- Spring
allergies are mostly caused by pollen from cedar trees, birch trees, oak trees, Bermuda grass, and other spring-flowering plants. - The main symptoms of spring allergies are sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, swollen eyes.
- You can treat allergies with nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and at-home remedies like a saline nasal rinse.
- This article was medically reviewed by Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist and laryngologist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute's Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Providence Saint John's
Health Center in Santa Monica, CA
Seasonal allergies, also referred to as hay fever and allergic rhinitis, are triggered by allergens like pollen that can make you feel miserable.
These allergies are usually worst in the spring when pollen counts are at their highest.
Here's everything you need to know about spring allergies — from causes, to symptoms, to treatment and prevention.
Causes
The most common trigger for seasonal allergies is pollen, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). About 19.2 million US adults have been diagnosed with hay fever associated with pollen, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
These types of allergies may be especially common because pollen is so prevalent and increases every year. In fact, one study predicted that the pollen count will double by the year 2040 due to factors like climate change.
These tiny grains are released from grasses, weeds, and trees. They float through the air and fertilize other plants. Tree and grass pollen is more abundant in the spring as these plants come alive and reproduce. Weed pollen is the most prevalent in the late summer and fall.
Some of the trees and grasses that commonly cause spring allergies include:
- Cedar trees
- Birch trees
- Oak trees
- Bermuda grass
- Kentucky blue grass
- Ryegrass
Spring allergies are more prevalent in some areas of the US, including the East Coast, primarily due to higher than average pollen counts. The top three US cities for seasonal allergies are Richmond, Virginia, Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Springfield, Massachusetts.
Along with pollen, seasonal allergies may also be triggered by tiny, airborne mold spores. You may be exposed to mold if you live in a home with high humidity or poor ventilation, or work in a field such as farming, baking, or carpentry.
When you're exposed to an allergen like pollen or mold spores, your immune system may mistake it as being harmful to your body, even though it is not actually dangerous. This triggers your immune system to defend your body by releasing chemicals, including histamines, that cause allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of spring allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny, itchy nose
- Irritated, swollen eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
"Usually people with seasonal allergies have had them for years," says Sandra Lin, MD, the vice director of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. People with a family history of these allergies are also at a higher risk.
Some people experience severe allergy symptoms while others only have mild reactions. The difference may depend on their genetic sensitivity to allergens as well as environmental factors, such as increased exposure to allergens like pollen that are more prevalent in the spring.
If you have recurring spring allergies, you should be sure to be prepared by having medications on hand and taking preventive measures before allergy season begins.
Prevention
You can take the following steps to limit your exposure to pollen during the spring:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, especially early in the morning when pollen counts are high.
- Keep the windows closed and, if possible, use an air conditioner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
- Use a dehumidifier to help dry the air indoors.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses outdoors to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and hair.
- Wearing a mask outdoors may also help filtrate pollen particles, Lin says.
- Change and wash your clothes after outdoor activities. Dry them in a dryer, not on an outdoor clothesline.
- Take a bath and wash your hair before you go to bed to keep any pollen off your bedding. Wash your bedding in hot water once a week.
Treatments
Most spring allergies can be treated at home with medications or home remedies.
If your symptoms are severe and interfering with your daily activities, you should see a doctor, who may recommend allergy shots for more effective long-term treatment.
Allergy medicine
Medications that relieve allergy symptoms are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. These include:
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays that reduce the swelling in your nasal passages. For the nasal spray to be most effective, Lin says you should begin using an OTC corticosteroid spray, like Flonase, at least two weeks before the start of pollen season.
- Antihistamines, which reduce congestion, sneezing, irritated eyes, and itchy skin by blocking your immune system from creating histamines. Examples include Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec.
- Decongestants, which shrink the lining of nasal passages to clear a stuffy nose make breathing easier. Oral decongestants include Sudafed and Mucinex, or you can use a decongestant nasal spray like Afrin.
Home remedies for allergies
Along with medications, the following natural remedies may be effective for relieving allergy symptoms:
- Saline nasal rinse. Using a saline solution to rinse your sinuses can help reduce congestion. Lin says saline rinses are helpful if you've been gardening or doing other outdoor activities. You can use a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, which is a small container with a spout. Be sure to use distilled water and to rinse the container with distilled water after each use.
- Butterbur. This herb may help relieve allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness. A study of 125 people with seasonal allergies found that taking a butterbur tablet daily for two weeks was as effective as taking an antihistamine like cetirizine (Zyrtec).
- Acupuncture. There is some evidence that acupuncture may be beneficial in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. Acupuncture may help calm your body's response to allergens.
- Foods rich in quercetin. Onions, garlic, broccoli, grapes, and berries contain quercetin, a plant pigment that is known to have anti-allergic properties that prevent the release of histamines.
If you're interested in purchasing any of these treatments, Insider Reviews has a useful buying guide for the best allergy medicine and home remedies.