The official season of spring runs from March 19th through June 20th. Spring can feel like a breath of fresh air for those tired of chilly weather and thick coats. For those with hay fever, however, spring may not be all warm air and fun days at Forest Park. Don’t let sneezing and itchy eyes put a damper on your enjoyment of the season. With spring officially sprung, let’s take a look at hay fever and how you can manage it for a better experience.
Why Do Allergies Strike in Spring?
Spring allergies, known as hay fever, affected more than 81 million people in 2021. These allergies are triggered when you encounter allergens—substances your body identifies as harmful, such as pollen from trees, weeds and plants, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites and pet droppings. As trees begin to bloom, they release massive amounts of pollen into the air. This pollen finds its way into your system through your eyes, nose and mouth, sparking allergic reactions in the spring.
Every person reacts differently to hay fever. Common symptoms may include a runny or congested nose, irritated or watery eyes, excessive mucus production, fatigue, sneezing and coughing. Depending on the severity of your allergies, symptoms may range from mild and easily managed to debilitating.
Effective Hay Fever Management Strategies
A few effective symptom management strategies for hay fever include allergen avoidance, medication and immunotherapy.
Allergen Avoidance
Take control by closing windows at home, showering upon returning indoors and steering clear of parks on high-pollen days.
Medication
Seek relief with approved antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays recommended by your healthcare provider. If your allergies are minor, medication alone may be able to manage your symptoms enough to enjoy time outdoors, even during the pollen season.
Immunotherapy
For severe cases, when medication cannot provide sufficient relief, effective allergy immunotherapy can desensitize your body to allergens over time. Allergy immunotherapy can be administered via shots or drops. Shots are considered more effective than drops for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), but drops can be a good option for those uncomfortable with shots. While immunotherapy provides immense allergy relief, it is important to remember that it is not a quick fix.
While many people see symptom relief within one to two years, it may take three to five years to complete the treatment. Though that sounds like a long time, reduced sensitivity to allergens may be well worth the wait for those with severe allergies.
This spring, take charge of your hay fever symptoms and enjoy the season to the fullest. Reach out to Midwest ENT Centre today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists and start your journey toward a symptom-free spring.