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Spring is a season eagerly awaited by many for its good weather and the explosion of life in nature. However, for a significant group of people, it also means sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. We are referring to those who suffer from seasonal allergies, especially those caused by pollen. To better understand this phenomenon and learn how to deal with it, in this post on the Ribera Healthcare Group’s health blog, we will discuss how to minimize allergy symptoms in spring, with the collaboration of Dr. Ángel Julio Huertas, an allergist at Ribera Practiser in Cartagena.
Why Spring Allergies Occur
Spring allergies are primarily triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants that bloom during this time. The immune system of allergic people overreacts to these particles, treating them as a threat, which generates an inflammatory response.
However, Dr. Huertas points out an important nuance: “In an area like the Levante region on the Spanish coast, there are year-round allergies, such as dust mite allergies, which are by far much more prevalent than pollen allergies.”
Common symptoms and how to differentiate them from a cold
The most common symptoms of spring allergies are:
Nasal congestion
Runny mucus
Frequent sneezing
Itchy nose and eyes
Watery eyes
Cough (especially at night or in the evening)
Tightness in the chest
These symptoms can easily be confused with those of a common cold. According to Dr. Huertas, “the only way to differentiate them, short of complex techniques, is to observe their duration. A cold lasts a few days, while allergic symptoms usually last for many weeks.”
Furthermore, if symptoms intensify on windy days or when going outside, and if this isn’t the first time they’ve appeared at this time of year, there’s a high probability that you’re dealing with a pollen allergy.
At what age do allergy symptoms usually appear and how do they progress?
Seasonal allergies can begin at any time, although they most commonly appear during childhood or adolescence. In some cases, symptoms may improve over time, but in others, continued exposure can lead to a worsening and even the development of asthma if not treated properly.
Therefore, Huertas emphasizes the importance of seeing a specialist: “If you have a cold that doesn’t completely heal and gets worse outdoors or on windy days, you should undergo an allergy study. Detecting it early can slow its progression and prevent complications such as asthma.”
Factors that aggravate symptoms
One factor that significantly aggravates the symptoms of pollen allergy sufferers is environmental pollution. “Pollen in large cities, in highly polluted environments, is much more aggressive than pollen in the middle of the mountains or in a rural area,” explains the specialist.
Tips to Minimize Symptoms
Although exposure to pollen cannot be completely avoided, there are effective measures to reduce its effects:
Consult an allergist: To confirm the diagnosis and assess appropriate treatment, which may include immunotherapy (vaccines) in addition to symptomatic treatments.
Avoid going out on windy days or with high pollen concentrations: Especially in the early hours of the day and at dusk.
Keep windows closed: Both at home and in the car. Use pollen filters on ventilation systems if possible.
Shower and change clothes when you get home: To remove pollen residue that adheres to your skin and clothing.
Wear sunglasses when you go out: Helps protect your eyes from direct contact with pollen.
Rinse your nose with saline solution: To clear your airways.
Avoid drying clothes outdoors: Pollen can stick to the fabric.
Spring allergies can be very bothersome, but with a good diagnosis and proper habits, it’s possible to significantly reduce their effects and improve your quality of life during these months. As Dr. Huertas points out, early treatment can make all the difference.
