With the onset of spring, it is observed that allergy symptoms are triggered in millions of people due to pollen. Itching in the eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, and hives are among the symptoms of allergic reactions in spring and autumn. These types of allergies are called spring allergies.
What Causes Spring Allergy?
The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds drop these tiny particles, which we call pollen, into the air to fertilize other plants. When they enter the body of someone with allergies, they cause the immune system to react.
The immune system sees pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack allergens. This causes chemicals called histamine to be released into the blood. Histamines cause symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
What Are the Symptoms of Spring Allergy?
Spring allergy symptoms are as follows:
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneeze
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Itching in the eyes and nose
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Itching in the mouth or throat
- Chest tightness
How is Spring Allergy Diagnosed?
An allergist / immunologist specializes in diagnosing certain allergens that trigger the disease. Allergists need a detailed medical history followed by allergy testing to make a diagnosis. Skin tests or blood tests are the most common methods used to identify spring allergy triggers.
How to Treat Spring Allergy?
Medications are typically used to relieve spring allergy symptoms or reduce the body’s response to airborne allergens. Among the options:
Oral antihistamines work by suppressing histamine, a chemical produced by the body that triggers allergy symptoms.
Nasal decongestants are over-the-counter products available in oral, liquid, spray, and nasal drop formulations. They provide short-term relief by causing the blood vessels in the nose to shrink.
Nasal steroid sprays are available on a regular and prescription basis and work by reducing mucus swelling and production in the nasal passages.
Eye drops can be used to treat eye allergy symptoms. Options include short-term OTC drops containing a topical decongestant or prescription drops that combine an antihistamine with a mast cell inhibitor.
What Happens If Spring Allergy Is Not Treated?
Spring allergies disturb the patient a lot and impair the quality of life. In addition, due to allergic symptoms, patients feel fatigue and weakness since they cannot sleep well. As a result, concentration and learning ability decrease. As a result, it negatively affects the work and school life of patients.
Vaccine Therapy in Spring Allergies
If sufficient results are not obtained with the drugs and the patient’s criteria are suitable, vaccination treatment (Immunotherapy) can be performed against the allergen to which he is sensitive. The content of the allergy vaccine should be selected and programmed by the allergist according to the result and findings of the patient’s allergy test. This is a very effective treatment method in allergic rhinitis and asthma.
