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Spring into Spring Symptom Free!

Allergy image

While most people gratefully welcome the longer days and warmer weather of spring, people with hay fever often dread the itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that comes with the season’s pollens and mold spores.

What causes my allergies to flare up in the spring?

What can influence the severity of the allergy season?

Generally, allergies last longer than a cold. If you notice a pattern in which you experience the same symptoms at the same time year after year, you likely have allergies. Frequent sneezing and itchy, watery eyes are more often associated with an allergy rather than a cold. Also, a clear nasal discharge suggests that you have allergies. When you have a cold, the mucus is usually greenish or yellowish. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between seasonal allergies, a cold, or another condition. That’s when skin tests and an evaluation by a doctor may be necessary.


What is a skin test? How does it work?
A skin test detects the presence of antibodies to a particular allergen. A positive test suggests that you may have an allergy to the particular substance. However, your doctor will review your skin-test results and your medical history and will conduct a physical exam to confirm which allergens are causing your symptoms. A skin test is performed by first placing a drop of allergen extract on the skin; then the skin is pricked with a needle. If you have a positive reaction to the extract, a red welt will appear on your skin. If you do not react to the extract, you are most likely not allergic to the substance.

How are seasonal allergies treated?
There are three main strategies for treating seasonal allergies:

` Avoidance
Although it can be difficult to completely avoid pollen, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure. First, keep your windows closed and use air conditioning – even on days that are not extremely warm. Next, avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times. Grass pollens are most prevalent during afternoon and early evening, while ragweed pollens are most prevalent during early midday. Pollen counts are commonly high during dry, windy afternoons. Finally, take a shower and change your clothes after spending time outside. A shower washes off the pollen that sticks to your skin or hair. Keep your outside clothes in the laundry room and away from your bedroom.

` Medication
Antihistamines can reduce runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. These are available both over the counter and as prescriptions. Antihistamine eye drops, also available by prescription, can help itchy eyes. Another type of medicine, called montelukast, that can be used for nasal allergy symptoms blocks a molecule called leukotriene. It may be beneficial for some people. In many cases of hay fever, prescription nasal steroid sprays are used to decrease nasal allergy symptoms. You should talk to your doctor about what medications are best for you.

` Immunotherapy


Source: National Jewish Health,
