Say goodbye to sneezing! How to prevent and relieve spring allergies

(5 minutes reading)

The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming and the temperatures are starting to rise. Spring brings with it a beautiful landscape, but for many people it also means constant sneezing, watery eyes and a stuffy nose. If you’re one of those people, you’re not alone! Seasonal allergies affect millions of people around the world, making this season a real challenge. Did you know that around 30% of the world’s population suffers from some type of allergy? Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that by 2050, half of the world’s population could suffer from some type of respiratory allergy. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent and alleviate symptoms, allowing you to fully enjoy spring. Check them out below!

What are allergies?

Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to substances that are normally harmless to most people. These substances, called allergens, can include pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander, and more. When a person with allergies comes into contact with an allergen, their body releases histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, swelling, and inflammation.

Allergies in Spring: causes and main allergens

Spring is one of the most problematic seasons for allergy sufferers. This is mainly due to the high concentration of pollen in the air. The main causes of spring allergies are:

• Tree pollen : Some species, such as plane trees, oaks and cypresses, release large amounts of pollen.
• Grass pollen : found in gardens, fields and parks, it is one of the main triggers of allergic rhinitis. (Ex: wheat, rice, barley, bamboo, sugar cane, lemon balm, among others)
• Weed pollen : Although less common in spring, some species begin to release pollen this season.

In addition to pollen, other factors can aggravate allergy symptoms, such as air pollution and climate change, which can intensify the spread of allergens. Interestingly, studies indicate that pollution can change the structure of pollen, making it even more aggressive for allergy sufferers! Furthermore, a study in the European Respiratory Journal indicates that living in urban areas can increase the risk of developing seasonal allergies due to exposure to these pollutants.

Symptoms of spring allergies

Symptoms of seasonal allergies vary from person to person, but the most common include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Red and watery eyes
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and difficulty sleeping due to nasal obstruction

If you experience these symptoms during the spring, you are likely suffering from seasonal allergies.

Prevention: how to avoid contact with allergens

Completely avoiding allergens can be difficult, but some measures can significantly reduce your exposure to pollen:

• Stay informed about pollen levels : check the pollen levels in your area and avoid going out on days with the highest concentrations. Check pollen concentration by region and the weekly forecast here .
• Close the windows : whether at home or in your car, keep the windows closed to prevent pollen from entering.
• Wear sunglasses and a mask : sunglasses protect your eyes from pollen, while masks reduce the inhalation of allergenic particles.
• Shower and change your clothes when you get home : Pollen can build up on your clothes, hair and skin, so good hygiene can help reduce exposure. Related products: Hygiene and Bath
• Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and late afternoon : pollen levels are highest during these times.

Non-pharmacological treatments: what to do on a daily basis?

In addition to prevention, some natural strategies can help alleviate symptoms:

• Nasal wash with saline solution : helps remove allergens from the airways and reduces congestion. Related products: Saline Solution
• Use of air filters : Air purifiers can reduce the concentration of pollen indoors.
• Balanced diet : Some studies suggest that foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables (citrus fruits, apples, onions and green tea), can help reduce inflammation associated with allergies, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hydration : Staying well hydrated can help thin mucus and relieve nasal congestion.
• Nettle tea : Research suggests that nettle may have natural antihistamine properties, helping to reduce allergy symptoms.
• Honey : Honey helps to reduce the sensation of a sore throat and persistent cough, due to its demulcent properties. If you are not diabetic, you can add a spoonful of honey to your diet.
• Essential oils : Oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint can help clear airways when inhaled. Always make sure that the oils are from reputable brands and always ask how to use them to avoid using too much. Keep in mind that the oil itself can cause allergies, so always try a drop first and wait to see if there is a reaction.

Pharmacological treatments: when to resort to medication?

If symptoms are severe and affect your quality of life, you may need to take medication. The main options include:

• Antihistamines : reduce the release of histamine and relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching and runny nose. Related products: Antihistamines
• Decongestants : help to clear the airways, but should be used in moderation to avoid the rebound effect (the nose then needs the medicine itself to breathe better, even if you are not sick). Related products: Nasal Decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroids : reduce inflammation of the airways and are effective for more severe cases of allergic rhinitis. Related products: Nasal Corticosteroids
• Anti-allergy eye drops : reduce eye irritation and redness. Related products: Anti-allergy Eye Drops
• Antitussive Syrups : help eliminate the feeling of irritation in the throat and repetitive dry cough. Related products: Syrups
• Immunotherapy (allergy vaccines) : indicated for chronic cases, it consists of the progressive administration of small doses of the allergen to desensitize the immune system over time.

Before starting any drug treatment, it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the proper and safe use of the drugs.

Conclusion

Spring allergies can be a real nuisance, but with a few preventive and treatment measures, you can minimize their effects. Staying informed about pollen levels, avoiding exposure whenever possible, and using natural or pharmacological treatments can make all the difference in your quality of life. Don’t let allergies ruin this wonderful season—adopt the right strategies and enjoy spring to the fullest!

Need immediate relief? Discover our solutions!

In our online store, you will find a selection of pharmaceutical products to combat spring allergies. From antihistamines to eye drops and nasal sprays, we have everything you need to relieve symptoms and make the most of this season. Browse our catalogue and find the ideal product for you here ! Need advice? Our customer service is always happy to help. Contact us!

See you next time!

Bibliographic References

• Bousquet, J., Anto, J.M., Bachert, C., et al. (2020). Allergic rhinitis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6(1), 95. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-00230-0

• Pawankar, R., Canonica, G. W., Holgate, S. T., & Lockey, R. F. (2019). Allergic diseases and asthma: a major global health concern. World Allergy Organization Journal, 12(3), 100059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100059

• Togias, A., Gergen, P.J., Hu, J.W., et al. (2019). Rhinitis: allergic and nonallergic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 143(4), 1262-1276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2019.02.003

• Cingi, C., Gevaert, P., Mısırlıgil, Z., & Muluk, N.B. (2020). Nasal allergies: symptoms and treatment. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 277(3), 675-690. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05733-1

• Wallace, DV, Dykewicz, MS, Bernstein, DI, et al. (2020). The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 145(3), 745-757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2019.12.898

• Hellings, P.W., Fokkens, W.J., Akdis, C., et al. (2017). EUFOREA algorithm for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Allergy, 72(7), 1006-1018. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.13173

This article was written with the help of Artificial Intelligence.