SPRING ALLERGIES 101: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS
ABOUT SPRING ALLERGIES
While the start of spring is pretty much the same every year (March 19th, 20th, or 21st), the start of spring allergy season is something else entirely. In some parts of the country, spring allergy season can start as early as February, and last well into summer!1
So even though it may not technically be "spring," your nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and a runny nose could very well show up earlier and stick around long past their welcome.
But that doesn't mean you have to let spring allergy season catch you off guard. In just a few minutes (or less, if you're a speedy reader), you'll get the inside track on spring allergies—what causes them, what they do, and more importantly, what you can do about them. Now, let's get to it.
CAUSES OF SPRING ALLERGIES
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Tree Pollen
![Pollen can trigger allergy symptoms during the spring season]( "Pollen can trigger allergy symptoms during the spring season")
During late winter and early spring, dormant trees bounce back to life and start releasing pollen into the air, making tree pollen a trigger for allergy symptoms. Some common culprits include birch, cedar, hickory, and walnut.2
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Grass Pollen
![Mold can trigger allergy symptoms during the fall season]( "Mold can trigger allergy symptoms during the fall season")
Of all the various kinds of grasses blanketing lawns, fields, and gardens, only a small number can be blamed for causing allergy symptoms.3
Want to get in the weeds? Get the full story on grass pollen and how to beat it.
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Mold
![Bathroom tiles with obvious brown mold stains]( "Bathroom tiles with obvious brown mold stains")
Mold thrives in damp indoor and outdoor environments (leaf piles, rotten logs, basements, and bathrooms). Unlike pollen, mold doesn't die with the first frost; instead, it stops growing and lays dormant until the weather warms. Just in time for spring.4
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Dust Mites
![Dust mite allergies can trigger during the fall season]( "Dust mite allergies can trigger during the fall season")
Dust mites, or more specifically, dust mite waste, is a common indoor allergen that can be found in many places around the house—furniture, carpets, bedding, and stuffed toys.5
SYMPTOMS
One of the most common and most bothersome symptom reported for
allergies is nasal congestion.6
Also on the list, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose, and runny nose. include:
- nasal congestion
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes†
- itchy nose
- runny nose
SPRING ALLERGY TIPS AND TREATMENTS
KEEP AN EYE ON THE POLLEN COUNT
No matter what you're up to this spring, this is something that can make a real difference. Check the pollen count for wherever you’re headed.
SPRING CLEANING
There's nothing like a fresh, clean house to mark the beginning of spring. Especially after a long winter during which indoor allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander (if you have a pet, that is) may have been left to their own devices. Before you get out the dustcloth and vacuum, learn how to clean house the right way.
TREAT YOURAL LERGY SYMPTOMS
No matter how vigilant you are, you can't get rid of spring allergens all together. That's why it's important to treat your symptoms every day. Unlike most allergy pills, once-daily FLONASE nasal sprays treat nasal congestion,* one of the most bothersome symptoms,6 plus sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.† Learn how FLONASE can help you get the most from the spring season, without your symptoms.
*vs single-ingredient antihistamines that do not treat nasal congestion.
†FLONASE SENSIMIST is indicated for itchy, watery eyes in adults and children 12 years of age and older. See product pages for full information.
Sources:
- ACAAI. Seasonal Allergies. https://acaai.org/allergies/seasonal-allergies. Accessed November 29, 2018.
- Healthline. Pollen Library: Plants That Cause Allergies. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/pollen-library#1. Accessed November 29, 2018.
- AAFA. What If You’re Allergic to Grass? 10 Steps to Managing Grass Pollen Allergy.https://community.aafa.org/blog/what-if-you-re-allergic-to-grass-10-steps-to-managing-grass-pollen-allergy. Accessed November 29, 2018.
- AAFA. Mold Allergy.https://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/mold-allergy. Accessed November 29, 2018.
- AAFA. Dust Mite Allergy.http://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/dust-mite-allergy/. Accessed November 29, 2018.
- Craig, TJ, et al. Congestion and Sleep Impairment in Allergic Rhinitis.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11882-010-0091-5. Accessed November 29, 2018.
ALL ABOUT ALLERGIES
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