Spring Allergy Sufferers: Don't Let Seasonal Allergies Ruin the Spring Season

"I used to wake up at 4 A.M.
and start sneezing,
sometimes for five hours.
I tried to find out
what sort of allergy I had,
but finally came to the conclusion
that it must be
an allergy to consciousness."

James Thurber
(1894 - 1961)

Who among us doesn't love springtime? The warm sun reappears, melting the frozen earth and bathing each glorious spring day in its cheery glow. The days grow longer, as the daylight lasts into the evening. The trees begin to sprout buds, and flowers start to poke out of gardens.

With the advent of spring, however, many unfortunate allergy sufferers begin sniffling, sneezing and wheezing. Spring has arrived, bringing with it those annoying spring allergies, along with its beautiful flowers.

Spring Allergy Causes

Spring allergies are generally caused by individuals' allergic reactions to many things in the local environment. Offending allergens may arise either outside or indoors. The most common allergens in springtime are dust, mold and pollen.

Dust Allergies

Dust allergies may wreak havoc on the respiratory systems of allergy-sensitive people all year round. Basically, these folks may suffer from allergic reactions whenever they encounter dusty or linty environments. However, as the spring winds begin to blow and dry out the wet ground, the air may become completely filled with dust particles and foreign matter.

Breathing this sort of dusty air can cause allergic reactions in spring allergy sufferers. Sneezing, coughing, and stuffy heads may result. In fact, even folks without actual allergies may suffer in dusty conditions.

Fungus and Mold Allergies

Mold or fungus may appear wherever excessive moisture seems to be present, and the spring thaw offers an ideal habitat for it. Shady spots, such as garages, sheds and overhangs usually boast plenty of mold or fungus colonies, especially in springtime. Many people are allergic to fungus and mold. As the snow melts and spring rains soak the landscape, mold can make folks miserable.

Of course, fungus and mold allergies may emerge at any time of year, if susceptible individuals encounter mold or fungus. Often, damp and dark places (such as basements, garages, forests and even caves) pose allergy hazards to such folks.

Some of these same individuals also suffer from allergies to mushrooms, which are actually a form of fungus.

Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergies tend to peak for most allergy sufferers during the spring and summer months. After the long, cold winter, when leafless trees and the barren ground have yielded no visible foliage or flowers, the spring brings a change. The trees begin to bear leaves and prepare to produce fruit. The plants and flowers emerge from garden beds, and lawns start to grow grass again.

Spring allergy sufferers may react to any or all of these various forms of vegetation. Although we welcome the appearance of spring and all the brand-new flowers and plants that appear, the whole blooming season can be difficult for those with pollen allergies.

Preventing Spring Allergies

People who are susceptible to spring allergies can take certain practical steps to minimize their seasonal impact and personal suffering.

First, the symptomatic impact of spring allergies can be minimized, if allergic individuals limit their own exposure to dust, mold, pollen or whatever is affecting them. Keeping the car and home windows closed during peak allergy periods can make a significant difference.

Maintaining a dust- and mold-free home, as much as possible, is important too. Air purification systems and allergy-reduction furnace filters have helped many spring allergy sufferers.

Many spring allergy sufferers opt to wear disposable surgical-type masks while working in their yards and flower, herb or vegetable gardens or pursuing outdoor sports or recreation during high-allergy months.

A Honey of a Solution

Seeking a natural cure for seasonal allergies, several families begin purchasing locally produced honey during the winter. Family members consume at least one spoonful of local honey daily, in the months leading up to the onset of spring. Many folks do believe the honey helps them to build up immunities to pollen allergies from local vegetation.

Of course, the honey must be very local, as it must be made from flower and plant pollens that appear in the same region as the allergy sufferers' locale. Farm stands and small gourmet food stores usually offer local honey and other home-grown natural products.

Treating Spring Allergies

A wide variety of over-the-counter allergy medications is readily available. Most allergy medications are histamine blockers, and several also contain decongestant ingredients.

Individuals should check with their medical care providers for specific allergy product recommendations. Local pharmacists may also be extremely helpful in suggesting appropriate products for various spring allergies.

Several effective allergy medications, which were originally only available with a written prescription from a physician, may now be purchased directly by consumers from drugstores and grocery stores.

Allergy Shots

In severe cases, individuals who are particularly susceptible to severe spring allergies may opt for allergy shots, or immunizations. These shots, usually administered by physicians, are intended to block allergic reactions much more effectively than over-the-counter antihistamine products.

Of course, most doctors require allergy patients to undergo a battery of allergy tests before beginning such treatments, so they may determine the exact causes of their spring allergies.

Prompt treatment is essential for spring allergies. A sneeze and stuffy nose can quickly turn into a full-blown sinus infection, which is usually extremely painful. Sinus infections often require antibiotic treatment, which is still only available by prescription.

By treating spring allergy symptoms earlier, allergy-prone people may minimize their own suffering and prevent sinus infections and other allergy complications. Spring allergy treatment may make the entire spring season much more enjoyable for allergy-prone people.