Suffering from spring allergies can be miserable, but luckily, there are several ways to treat your symptoms before and after they act up.
Read on as we discuss common signs and symptoms, including ways to treat and relieve your allergies.
Springtime In Australia
Springtime consists of some of the most beautiful months of the year, but it is also a key time for spring allergies. In many parts of Australia, spring begins in September and lasts until the weeks of November.
The flowers are in bloom, and the grass is growing, which also means that there is a release of pollen in the air. As plants release pollen, it can trigger allergic reactions from people. Many will experience symptoms of seasonal allergies or otherwise known as hay fever.
Pollen is the biggest trigger for spring allergies. When these small particles get into the nose of someone allergic, they can send the body’s defences to go haywire.
It is because the immune system mistakenly sees pollen and other “triggers” as dangerous and can bring harm to the body. As a response, the immune system will release antibodies to attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals (called “antihistamines”) into the bloodstream.
Histamines in the blood can trigger allergic symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, etc. Other causes of spring allergies in Australia to watch out for include dust mites, moulds, animal hair, and insects.
Signs And Symptoms
The symptoms of spring allergies may range from mild to severe. The most common include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
- Ear congestion
- Postnasal drainage
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
Some people with hay fever also have an asthma condition. In this case, spring allergens may trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
There is no cure to get rid of these reactions fully, but there are certain ways to curb spring allergy symptoms.
Treating Spring Allergies
There are many ways that can help ease the symptoms of spring allergies. Among the options include:
Oral Antihistamines
Antihistamines work great in relieving hay fever and other seasonal allergies. The medicine works by blocking “histamine”, which is a chemical released by the immune symptom when the body detects something harmful.
There are many antihistamine brands on the market. We recommend talking to your doctor to see what works best based on your symptoms.
Nasal Steroid Sprays
Nasal steroid sprays are best combined with antihistamines to reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses. This help relieves congestion, runny nose, frequent sneezing, and watery eyes.
Decongestants
Nasal decongestants offer short-term relief by causing blood vessels in the nose to shrink. This medication is often available in oral, liquid, spray, and nasal drop formulations.
Prescription Allergy Medications
If over-the-counter medications do not help relieve your symptoms, prescription medication from your doctor is also a good alternative.
Prescription medications also work for people who suffer asthma attacks during springtime.
The best prevention method for spring allergies is avoiding allergens that trigger a reaction from you. Take Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers by doing the following:
- Stay indoors, particularly on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside during spring is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
- Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are highest.
- Avoid gardening chores such as lawn mowing and weed pulling, which can stir up allergens.
- Always shower to rinse pollen from your skin and remove clothing that you’ve worn outside.
- Wear face masks when doing outside chores.
Stay Healthy This Spring
We want everyone to reap all the health benefits of spending time outside without spring allergies ruining some of the best months of the year.
For this, we encourage you to be aware of the symptoms, take preventative precautions, and learn first aid to address spring-related injuries and illnesses.
To learn first aid, visit our course page or contact us at courses@firstaidpro.com.au.
