The beauty of spring is often marked by the sounds of coughing, sniffling, sneezing and wheezing from people struggling with spring allergies. An abundance of flowers, blooming trees, grasses and weeds release pollen—the culprit for those plagued by seasonal allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever.
From Runny Nose to Itchy Eyes
Symptoms of spring allergies include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, congestion, sinus pressure and dark circles under the eyes. These symptoms can easily be confused with a common cold, but if they endure for more than a week, it is important to see a primary care provider and find out if you could have seasonal allergies.
Aside from causing discomfort and lowering quality of life, seasonal allergies can cause complications. This includes asthma, sinus or ear problems, and trouble sleeping. Allergies can sometimes lead to sinus and ear infections and can worsen asthma attacks.
Signs of Sinus Infection
Headaches are common with allergies and may indicate sinus trouble. Nasal passages can get blocked by mucus and nasal inflammation, leading to a sinus infection. Symptoms of a sinus infection include thick yellow or green mucus draining down the back of the throat or from the nose.
Sinus headaches may cause pain in the front of your head, as well as your face, ears or teeth. However, migraines and sinus headaches have similar symptoms. You will need to be evaluated by a doctor to determine the headache’s cause and the appropriate treatment.
Find the Right Allergy Medication
Although many over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help treat hay fever, allergy sufferers should not take them for more than a few days without consulting a doctor.
Antihistamines can ease sniffing, sneezing and itching symptoms by reducing the release of histamine that the body produces in reaction to allergens like pollen. Decongestants are also useful for relieving congestion and swelling in the nasal passages. Eyedrops and nasal sprays can also help. Your doctor will let you know if prescription medicine is advised.
Referral to a Specialist
When allergy symptoms or sinus infections are chronic or severe, you may be referred to a specialist, such as an allergist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician).
An allergist can provide testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to as well as allergic immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots. An otolaryngologist may perform services such as a nasal endoscopy to see inside your nasal and sinus passages for diagnosis and to plan treatment.
Quick Tips for Minimizing Symptoms
Here are a few quick ways you can reduce your spring allergy symptoms:
- Stay indoors when pollen is high (it usually peaks in the morning).
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Clean air filters and vents in your home often.
- Wash your hair and face or shower to wash of pollen after going outside.
- Wash pets that go outdoors, because they bring in pollen.
- Vacuum and dust indoors often and wear a mask, since cleaning stirs up pollen.
- Wear a mask while gardening or mowing the lawn.