Spring has sprung, but unfortunately for people who suffer from hay fever, so has allergy season. Some people suffer from runny noses, itchy eyes and more. But why does Spring cause your allergies to flare up?
Why do your allergies flare up in Spring?
Hayfever is common and affects one in five people in Australia1. Many people have wondered why they seem to flare up in Spring, which means you can't enjoy the warmer weather without worrying about a flare-up.
Your allergies are likely primarily caused by pollen, a fine powder released by trees, flowers, and other plants as they begin to bloom.
However, other allergens can include dust mites, grass, mould and animal dander.
Unfortunately, your body mistakes allergens for harmful substances and releases histamines. These histamines cause the symptoms of allergies, including itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Some other hayfever symptoms include:
a reduced sense of smell
frequent sinus infections
difficulty concentrating
snoring during sleeping
What if my allergies flare up year-round?
There are two different types of hayfever (allergic rhinitis), which are:
Seasonal allergies (which means your allergies flare up in Spring or your symptoms only occur during specific seasons)
Perennial allergies (which are triggered year-round by pet hair, mould or dust mites)
If you're not sure whether your allergies are seasonal or year-round, take note of when you notice when your symptoms flare up and speak to your doctor or healthcare professional for more advice.
How can I manage my allergies in Spring?
There are a few ways that you can manage your allergies in Spring, including:
Taking medicines, to help treat your hayfever symptoms
Reducing or trying to minimise your exposure to known allergens
Washing your sheets, pillowcases and other bedding weekly in hot water to minimise your exposure to house dust mites
Nasal irrigation through saltwater nasal sprays to help relieve your symptoms
Antihistamines, like Telfast, are available at Blooms The Chemist - Windsor, are popular for hayfever symptom relief and treatment and block the effects of histamine in your body. They have a range of strengths and can treat seasonal or year-round hayfever.
Spring allergies can be a nuisance, but understanding why they occur and taking steps to manage them can help you enjoy the season more comfortably.