AH-CHOO!
Spring is here, and it is beautiful. The sun is out, bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming, bright colours are finally returning, and it feels like life is starting up again. The darkness of winter has passed, the Chinook headaches are behind us but spring, beautiful as it is, comes with its own headache.
That headache is seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. The flowers are out, and so are the tissues. The bees are buzzing, and so are the sneezes and the endless “bless you.” Headaches, sniffles, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes can make this time of year miserable. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here’s why allergies flare up in the spring and what you can do to feel better.
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Did you know? Hay fever has nothing to do with Hay. For many years, freshly cut hay was thought to cause allergy symptoms. Charles Blackley demonstrated the link between pollen and hay fever in 1859. |
Why does spring come with allergies?
Two culprits: pollen and histamine.
Fine, powdery pollen released by trees, grasses, and weeds is carried by the wind. You may not see it and on warm, windy days it can be everywhere. When pollen enters your nose, your immune system (your body’s soldiers) may mistake it for a threat and release a chemical called histamine.
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Did you know? Histamine helps our brain stay awake, aids digestion and protects us from foreign invaders. |
Histamine is the body’s alarm signal. It triggers inflammation to “flush out” the intruder and the result is sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and that washed‑out, foggy feeling that hay fever sufferers know all too well.
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What can you do about seasonal allergies?
The good news: hay fever is very manageable. You can reduce exposure to pollen, treat symptoms and support your body as it recovers.
Avoid it
Pollen is the trigger, so reducing your exposure can help keep symptoms under control. It is unfair to stay indoors in such nice weather, so here are a few practical tips:
- Check the pollen forecast
- Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
- Wear sunglasses to help shield your eyes from pollen
Treat it
Histamine causes allergy symptoms and blocking it helps. Antihistamine tablets (Claritin, Reactine) help with overall symptoms, nasal sprays work directly in the nose, and eye drops provide targeted relief for itchy eyes.
Steroid nasal sprays, such as Flonase, help reduce inflammation, decongestants, such as Otrivin or Drixoral can relieve nasal congestion. Saline rinses, with or without a neti pot, can also help.
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Did you know? Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than 3 days. Your nose can end up more blocked than when you started. It’s not safe for everyone so check with your pharmacist before using decongestants. |
Support your body
Rest and drink water. Staying hydrated helps keep nasal passages moist and eases congestion. A cool damp cloth over closed eyes can relieve itching quickly and steam inhalation may help with congestion.
Key Takeaway
Seasonal allergies can take the fun out of spring. When spring comes and the allergies hit, think WATER.
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More questions? Next article, we will answer questions we hear most often at the Pharmacy.
