With temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F), it’s the perfect weather for outdoor fun—a hike, picnic, or stroll through the park.
But spring isn’t just bringing sunshine and blossoms. There’s an uninvited guest in the air: pollen allergies. Cue the sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes.
This year, pollen season kicked off early. If you plan to enjoy the great outdoors, now’s the time to take extra care.
Here’s what’s happening: your immune system mistakes harmless pollen for a threat and goes into overdrive. Pollen isn’t dangerous, but the body reacts like it’s fighting off a virus or bacteria for allergy-prone folks.
Surprisingly, it’s not flowers that are the main culprits—tit’s rees. Birch and oak lead the charge. Pine pollen, despite its abundance, rarely causes allergic reactions. And those iconic cherry blossoms and sunny forsythias? They’re mostly innocent bystanders.
Mornings are the worst time for allergy sufferers. On dry, warm spring days, pollen levels peak. Humid conditions help keep it grounded, but pollen is practically airborne confetti on clear, breezy mornings.
If you’re affected, you’ll know it. Allergic rhinitis—the headliner—brings nasal swelling, constant sneezing, and a faucet-like runny nose. Add conjunctivitis to the mix; your eyes will be red, watery, and sticky.
Skin rashes are also common, and in severe cases, they can lead to bronchial asthma, making breathing difficult.
These symptoms often gang up overnight and early in the morning, disrupting sleep and making waking hours miserable. A cold room can make matters worse, intensifying congestion and discomfort.
Ignoring pollen allergies is unpleasant, but it can also affect one’s daily life. Poor sleep, daytime fatigue, concentration issues, mood swings, and even chronic sinus infections can follow.
So, how can you fight back? The best defense starts with limiting your exposure. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, especially in the morning when levels peak. If you need to step outside, wearing a mask can help filter out airborne allergens.
Keep your car windows shut and switch to the air recirculation setting to prevent pollen from entering. Once you’re back home, wash your hands and face, shower, and change your clothes as soon as possible—pollen clings to fabric and skin like static.
Over-the-counter nasal sprays can provide fast relief if symptoms still make life difficult. However, please do not use them for more than five to seven days, as overuse can lead to rebound congestion. For longer-term management, prescription steroid nasal sprays are a great option.
They’re safe for ongoing use, even for children, and work best when used consistently, even when you feel fine. It may take a few weeks to notice the full effect, so patience is key. If things still don’t improve, it might be time to consult a specialist.
A tailored combination of treatments, such as antihistamines paired with steroid sprays, can help you breathe easier and keep allergy symptoms under control.
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