Why Do We Sneeze in the Springtime?
Spring is a beautiful time of year. After a long winter, it's nice to see flowers growing, trees sprouting leaves and birds flying. But some of us do not look forward to spring, because it makes our eyes itch and water and our noses run, not to mention the incessant sneezing.
These symptoms may be attributed to a cold, but if they occur every spring, chances are there's something else going on. With the change in seasons comes an abundance of pollen in the air. When we breathe that pollen, we may have an allergic reaction. Such a reaction to pollen is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
Hay fever is unrelated to hay, but it gets its name from its connection with the hay season. This falls in late spring to early summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the time when most grasses are pollinating. But hay fever is also quite common in early spring, because this is when many trees produce pollen. It can also flare up in the fall, when certain types of weeds pollinate.
Fortunately, most people who have hay fever only experience it for a short time each year. This is because they are not allergic to all pollinating plants. That means that when your hay fever symptoms are subsiding, your neighbor's may just be surfacing.
Other Hay Fever Symptoms
When we have allergies, it means that our immune systems have incorrectly identified something as a dangerous substance. This causes the production of antibodies, and the presence of antibodies causes the production of histamines. These histamines are released where the substance is present. In the case of hay fever, this is in the eyes and nose.
The histamines irritate the eyes and nose, and this is what causes hay fever symptoms. The most common are itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Other notable symptoms include swelling in the eye area, itching of the nose, throat, mouth and/or ears and coughing. Nasal congestion often occurs, sometimes resulting in temporary loss of the sense of smell and difficulty breathing.
Treating Hay Fever
Minor cases of hay fever may not require treatment. If symptoms are bothersome, try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. If stuffy nose is a symptom, a decongestant may provide relief. For a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water.
If home treatments do not provide relief, a visit to the doctor may be in order. A stronger antihistamine or decongestant that is only available by prescription sometimes works better than those available over the counter. Steroid nasal sprays are often prescribed to alleviate nasal swelling and stuffiness. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a more expensive option, but it may be beneficial for those who also suffer from asthma or do not respond to other treatments.
As with any allergy, the best way to prevent the symptoms of hay fever is to avoid contact with allergens. Keep your windows closed, clean floors, furniture and bedding regularly and use an air filter in your home to keep it free of pollen. Avoid hanging clothes out to dry, and keep your car windows up to prevent pollen from entering.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from hay fever. While there is no cure, there are several treatment options available. If you find yourself dreading springtime or other pollen-filled times of the year, talk to your doctor. With the right treatment, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
