Signs of Spring Allergies

April showers bring May flowers. Unfortunately, those flowers might spell bad news for allergy sufferers. Spring is a beautiful season, but it’s not so delightful when you are experiencing signs of spring allergies.

If you’re always feeling sick at this time of year, you may be one of many who suffer from spring allergies. Here are some symptoms to look out for and ways to treat them.

Signs of Spring Allergies

We understand how frustrating it could be when you’re doing your utmost to enjoy the season despite having symptoms caused by seasonal allergies. Different symptoms can manifest, however, the following are among the most common.

Itchy and Watery Eyes

Nothing is more irritating than itchy and watery eyes. Allergy symptoms in the eyes affect 20% to 40% of Americans annually. Whether year-round or seasonal, eye allergies are typically the cause of itchy eyes. They are triggered mostly by pollen. If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, itchy and watery eyes are normally accompanied by frequent sneezing fits and a runny nose. 

Congestion

Spring allergies often cause the nasal passages to swell up with mucus. This level of congestion results in a runny or stuffy nose. It can also result in a post-nasal drip in the throat, resulting in severe coughing.

Hives

While not as common as the other symptoms, pollen can cause an individual to develop hives or a rash. This reaction can include a burning or stinging sensation.

Fatigue

Being congested, having itchy eyes, and dealing with burning hives make falling asleep difficult. Allergies also trigger an excessive release of histamines that typically aid the immune system in fighting infection and illness. However, the harmful overproduction of histamines can make an allergy sufferer feel tired, adding to their fatigue.

How to Combat Spring Allergies

Spring allergies will cause a number of discomforts and possible complications without treatment. Here are some ways to fight off spring allergy symptoms.

Avoid Spring Allergy Triggers

Pollen is the primary trigger for spring allergy symptoms. You can avoid pollen by keeping your windows closed and not mowing your lawn or wearing protective gear when you do. Additionally, you should avoid going outside in the morning when pollen tends to circulate more.

Medical Intervention for Allergies

You can get relief from allergy symptoms with many over-the-counter medications from your local pharmacy. However, these can only provide temporary relief, and none of them are spring allergy cures.

The closest thing to a cure is immunotherapy. This procedure involves a series of injections, tablets, sprays, or drops containing small doses of the allergen. The intended result is a desensitization to the allergen, improving your body’s tolerance to its effects.

Serious Signs of Spring Allergies

Most of these signs of spring allergies are mild and not life-threatening. However, some people are prone to more severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening, and home remedies will not help in this situation.

Some of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• Low blood pressure
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Pale or flushed skin
• Itching and hives
• Dizziness or fainting
• Wheezing, a swollen tongue or throat, causing the constriction of the airways and difficulty in breathing

If you’re experiencing unusual severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis symptoms, you need to seek emergency care immediately. The team at Physicians Premier is here to help. Visit our emergency room in Potranco, TX. 

Sources:

“What’s causing your itching, teary eyes?” Harvard Health Publishing, 17 May 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/allergies/whats-causing-your-itching-teary-eyes.

“Allergy Treatments.” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, https://www.aafa.org/allergy-treatments.