As spring arrives, longer days and warmer weather bring more time outdoors—but they also trigger a rise in seasonal illnesses, especially allergies.
Pollen levels rise significantly in the spring, leading to symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Seasonal allergies can sometimes feel like a cold, making it important to get properly evaluated.
Prevention tips
- Keep windows closed during high pollen days
- Shower after spending time outdoors
- Use over-the-counter or prescribed allergy medications
- Consider wearing masks /protective eye wear while cutting grass
The Science Behind Spring Allergies
Spring allergies are primarily caused by airborne pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. For many people, the immune system mistakenly identifies these harmless substances as threats.
When this happens, the body activates an immune response involving Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies bind to allergens and trigger specialized cells called mast cells to release chemicals—most notably histamine.
What does histamine do?
Histamine plays a central role in allergy symptoms by causing:
- Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), leading to nasal congestion
- Increased vascular permeability, which results in a runny nose and watery eyes
- Stimulation of nerve endings, causing itching in the eyes, nose, and throat
- Mucus production, contributing to postnasal drip and coughing
Common Spring Ilnesses
Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Fatigue due to poor sleep
How Do We Control the Immune Response?
- Antihistamines help block the effects of histamine
- Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages
- Decongestants can relieve short-term nasal blockage
For persistent or severe symptoms, medical evaluation is important.
Good to Know
Spring weather fluctuations can also contribute to viral infections like colds or bronchitis, which may overlap with allergy symptoms.
Tick Bites and Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know
Spring and summer mean more time outdoors—but it also brings the risk of tick bites, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Even a small, unnoticed tick bite can lead to serious health problems if not recognized and treated promptly.
How Ticks Transmit Disease
Ticks become carriers of bacteria, like Borrelia burgdorferi, when they feed on infected animals (such as deer or mice). If a tick attaches to a person, it can transmit these bacteria through its saliva. Transmission can occur even if the bite is small or you don’t notice a red, bullseye rash.
Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Not everyone develops the classic “bullseye” rash. Early signs may include:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Headache or muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Swelling near the bite
Because symptoms can be subtle, it’s important to seek medical evaluation if you suspect a tick bite.
Prevention Tips
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes when hiking or working in wooded areas
- Use natural or insect repellent
- Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after outdoor activity
- Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out
Chelsea Urgent Care is ready to evaluate and treat tick bites, prescribe preventive or post-exposure antibiotics.
