Spring Allergy Culprits

Allergies, Daily Health Solutions, Healthy Living
on November 24, 2011

Spring offers one of the most potent combinations for allergy sufferers — warmer weather and precipitation. Common allergy culprits come to life and thrive in the varying conditions of rainy days followed by sunshine, making sure that every imaginable irritant can stay alive and fill the air. In many areas, springtime also features brisk winds that whip up allergens for miles around, which can stir up trouble for many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, or seasonal allergic rhinitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center states, "When you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system overreacts to harmless substances — like pollen, mold and pet dander — and launches an assault." Understanding spring allergy culprits is the first step toward finding medical treatments and natural remedies that may help ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies so that you can breathe through this difficult season.

Indoor allergies. By the time spring rolls around, the vents and filters for your forced-air heating system may be overrun by a winter's worth of dust and other household allergens. In most cases, the heat will still kick on during those cool spring nights, throwing all of those irritants into the air. In addition, the moisture from spring rains and melting snow may promote the growth of mildew and mold in your home — both common spring allergy culprits. If you have a pet, spring is when it will likely begin to shed its heavy winter coat, spreading hair and dander in sufficient quantities to trigger an allergic reaction, even if you're not normally allergic to your pets.

Outdoor allergy triggers. As new life emerges from the frozen ground and barren trees, so too does pollen and spores. Pollen allergies are especially troublesome during the spring and can cause serious reactions, especially on windy days. The dust carried on the wind can also irritate your allergies. Every spring rain will help knock these allergens out of the air, only to have them come back with a vengeance — along with mold and mildew from the damp — soon after the sun comes out. While some springtime allergy sufferers may be able to manage their symptoms with home remedies, seek out medical counsel if you have difficulty breathing, or if you have a known respiratory issue such as asthma.