Get Relief From Spring Allergies

Many people welcome spring for its warmer weather and longer days. But for people with seasonal allergies, spring is a time of itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

"If you do have allergies, you don't have to suffer during the allergy season," says Mervat Nassef, MD, an allergist and professor of pediatrics at Columbia. "You can still enjoy the outdoors and sleep well."

Dr. Nassef explains what causes spring allergies, how to reduce your exposure, and the most effective treatments to help you get relief.

What Causes Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies are typically caused by the immune system perceiving pollen as a threat and overreacting to it, which can create inflammation in the body.

Because different plants bloom and produce pollen throughout the season, not everyone experiences spring allergies at the same time. The duration of your allergies depends on which type of pollen you're allergic to. Trees start to bloom first, from late February or early March until the end of May. Then, grasses begin to bloom from early May through early July.

"Those who are allergic to both will be suffering more in the month of May because pollen counts tend to be very high for both trees and grass," says Dr. Nassef.

Warmer, wetter weather can increase pollen counts, leading to more noticeable symptoms.

The type of pollen a plant makes influences which plant you're allergic to. Large trees like birch and oak produce large amounts of fine, light pollen that is easily carried by the wind and easily inhaled, which can lead to allergies. On the other hand, trees that are pollinated by insects, such as dogwood and cherry make sticky, heavy pollen that is less likely to become airborne and, therefore, less likely to cause allergies.

Symptoms of Spring Allergies

Whichever type of pollen you're allergic to, you're likely to experience itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion as your body reacts to the perceived threat.

Some people may also experience allergic asthma. "The allergic inflammation that happens in the nose during allergy season can also happen in the lungs, since they are one system," says Dr. Nassef. When this happens, people may experience coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.

"Sneezing and itching are not just a nuisance—allergies can have very serious complications," says Dr. Nassef. "If you can't breathe well through your nose, you can't sleep well. If you can't sleep well, that affects concentration and focus. Allergy-related sleep disturbances have been shown to cause learning problems in children."

Nasal allergies are among the most common chronic illnesses in children, so it’s especially important to keep kids healthy this time of year.

Steering Clear of Pollen

Reducing your exposure to pollen can play a big role in minimizing symptoms. Dr. Nassef suggests the following tips during spring allergy season:

• Keep windows closed at home and in your car
• Use air purifiers and vacuums with HEPA filters when indoors
• After spending time outside, put your clothes in the wash to avoid bringing pollen into your home
• Take a shower before bed to remove pollen particles stuck to your skin and hair

Treating Pollen Allergies

There are also many kinds of treatments that can relieve symptoms. If you’re choosing an over-the-counter medication, make sure to pick the right one for your symptoms; your doctor can recommend what’s best for you.

Newer antihistamines (like the brand names Claritin, Allegra, and Xyzal) can treat runny nose, itching, and sneezing, while intranasal steroids alleviate nasal congestion.

Older generations of antihistamines (such as Benadryl) and some oral decongestants (such as Sudafed) are also effective, but often come with significant side effects, like drowsiness or palpitations.

If over-the-counter medications don’t help, it's possible to stop allergies at the source through immunotherapy. Immunotherapy takes away the allergy by slowly building the body’s tolerance to the allergen through regular, controlled exposure, either through injections or tablets that dissolve under the tongue. These treatments can be prescribed and administered by an allergist/immunologist. Eventually, the body stops perceiving the allergen as a threat. 

If you're not sure if your symptoms are caused by spring allergens or you want to know which type of pollen you're allergic to, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy test. The test only takes a few minutes and can help you choose the most effective treatments so that you can enjoy the warmer weather without suffering.