The symptoms of spring allergies

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On a gorgeous spring day, most people feel happy and excited to get outside and enjoy beautiful weather. Those people who have a painful headache, runny nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing breathing, can feel like the joy of spring is passing them by.

Spring allergies have several symptoms in common with a spring cold but are likely to last longer and involve more itchiness. This is because while a cold is the body's natural response to an invading virus, an allergy is caused by the body mistaking a relatively harmless substance like pollen for a dangerous attacker.

As much of the pollen released by plants is wind-borne, designed to float in the air until landing on the appropriate flower, spring allergies mainly show up in our respiratory system. Pollen is so tiny that it easily gets into our eyes and the membranes there can also overreact to it. Our bodies produce lots of antihistamines; it is this defense mechanism, rather than the pollen itself, that causes the symptoms below.

Stuffy nose

Noses run freely with a clear liquid, and may be red and itchy. This irritation is often increased by the need to constantly wipe the nose. Nasal sprays can seem like a good idea but using them over more than 24 hours may actually irritate the nasal passages more and make symptoms worse.

Headache

Sinuses become swollen and red, causing pressure inside the head and often a constant headache. Those without sinus pressure may also experience severe headaches.

Postnasal drip

When the mouth opens, mucus drips down from the network of sinuses into the throat. While not in itself that distressing, it is a clear indicator that too much mucus is being produced.

Itchy Eyes

Eyes can become red, watery, and itchy, so that a person is constantly rubbing at their eyes and looks like they have recently cried their heart out! Eyes suffering like this will appreciate eye drops applied sparingly and contact lenses should be avoided.

Coughing/Sneezing

The body attempts to get rid of its airborne enemies by coughing or sneezing them out. As this is unlikely to be effective, a person suffering from spring allergies may feel like they are never going to stop sneezing.

Breathing difficulties/wheezing

Bronchial passages and lung tissue can become inflamed meaning it is difficult to get enough oxygen. As with all breathing problems, immediate medical attention is required.

Sleep disturbance

A person with spring allergies may find it hard to get enough sleep when their symptoms are severe. They may also start sleeping more than normal.

Appetite disturbance

As most of our enjoyment of food comes from its delicious smell, when our noses are blocked food tastes bland and uninteresting. Allergy sufferers may lose interest in eating, or may eat more than normal to try and get the satisfaction that they would normally get from food.

Depression

It is very isolating to suffer from spring allergies when the whole world is bursting into life around you. To get relief, many allergy sufferers stay indoors when the pollen count is high, on the best and brightest spring days. Spring allergies can drag on for months and it can feel like it will never end. This may trigger a depressive episode.

Additional information:

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