Winter Allergies to Spring Allergies: Seasonal Symptoms, Triggers & Treatments
For those plagued by seasonal allergies, the arrival of hay fever season and other pollen allergens can be the worst. The pollen from grasses, weeds, or trees can trigger hay fever symptoms and asthma, sometimes lasting for several months at a time. This long duration can make allergy triggers difficult to avoid [3]. However, there are certain times of the year and various remedies that provide relief and direction for pollen allergy treatment [1].
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Typically associated with the spring and summer months, otherwise known as hay fever season, allergies can cause a variety of symptoms to look out for [1], including:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy sinuses
- Postnasal drainage
- Headache
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
For many who suffer during hay fever season, asthma is also a concern. Seasonal allergies have been known to trigger asthma attacks [1], making it even more important to understand the causes and treatments available [3].
Seasonal Allergies Triggers from Spring to Winter Allergies
The timing and severity of seasonal allergies can vary depending on environmental factors. For example, pollen levels tend to peak in the morning hours, or when a lack of wind leaves airborne allergens grounded [4]. As a result, each season presents its challenges, from spring to winter allergies.
Spring Allergies: Pollen & Grass Allergy
Spring allergies are caused by trees and the pollen debris they create. The process of pollination, and the combination of cool nights and warm days, results in a higher likelihood of a grass allergy during the hay fever season [4].
Summer Allergies: Grass & Pollen Allergy
Getting its name from the summer hay-cutting, hay fever season is traditionally associated with the summer months. Summer promotes grass growth, and when it’s cut it contributes to a variety of seasonal allergies, making this time of year common for triggering a pollen allergy.
Autumn Allergies: Pollen & Grass Allergy
A variety of plants and weeds pollinate during the autumn months, causing pollen and grass allergies that can promote a variety of hay fever symptoms. The increase in the rain can have the effect of washing pollen away, but pollen count often soars after rainfall, further contributing to seasonal allergies [4].
Winter Allergies: Indoor Allergy
Cold winters can bring relief to those suffering from hay fever. Unlike Summer and Spring allergies, however, the increased amount of time spent indoors during the winter means that those prone to seasonal allergies may also react to allergens like mould, dust mites, or even cockroaches [1].
Seasonal Allergies Treatment
Seasonal allergies, like grass and pollen allergy symptoms, may be persistent and uncomfortable to live with. Fortunately, there are several pollen allergy treatments that you can try to relieve some of the symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can even work with an allergist to devise strategies to help avoid specific triggers.
Grass & Pollen Allergy Treatment with Avoidance
By limiting your time outdoors and keeping windows shut during hay fever seasons, you can reduce your exposure to certain pollen allergy triggers. Using air conditioners with HEPA filters instead of ceiling fans during the spring and summer months can also help to prevent airborne allergens from circulating further [1].
Medication for Grass & Pollen Allergy Treatment
When it is not possible to avoid allergens, over-the-counter medicines like decongestants and antihistamines can prove useful for reducing symptoms. In severe cases, your health care practitioner may recommend allergy shots to provide further relief [1].
Diet & Supplements for Grass & Pollen Allergy Treatment
During the hay fever season, adjusting your diet can also help mitigate various pollen allergy symptoms. Alternative pollen allergy treatments like increasing the amounts of quercetin, spirulina, and vitamin C in your daily diet have been suggested [1]. Natural products like salt water nasal sprays and douches have also shown to be effective in managing irritating symptoms [3]. If your symptoms persist and increase in severity, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Combat Seasonal Allergies with Our Organic Supplements at Melrose Health
At Melrose Health, our range of organic supplements helps boost immunity and counteract the effects of seasonal allergies caused by pollen or grass. Ideal for use for Spring to Winter allergies, our products work to support your overall health throughout the year, working best when in combination with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
References
Kerr, M. (2019). “Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment” https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies#treatment (Accessed 27 June 2022)
Mayo Clinic. (2022). “Seasonal Allergies: Nip them in the bud”, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343 (Accessed 27 June 2022)
ASCIA. (2020). “Pollen Allergy” https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/pollen-allergy (Accessed 27 June 2022)
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2017). “Seasonal Allergies” https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/seasonal-allergies/ (Accessed 27 June 2022)