Spring allergies are also called hay fever. If you’re one of the 8 percent of Americans who experience it, you likely have to deal with the pesky symptoms that come with them. These allergies are caused by a release of tree pollen, grass, mold, and ragweed spores into the air. Let’s take a look at spring allergy symptoms and how you can treat them to get some relief.
When does spring allergy season start
Other symptoms you may experience and allergy treatments to try
Because an allergy is caused by the release of histamines into your system, taking an antihistamine can greatly reduce many of the symptoms your experience. Common antihistamines include Zyrtec Allergy, Allegra Allergy, and Claritin Allergy. A corticosteroid nasal spray can also help with nasal symptoms.
Alexandra Fung is a mom who has a family that deals with seasonal allergies. “Our first line of defense for environmental allergies has always been to minimize exposure to allergens. This means keeping our home as allergen-free as possible,” she told Mom.com.
5. Congestion
As the histamines lead to the swelling of mucus glands in your nasal passage, you can experience congestion along with your runny nose. There are many ways to battle congestion that include using a humidifier, inhaling steam, or using a saline spray. Additionally, a neti pot can help clear out mucus. Some herbs and spices such as cayenne pepper will help break up and clear our congestion.
6. Fatigue
When your allergies affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep, you can feel fatigued. Your lack of energy has more to do with dealing with other symptoms that it is a direct result of the allergies. The key is to make sure you are sleeping well by alleviating other symptoms at night so your sleep isn’t interrupted. This might mean sleeping with a humidifier, having your head elevated, and taking an antihistamine to relieve symptoms.
7. Coughing
As pollens will irritate your throat, you may experience coughing as part of your allergy symptoms. You can gain relief for coughing if you drink hot liquids with honey to soothe your throat. Steam will also help reduce the irritation to the area and lessen coughing. Ginger is also a good tea to drink as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help open the throat and reduce irritation.
When to See a Doctor
There are times when you should consider going to a doctor to have your allergy symptoms examined. When allergy symptoms cause chronic sinus infections, excessive nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing, it is time to visit your primary care physician, who may refer you to an allergist. An allergist will help you assess and treat your seasonal allergies. Also, consult a doctor immediately if your allergies escalate and you begin to experience symptoms of serious asthma, such as wheezing or coughing after exercise, tightness in your chest, or if you are struggling to catch your breath.
