What is Spring Allergy and what are the ways to prevent and treat it?

Arab Weather - Spring Allergy is the emergence or progression of symptoms of nasal hypersensitivity in the spring, and is stimulated by exposure to pollen grains of trees and herbs or to airborne fungal spores.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), nasal congestion and runny nose, itchy and tearful eyes are among the most important symptoms and signs of spring allergy, and it is worth noting that children between the ages of 12-17 years are more likely to suffer from spring allergy.

Causes of spring allergy

The small pollen released by trees, herbs and grasses is the main cause of spring allergy, although some bodies accept it simply, and do not take any reaction to it, but some bodies consider them toxic substances and stimulate the immune system to resist them, which causes sneezing and other accompanying symptoms For a spring allergy. Among the most important causes of spring allergy :

Trees , trees may be a cause of spring allergies, by producing pollen grains that fly with the spring breeze, causing allergy symptoms.

Among the most important trees that cause spring allergies:

• Oak trees.
• Walnut trees.
• Cypress.
• Maple trees.
• Poplar.
• Cedar trees.

Mold . Mold is one of the worst triggers of spring allergies. Its symptoms may be more severe compared to other allergens.

Herbs.Some types of herbs play a role in the symptoms of springtime allergies by releasing pollen grains.

Dust mites , dust mites reside in the house or children's toys, especially stuffed ones, and are a cause of spring allergy symptoms as well.

What is the physiology of spring allergy?

In the spring, pollen spread in the air enters the nasal cavity, causing the immune system to overstimulate and produce antibodies that attack the pollen as foreign, and stimulate the secretion of histamine, which in turn causes a runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of hypersensitivity.

Symptoms of spring allergy

Spring allergy is characterized by the following symptoms and signs:

• Runny nose.
• Hypertrichosis of the eye.
• Sneezing and coughing.
• Itchy eyes and nose.
• The appearance of dark circles around the eyes.
• Shortness of breath, especially in asthma patients.

These symptoms may be exacerbated in asthma patients, so you must take full care of asthma patients in early spring.

How is spring allergy diagnosed?

The diagnosis of spring allergy depends on the appearance of signs and symptoms in the spring, especially and is confirmed by the following laboratory tests:

The skin prick test, in which hypersensitivity substances are injected into the arm or upper back and noticing signs of an allergic reaction such as the appearance of hives at the injection site.

Radioactive allergic adsorbent in blood (RAST), in which the immune response to some substances that provoke an allergic reaction is determined by calculating the concentration of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Treating a spring allergy

The treatment of spring allergy depends on the treatment of symptoms, and is as follows:

Antihistamine pharmacological drugs

Antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing by reducing the release of histamine in the body.

Medicines that remove nasal decongestants

Decongestants, whether oral or on a nasal spray (nasal spray), relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose, and nasal sprays are more effective and have fewer side effects in relieving congestion symptoms than oral decongestants.

It should be noted that decongestants should not be used for more than five days, lest the congestion worsen instead of treating it.

Steroid nasal spray

The steroid nasal spray is the best option for treating spring allergies, and among the most important steroids that relieve spring allergies are: pudoside and fluticasone.

Dilute eye drops for eye allergies

Eye drops containing antihistamines such as ketofen are used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny eyes and irritation.

Treating spring allergies at home

You can resort to some herbs and procedures that in turn relieve the symptoms of spring allergy, including the following:

Butterbur , some studies have shown that butterbur works as anti-allergies in relieving allergy symptoms.

Christine (in English: Quercetin ), found in onions, black tea and apples, as it works to inhibit the secretion of histamine in the body, thus relieving the symptoms of allergies.

• Nasal lotion, whether by washing it with water and salt or lotion that is sold at the pharmacy.
• Drink enough water.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and broccoli.
• Tips for living with a spring allergy
• It is recommended to adhere to a number of measures to reduce the chance of exposure to spring allergens, including:
• Close doors and windows in the pollen season.
• Use of air conditioners at home and in the car.
• Avoid outdoor activities early in the morning.
• Use of air filters at home.
• Constantly clean the house from dust.
• Wash your hair when you come home to get rid of pollen from the head.

How can spring allergies be prevented?

It is recommended not to leave the house in the early morning hours, specifically between the hours of 5-10 in the morning, in order for the pollen count to reach its peak, and if this is not possible, it is recommended to close the windows and doors and use air conditioners.

Source: Medical