Spring is here which means trees, plants, and flowers are in full bloom. While we are certainly happy for some warmer weather, the spring also brings an excess of pollen and other airborne allergens that can wreak havoc on a person’s sinuses. Spring allergies can trigger a variety of symptoms including nasal congestion, chronic headaches, coughing, and breathing issues. In order to help keep everyone feeling their best during allergy season this spring, the healthcare providers here at Family Practice Center wanted to discuss common triggers for allergy symptoms and how they can be combated.
Tree Pollen:
- As winter ends and the spring season begins, previously dormant trees once again begin releasing pollen into the air. This tree pollen is a leading cause of many allergy reactions. This is the yellow, dusty pollen you typically see all over cars, sidewalks, and just about everywhere else in March and April.
Grass Pollen:
- Grass pollen can also cause issues in some cases, but they are far less to blame for allergy symptoms than tree pollen. Grass pollen can typically be produced by most types of grasses seen blanketing lawns, fields, and gardens.
Mold:
- Household mold can have a serious impact come allergy season. Unlike pollen that dies off when the winter comes, mold simply lays dormant until the weather warms up again in the spring. Mold typically thrives in dark, damp environments (indoor and outdoor) like basements, bathrooms, leaf piles, and gutters.
Other Allergens:
- Other indoor triggers including dust mites and pet dander. Dust mites can build up around the house in furniture, carpets, bedding, and clothing over time.
For those that struggle with spring allergy symptoms, we recommend the following steps:
- Keep the windows and doors of your home and car closed to help keep pollen out. Be aware of any pollen that clings to your clothes or on the bottom of shoes. Change air filters frequently.
- Shower after any extended outdoor activity to rinse all pollen and other irritants from your skin and hair. Showering at night before going to bed can help keep bedding allergen free.
- Avoid smoking and other activities that can trigger and exacerbate allergy symptoms.
- Discuss allergy medicines like antihistamines or nasal sprays with your doctor. Certain treatments like allergy shots may be able to help in more severe cases.
For more helpful information like this, don’t forget to also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Our hope is that this information will help our patients feel their best during allergy season this spring and beyond. Managing your allergy symptoms can be difficult, but we’re always here to help. For more information, contact Family Practice Center to schedule an appointment at one of our four Atlanta area locations (Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming).