Spring is finally here, bringing longer days and warmer weather. Spring also means blooming flowers and trees, which are lovely, but can bring on allergy symptoms.
Pollen allergies affect millions of people, causing congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The spring allergies in Texas can be particularly troublesome due to the prevalence of cedar and oak pollen.
Understanding spring allergies can help you identify allergy triggers, recognize seasonal allergy symptoms, and get relief so you can enjoy the spring weather.
What Causes Springtime Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are reactions triggered by the pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen circulates in the air and comes in contact with the sensitive tissues of your nose and throat and around your eyes.
The body can overreact to harmless substances, such as pollen, and mount an immune response. The immune system triggers the release of histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation. Pollen sensitivity symptoms can include nasal congestion, puffy, itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing.
Spring allergies are different from fall allergies, which are due to ragweed and other fall plants. Allergies in the spring are often caused by tree pollen. In Texas, trees like oak, cedar, elm, birch, maple, ash, and cottonwood all bloom in the spring months. Cedar and oak are especially allergenic and can start causing allergies in March.
Grasses start adding to allergies in April. Rain can help settle the pollen, but it can also increase mold growth, adding yet another allergen to the mix.
Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms in Spring
Springtime allergy symptoms include nasal and respiratory discomfort, but the itchy eyes and lack of fever make them different than cold symptoms. Â Some people are more sensitive to pollen and experience more noticeable effects. Changing pollen counts can also cause symptoms to increase and decrease.
The most common symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth
Spring allergy symptoms can disrupt sleep, especially if a stuffy nose makes it harder to breathe while lying down. That can leave you feeling fatigued and make it hard to concentrate during the day. Some allergy sufferers experience sinus pressure and headaches, adding to the daily discomforts of allergies.
People with asthma may find that allergies can cause asthma flare-ups. Allergies can trigger seasonal asthma issues, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Over-the-Counter Relief Options
You don’t have to stay indoors to prevent allergy symptoms from flaring up. There is a range of over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle adjustments that can reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can be very effective at reducing symptoms. For best results, start taking daily allergy medicine a week or two before allergy season begins.
Oral antihistamines
These medications stop your body’s immune reaction to pollen, so you don’t develop symptoms. You typically need to take them every day.  Popular non-drowsy allergy medications include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra).  Another option is diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but it can cause drowsiness.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids such as fluticasone or triamcinolone are highly effective for reducing allergy symptoms. They may take several days to work fully, so it’s best to start taking them before symptoms begin, or as soon as you notice allergies kicking in.
Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants like oral pseudoephedrine or decongestant sprays that contain oxymetazoline HCl are helpful for short-term relief. They reduce symptoms like congestion and sinus pressure but don’t treat underlying allergies. You should not use decongestant sprays for more than three days, as overuse can trigger rebound congestion.
Eye drops
Itchy, watery eyes are a common allergy symptom. Medicated eye drops that contain olopatadine or ketotifen fumarate are antihistamines that can reduce redness and itching. Non-medicated eye drops can also help by lubricating eyes, flushing out pollen, and soothing irritation.
Nasal irrigation
Saline rinses or sprays can flush pollen from the nasal passages to ease symptoms. Be sure to use a sterile saline mist or spray, not tap water, to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
If you have questions about managing your allergy symptoms, visit a healthcare professional at an urgent care center near you. They can suggest treatment options or refer you to an allergy specialist.
Natural Remedies and At-Home Care
In addition to allergy medications, you can take simple steps to limit your pollen exposure and get symptom relief. It’s not possible to completely avoid pollen, but reducing exposure helps keep allergies to a minimum.
You can allergy-proof your home by keeping windows closed during high pollen days. You can also try using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor allergens. Using a cool mist humidifier can provide relief for dry nasal passages.
If you’ve spent time outdoors, remove shoes and change clothing when you come back in to avoid spreading pollen inside your home. Brush or wipe down pets after they have spent time outside. Wash clothing and bedding regularly to get pollen out of fabrics.
Showering after being outdoors or before bed will rinse pollen from your hair and skin. Breathing the warm, steamy air of the shower can also help ease congestion and provide a natural way to reduce asthma symptoms.
Staying hydrated can thin mucus, so you won’t experience as much sinus pressure and congestion. You can use a cold compress on your eyes to soothe itching and reduce puffiness. ?
Don’t Let Seasonal Allergies Stop You From Springtime Fun
Spring allergies are common but manageable. Avoiding excessive pollen exposure and using over-the-counter remedies can keep allergies at bay. Taking a holistic approach to allergies will let you enjoy your favorite spring activities.
But if intense Texas allergy symptoms are making it hard for you to work, go to school, or participate in activities, don’t dismiss them as “just something to deal with.” You can talk to a healthcare provider for advice and treatment options. They can assess you for allergies or other health issues, such as a cold or sinus infection.
The healthcare professionals at Next Level Urgent Care can provide convenient evaluation and treatment when allergies become overwhelming. Come to any of our locations in Houston, Austin, or San Antonio. All locations are open from 9 am-9 pm, seven days a week. Walk in or check in using our app to skip the waiting room.
