Seasonal Allergies

Spring Allergy or Hay Fever

Also known Allergic Rhinitis, these allergies are mainly caused by pollen. These allergies occur during the spring season where pollen are most active and at the highest count. Allergic Rhinitis can also be triggered by dust and mould.

While the spring sunshine after a long winter brings happiness for many, for some it may be the start of an uncomfortable season, as they suffer from allergies.

Spring allergies affect millions of people around the globe. Depending on the geographical area, the type of pollen can vary. For example in North America the main allergy causing pollen comes from trees such as oak, cedar, elm, walnut, maple, sycamore, birch, ash, cypress, hickory and poplar. In the Mediterranean area, olive and almonds blossoms, grass and crop pollens are the major causes.

During the pollen season, the inner membrane of the nose and upper respiratory tract becomes thickened causing irritation, discomfort and breathing problems.

Main symptoms include:

Red, itchy, watery swollen eyes
Stuffy, itchy, runny nose
Sneezing
Congestion and sinus pain
Coughing
Scratchy throat and mouth
Reduced sense of taste and smell
Reduced hearing, an intense itch in the ears and ear popping
Exhausted and energy drained

Treatment:

Your doctor may prescribe you antihistamine tablets and/or nasal spray and eye drops. These help ease the discomfort and reduce the swelling in the nose and eyes.

Strong spring allergies cause inflammations in the nose and the sinuses, and may also cause Asthma. As they move through the multiple air passages, allergens produce chemicals that stick in the nose, sinuses and lungs, causing irritation, inflammations, coughing and wheezing.