Seasonal Allergies: Fact vs. Fiction

You may love to see pretty flowers bloom in spring, but they can be a problem when you have allergies.

Sometimes called hay fever, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by pollen. That pollen tends to come from trees and flowers, in the case of spring allergies. (Grass and weed pollens can be culprits in summer and fall.) When you are allergic to pollen, your immune system overreacts, triggering allergy symptoms.

So how can you tell if you might have spring allergies? This time of year, you may start to notice symptoms such as:

• Sneezing.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Red, watery eyes.

• Itchy nose, eyes or mouth.

Finding relief from allergies 

You don't have to put up with spring allergies that are making you miserable. Liji Surrao, FNP-BC with Riverside Healthcare, says it’s best to get ahead of seasonal allergies by nipping them in the bud.

“You can try and avoid the triggers as best as you can. I know that is easier said than done,” Surrao says, adding that it’s best to start oral antihistamines or allergy medications (Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin) before symptoms get really bad.

“I like to recommend to my patients to also use NeilMed sinus rinse to help get rid of the mucus and pathogens built up in the sinuses,” says Surrao. “It is important to use any type of nasal rinse with distilled water, if it does not come in a liquid or saline spray already.” 

Surrao recommends a person visit their Primary Care Provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

“Or if they develop chronic sinus infections, difficulty breathing or it becomes a point that it is interfering with daily life activities.”

A doctor can use skin or blood tests to help pinpoint your specific allergy triggers, as well as create a treatment plan for you that may include:

• Taking allergy medicine as directed. A doctor may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medicines, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, decongestants or antihistamines, to help relieve or prevent your symptoms.
• Avoiding allergy triggers. While it may not be possible to avoid pollen entirely, try to reduce your exposure to it as much as possible. For example:
• Check pollen forecasts before heading out. Try to plan your outdoor activities to avoid being outside when pollen counts are high.
• Keep your windows closed when a lot of pollen is in the air.
• Wear a mask and cover your hair if you must go outside during pollen season.
• Shower and change your clothes after being outside.

Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots) 

If other treatments don't work, allergy shots may help. The shots help your body gradually get used to an allergen so that you may have fewer and less severe symptoms over time.

Myth vs. fact

There are several myths surrounding the subject of seasonal allergies. These vary from cause to time to location.

Myth 1: Only pollen causes seasonal allergies.

Fact: While pollen is the most common trigger during certain seasons, other allergens like mold, dust mites, and pet dander can also contribute to symptoms during the same time. Mold, for example, can thrive in the fall and winter months, causing allergic reactions even when pollen levels are lower.

Myth 2: Allergies are only a spring problem.

Fact: Seasonal allergies can occur at various times throughout the year. Spring is known for tree pollen, summer for grass pollen, and fall for weed pollen. In addition, mold and dust mites can trigger symptoms year-round.

Myth 3: Staying indoors will protect you from allergies.

Fact: While staying indoors can reduce exposure to pollen, allergens like mold spores can still be present inside, especially in areas like basements and bathrooms. Additionally, pollen can enter your home on your clothing or through open windows, even if you’re not outside.

Surrao says the biggest misconception she sees in patients is confusing allergies with a cold and requesting an antibiotic.

“Double misconceptions with this: Often times allergies and colds have similar symptoms, but usually with a cold, you can get sore throat, body aches, and cough. Colds are caused by viruses, and allergies are caused by pollen, dust, and environmental factors,” Surrao says.

Get expert help with allergies

If you don't currently have a Primary Care Provider to help treat your allergies, we can connect you to one. Give us a call at (855) 404-3627 or visit myrhc.net/acceptingnew to make an appointment.

Additional sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America; National Institutes of Health