While many things can cause allergies, pollen is the number one trigger in outdoor spring allergies. During the spring season, all manner of plants, from trees to weeds, release pollen into the air to reproduce.
However, for those who suffer from springtime allergies, this powder-like fertilizer is misread by the body as a danger. Once in contact with the body, your immune system goes crazy fighting off the unknown yet harmless substance. This reaction releases a chemical called histamines into the blood. Histamine is responsible for all the terrible symptoms you may feel, such as sneezing, hives, and even in some, asthma.1
It’s almost impossible to hide from pollen.
On warm, breezy days, the amount of pollen in the air, or pollen count, can skyrocket. What’s more, pollen can creep into the home, especially if doors or windows are open. While rain can wash away a lot of pollen, not all cities experience frequent rainfall in the spring, and even those that do can count on plants thriving off of that rain to produce more pollen. You may see pollen in clumps, say on a flower. However, when it’s airborne, pollen can travel far and can be hard to perceive by the naked eye. 2
Common pollens by region:
Midwest
Grass:
Brome
Trees:
Elder, Elm, Maple
Northeast
Grass:
Orchard
Trees:
Birch, Oak, Pine
Southeast
Grass:
Bermuda
Trees:
Cedar, Oak, Pecan
Southwest
Grass:
Redtop
Trees:
Cedar, Elm, Cypress
West
Grass:
Sweet Vernal
Trees:
Cedar, Rye, Walnut
Most Areas
Grass:
Ryegrass
Trees:
Poplar, Pine, Walnut
What symptoms may I notice with springtime allergies?
While you may not encounter every symptom, coming in contact with any pollen may cause the following 3:
- Sneezing or coughing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy ears, eyes, or throat
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Headache
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under eyes
- Fatigue
- Hives or eczema
What can I do to treat my symptoms?
If these symptoms become too severe or do not resolve with over-the-counter allergy medications, see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe pills such as Clarinex, or nasal sprays such as Astelin (also available as eyedrops under the brand name Optivar) to help with your symptoms 4.
Additional Tips:
- Wear a face mask when outside.
- Don’t wear outdoor shoes inside.
- Bathe before going to bed.
- Purchase a HEPA air purifier.
- Change clothes after being outside.
- Wash your bedsheets in hot water.
- Dust and clean your home often 5.
Breathe easy. You don’t have to suffer from spring allergies.
GeniusRx can work with your pharmacy to offer you FDA-approved medications that relieve allergies, all with fast local delivery to your home. Contact us today or visit our website for more information. Let’s get out there and enjoy the season.
Data and information from:
(1) WebMD (2) Teledoc, (3) Prevention (4) WebMD (5) AAFA
