Seasonal Allergy 

For some people, spring means outdoor activities, flower buds, gentle breeze and blooming

trees, but for others who have springtime allergies, spring means sneezing, congestion, and

runny nose . The reasons behind such symptoms are trees, grass and weed pollen, dust not to

mention mold spores.



Spring allergy is also known as hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis and nasal allergy. Thus,

Allergy is an acquired, abnormal immune system response to a substance that can cause a

broad range of inflammatory reactions.



Nasal allergies occur during exposure to an allergen(pollens, buds, dust), and nasal cavity

becomes irritated and inflamed. So, the body recognises them as foreign bodies which cause

the activation of the immune system to release antibodies (IgE) . This is responsible for

releasing chemicals like histamine that cause these symptoms.



Symptoms may vary from one person to another depending on body response. These

symptoms include: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, postnasal drip, itchy nose and

throat, dark circles under the eyes, and swollen, watery and itchy eyes.



It’s important to note that allergies are not contagious, unlike cold and flu. So, having a high

temperature or an achy body, it could be flu or cold rather than allergy. Following are the



Treatment options can help you control symptoms, following are some drugs:



1. Oral antihistamines: These drugs counteract the action of histamine, a substance that is

responsible for allergic symptoms. Such drugs include sedating and non-sedating

antihistamines. Sedating ones cause drowsiness, so don't take the drug when you have

to drive, operate machinery, or engage in other activities that require you to be alert.

2. Nasal corticosteroids: these are typically sprayed or inhaled into the nose once or

twice a day. Side effects may include stinging in the nose. But contrary to oral

corticosteroids, nasal ones don’t cause the side effects of corticosteroids.



3. Decongestants: Decongestants are available both by prescription and over-the-counter.

These drugs come in oral and nasal spray forms, and are sometimes recommended in

combination with antihistamines. Note that prolonged use of nose sprays and drops

(more than 3-5 days) can result in even worse nasal congestion.



4. Nasal irrigation: to alleviate nasal allergy symptoms, the doctor may recommend nasal

irrigation (nasal lavage), it is a regular flushing out the sinuses with a warm water and

salt (saline) solution may help loosen and wash out mucus and hydrates the nasal

lining.




5. Allergen immunotherapy (also known as desensitization or allergy shots) : this

treatment may be right if medications don't control allergy symptoms or they cause

significant side effects. This treatment should be taken under doctor’s supervision.



Immunotherapy is needed in the following situations:



• When symptoms are severe

• When the allergen cannot be avoided

• When the drugs usually used to treat allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis cannot control

symptoms

• If asthma develops



Allergen immunotherapy should start after the pollen season to prepare for the next season.

Immunotherapy has more side effects when starting during pollen season because the

allergens would have stimulated the immune system. Immunotherapy is most effective when

continued year-round.



At the end to alleviate your symptoms, here are some tips:



1. Avoid being in the garden on hot, dry days and very windy days.

2. Keep the windows closed & air condition on.

3. When cleaning a carpet, make someone else vacuums it.

4. Keep pets outside, if they need to be indoor, don’t let them sleep in your bed or coach,

and bath them regularly.

5. Wash your hair every day to rinse off dust and pollen.

6. Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.