What Causes Spring Allergies?
Exploring the great outdoors during spring comes with a price. As flowers and trees flourish once again, various particles are released into the air, triggering allergic reactions in millions of people around the globe.
Are you a long-time spring allergy sufferer who's still having difficulty managing symptoms? Unfortunately, avoiding the outdoors for the entire season probably isn’t an option. (And it won’t do the trick, anyway.) Reducing your exposure to the most common allergy triggers isn’t easy. But with some simple changes, you can keep your spring allergies under control.
What are Spring Allergies?
Also called allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies, and hay fever, spring allergies occur when we inhale small particles called allergens through our nose or mouth. When we breathe in airborne substances like pollen and mold, our immune system overreacts, releasing a chemical called histamine in our bloodstream to fight off these foreign (and quite pesky) particles.
As our immune system produces antibodies, we experience symptoms that affect our nose, throat, lungs, and skin. Each year, millions worldwide experience seasonal allergies. Although spring allergies commonly manifest as coughing and a runny nose for a few weeks, some people go through severe symptoms and complications.
While spring allergies are mostly harmless, they can still severely impact your quality of life. Let’s talk about what might be causing your allergies so you know what to avoid.
What Causes and Triggers Spring Allergies?
Allergens are substances that invade our bodies, resulting in allergic reactions. Pollen carried by the wind generally causes spring allergies. However, other triggers may contribute to a person’s allergic reaction:
- Pollen from trees, weed, grass, and other plants
- Mold spores
- Smoke
- Insect bites and stings
- Chlorine in swimming pools
- Animal dander
- Dust mites
One thing to consider is where you live. If your home is in a neighborhood with plenty of trees, shrubs, and flowers, this could be a reason why your seasonal allergies are worse than, say, someone who lives in more of a desert climate.
How Do You Know if You Have Spring Allergies?
Pollen and other spring allergens cause diverse signs and symptoms, from mild to severe. Below are the most common issues people experience.
- Congested nose
- Plugged up ears
- Itchy, runny nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Red, itchy eyes
- Itchy throat and sinuses
- Post-nasal drip
- Itching of the roof of the mouth
- Headache
- Temporary loss of smell
- Itchy red patches on the skin
How to Manage the Symptoms of Spring Allergies
Now that you know more about spring allergies and what might be causing your own discomfort, let’s talk about what you can do about it!
-
Use an Air Purifier
Since the wind is largely responsible for spreading allergens around, close the windows during windy days. Use a high-quality air purifier to improve indoor air quality — ideally, one with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to capture the majority of air pollutants inside your home.
True HEPA filters are designed and tested to trap at least 99.97% of pollutants that are 0.3 microns in diameter. Additionally, medical-grade HEPA filters can capture even smaller airborne particles, like the HEPA13 filter inside the Sans air purifier, which can trap 99.95% of pollutants that are 0.1 microns in size.
Air purifiers are one of the most reliable ways to clean the air inside your home and rid it of particles that are triggering your allergies.
-
Drink Plenty of Water
Research shows that histamine production builds up when the body is dehydrated, worsening allergy symptoms. Thus, staying hydrated can help us survive the spring without dealing with severe allergy symptoms.
If you’re already feeling sick with a stuffy nose, coughing, and postnasal drip, drinking plenty of water can clear your nasal passages and alleviate your symptoms. Increasing your fluid intake during allergy season can also hydrate your skin and prevent flare-ups.
-
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a centuries-old Chinese healing practice that involves inserting fine needles at certain points in the body to treat pain and enhance overall wellness. Iit can help reduce the severity of allergies, too.
Studies show that people with seasonal allergies feel better after receiving acupuncture sessions. This treatment helps build our body’s natural defenses. It strengthens the immune system, improving our ability to fight infections and lessening the onset of allergic reactions.
-
Wear a Mask
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, people were wearing masks to protect themselves from pollen, viruses, and other air pollutants. It can be uncomfortable, but you can reduce your exposure to allergens and alleviate ongoing symptoms with the right mask.
A standard surgical mask and N95 mask can help you protect your nose, mouth, and throat from allergens. However, N95 masks are more effective in blocking airborne pollutants as small as 0.04 micrometers. If you're thinking of wearing cloth masks, include various layers of fabric, as a single layer doesn't create a tight seal.
-
Clean Your Home Thoroughly and Regularly
How often do you clean your home? As a general rule of thumb, the worse your allergies are, the more frequently you’re going to want to clean. This is especially the case if you have pets. Fur and dander can collect very quickly. You might find that vacuuming once a day makes a significant difference in your allergy symptoms.
Don’t forget your clothes and bedding, too! They can trap allergens and expose you to them on a near constant basis, even without your knowing it. Wash bedding once a week, and try not to rewear your clothes too many times.
Coping with Spring Allergies
Spring is the most dreaded season for so many of us. Allergies are a constant this time of the year, and each period can bring about a different set of symptoms and severity levels. Beat spring allergies by protecting yourself indoors with an air purifier, wearing a mask outdoors, and staying hydrated, and cleaning your home on a regular basis.
Ready to take the next step? Shop the Sans air purifier today.