Pollen, as one of the major allergic irritants, is released in the air by trees and grasses during springtime. Inhaling the pollen can trigger allergic reactions in people.
Springtime is normally during February to early summer.
Types of Allergies
There are two types of allergies, mainly the seasonal allergy and the perennial allergy.
- Seasonal Allergies
The symptoms of seasonal allergies often occur in spring, summer, or fall. The most common causes of seasonal allergies are pollen and mould spores.
- Perennial Allergies
The symptoms of perennial allergies occur all year round. Dust mites, mould, cockroaches, and pet danders are the most common causes of this type of allergy.
Allergies that occur in spring are known as spring allergies, allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
Causes of Allergies
An allergy occurs when the immune system of a person overreacts to a harmless substance, also knows as an allergen. The body of a person with allergies produces antibodies that travel to the cells that release histamine along with other chemicals.
Histamine is the one that causes inflammation or swelling in the nose and eyes in an attempt to stop the allergen from entering the body. Sneezing is also caused by the histamine trying to remove the allergen from the nose.
Since pollen grows and reproduces during the spring, it is the most common cause of spring allergy.
Pollen
Pollen is a tiny grain that plants produce for reproduction. Pollen is spread either by insects spreading it or as it is thrown into the air by the wind. Pollens that are spread throughout the wind is the main cause of symptoms in people with pollen allergies.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has listed the tress that causes spring allergies. Here are the trees that cause pollen allergies in spring:
· Aspen
· Ash
· Birch
· Alder
· Beech
· Elm
· Cedar
· Olive
· Willow
· Oak
· Poplar
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) also list the types of grass that cause spring allergies. Here are some of the types of grass that cause pollen allergies in spring:
· Kentucky
· Bermuda
· Orchard
· Johnson
· Timothy
· Sweet vernal
· Rye
Changes in the weather can also affect how much pollen these plants release. There is an increase in plant growth and fertilization during warm days, while rainy days dampen the spread of pollen. Windy days help the pollen to spread easily, which increases the risk of having symptoms of pollen allergies during these times.
Symptoms of Spring Allergies
Here are some of the symptoms of spring allergies:
· Sneezing
· Red and watery eyes
· Runny nose
· Itchy eyes, nose, mouth, and ears
· Puffy eyes
· Stuffy nose because of congestion
· Occurrence of hives
· Postnasal drip; a sensation of mucus dripping down to the back of the throat
· Wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing
How to Prevent Allergies in Springtime
Here are some steps to prevent pollen and mould exposure during spring:
· Always keep garden grass short
· Limit going outside and check pollen levels when going out. If the pollen level is high, do not go out if possible.
· Avoid dead and rotten logs
· When mowing the lawn or when gardening, wear a dust mask.
· Always keep windows closed and use an allergy-friendly filter when turning on the air conditioning units.
· Wash bed linens at least once a week
· Wash your hair daily to remove pollens caught on your hair.
· Change and wash clothes immediately after going outside
· Remove your shoes before entering the house
· Do not dry clothes outside, instead use a dryer.
· To prevent pollen from entering the eyes or falling on the hair, use sunglasses and hats
· Vacuum the floor at least once a month
Diagnosis
There are several tests that doctors perform to diagnose spring allergies. These includes:
- Blood test
The doctor will take a blood sample and test it in a lab to find out if antibody production increases when exposed to several allergens.
- Skin-prick test
A small amount of allergen is scratch on a portion of skin to look for any reactions. The result can be released 10 to 20 minutes after the test.
- Intradermal test
This test is a more sensitive test than the skin-prick test. The doctor injects a tiny amount of allergens to see if the skin will react to it.
When to see a doctor
If the symptoms are already affecting your quality of life, consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms, home and work environments, as well as family records, are regarded by the doctor in diagnosing your allergies.If you are experiencing severe symptoms like headaches, persistent coughing, and difficulty in breathing, call your doctor for the right diagnosis. Diagnosis will also require specific tests to know the specific allergens you have. You can book a consultation at a walk in clinic Calgary for a checkup and skin testing for allergies. You can also try an online doctor and consultations for a faster and more convenient check-up.
