes in an attempt to prevent allergens from entering the body; it also causes sneezing to remove allergens from the nose.

Causes of Spring Allergies

Pollen is the primary cause of spring allergies, as plants produce tiny pollen grains for reproduction. While some plants rely on insects to spread pollen, others depend on the wind. Most allergic reactions to pollen occur because of its dispersal via the wind.

Different plants and trees release pollen at different times of the year.

Common causes of spring or pollen allergies include:

• Trees: Tree pollen peaks in early spring.

• Grass: Grass mostly releases pollen in late spring.

Weather changes can also affect the amount of pollen released by these plants.

For instance, warm days increase plant growth and fertilization, while rainy days reduce pollen dispersal.

Additionally, windy days help pollen spread more quickly, which may increase allergy symptoms for some people.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms in Spring

Spring allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. Generally, potential symptoms include:

• Sneezing.

• Runny or congested nose.

• Itchy throat.

• Ear congestion.

• Itchy and watery eyes.

• Postnasal drainage.

• Headache.

• Coughing.

• Shortness of breath.

• Wheezing.

Many people with seasonal allergies also suffer from asthma; therefore, if you have both seasonal allergies and asthma, seasonal allergens may trigger an asthma attack.

Diagnosis of Spring Allergies

A doctor may request several tests to diagnose spring allergies, such as:

• Skin Prick Test: The doctor scratches a small amount of the allergen into the person’s skin to look for a reaction. Results usually take 10 to 20 minutes.

• Intradermal Test: The doctor injects a small amount of the allergen under the skin to see if there is a reaction.

• Blood Test: The doctor takes a blood sample and sends it to the laboratory, where the allergen is added to the sample to see if the number of antibodies produced increases.

The doctor may also ask the patient about their symptoms, home and work environment, and any illnesses they or their family members have previously had.

How to Get Rid of Spring Allergies?

Treating spring allergies involves taking medication along with some home remedies. A doctor or pharmacist may recommend the following to eliminate spring allergy symptoms:

1. Medications

• Antihistamines: These can relieve spring allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. They are available in the form of pills, nasal sprays, or liquids.

• Nasal Corticosteroids: Nasal sprays reduce inflammation and are considered the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.

• Decongestants: They shrink the lining of the nasal passages and reduce congestion, but prolonged use may cause side effects.

• Leukotriene Pathway Inhibitors: Tablets that block the action of certain chemicals involved in allergic reactions.

• Eye Drops: Specifically for treating eye allergies; some provide short-term relief from redness and itching.

• Saline Solution: Rinsing with a saline solution helps relieve nasal blockage and congestion by thinning excess mucus in the nasal passages.

2. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a long-term solution aimed at desensitizing a person to the allergen. There are two types:

• Allergy Shots: These involve injecting allergens over a period of 3 to 5 years, helping to build resistance to the allergens.

• Sublingual Tablets: These treat only specific types of allergies and require dissolving a tablet under the tongue every day for up to 3 years.

Spring Allergy Medications from the Pharmacy

AlJawaher AlMotamayza pharmacies provide a group of Cold, cough and allergy medications, effective medications for treating spring allergy symptoms, but it is advised to consult a doctor to determine the best medication for you:

1. Rhinofed 30 Tablets

Rhinofed relieves cold and allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sinus blockage. It contains two active substances: Triprolidine Hydrochloride (antihistamine) and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride (decongestant).

2. Lorahist 10 mg 10 Tablets

Lorahist contains the active substance "Loratadine," an antihistamine that helps reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.

3. Lorinase D 20 Tablets

Lorinase D contains Desloratadine (a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine) and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate (a decongestant).

4. Avalon Salinose Nasal Spray 30 ml

Avalon Salinose Nasal Spray contains a 0.9% saline solution; it cleans the nose of dust and allergens, opens blocked nasal passages, and moisturizes the nasal mucous membranes.

5. Divonex Nasal Spray 120 Sprays:

Divonex Nasal Spray contains the active substance "Mometasone Furoate," which reduces symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis.

6. Pataday Eye Drops 0.2%

Pataday Eye Drops contain the active substance "Olopatadine," an antihistamine that helps reduce eye allergy symptoms such as itching and tearing.

Methods to Relieve and Prevent Spring Allergies

We recommend the following to relieve and prevent spring allergy symptoms:

• Check local pollen counts and limit time outdoors when pollen levels are high.

• Wear a dust mask when mowing the lawn or gardening.

• Keep all windows closed as much as possible and use allergy-friendly filters in air conditioning units.

• Shower daily before going to bed to remove pollen.

• Wash bedding once a week.

• Change and wash clothes after going outside.

• Dry clothes in a dryer if possible instead of hanging them outdoors.

• Remove shoes before entering the house.

• Wear hats and sunglasses when outdoors to prevent pollen from entering the eyes or landing in the hair.

• Vacuum floors at least once a week.

• Clean air filters in your home frequently.

• Clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can accumulate.

• Wash your hair and face after being outside, as allergens can collect on eyelashes and in the nostrils.