Find Relief from Seasonal Allergies: Understanding Your Triggers

About Seasonal Allergies

Since spring arrives, common allergens like grasses, mesquite, and cottonwood reach their peak. This period often sees an increase in allergy attacks for individuals with bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis due to heightened pollinosis (flower pollen allergy), a condition experts refer to as seasonal rhinitis.

In Texas, this phenomenon is primarily caused by pollen from grasses (grasses, weeds, and lawns). You might have noticed how this vegetation has largely replaced the significantly reduced original forest cover in recent decades. Grasses have a high allergenic potential and are abundant in abandoned lots, along roadsides, and within and around urban areas. Upon contact with the mucous membranes of allergy sufferers, grass pollen triggers an inflammatory reaction known as rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

Recognizing Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

The main symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Constant sneezing
• Intense itchy eyes and throat
• Nasal congestion
• Red, watery eyes

In addition to these typical symptoms, some pollen allergy sufferers may also experience asthma, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Also, be alert because hay fever can manifest on its own or in conjunction with perennial allergens like house dust, mold, and pet dander. Thus, symptoms can be exclusively seasonal or permanent, though they may worsen from the beginning of spring through November.

👪 Related: How to Lower Your Risk for Asthma Complications

Seasonal Allergy Triggers: How to Battle Them

If you experience typical allergies since spring arrives, consider these recommendations to reduce pollen exposure and alleviate common seasonal symptoms:

• Keep your windows closed at night.
• Stay indoors as much as possible on days with high pollen counts (sunny, hot, dry, and windy).
• Use filtered air conditioning whenever possible.
• Keep your car windows closed.
• Avoid cigarette smoke, as it worsens allergy symptoms.
• When outdoors, wear sunglasses to minimize pollen’s impact on your eyes.
• Protect your eyes when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
• Avoid outings to the country and gardening activities like mowing the lawn.
• Shower and wash your hair at night to prevent pollen from settling on your pillow and bed.
• Avoid drying bedding outdoors, where it will be exposed to pollen. Damp clothing can accumulate pollen and aggravate allergies.
• If possible, plan vacations to areas where hay fever is uncommon.
• Take medication prescribed by your doctor. Be aware that some allergy medications can cause drowsiness, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.