It’s springtime, which means warmer weather, lots of sunshine, and plenty of blooms. Those pretty flowers and blossoming trees might be welcome after a long, cold winter, but for some they spell misery.
Tree pollen is one of the worst offenders for seasonal spring allergies. Trees such as birch and oak produce millions of pollen grains and can stick around for quite a while. Some other common tree pollens that can cause issues are cottonwood, elm, maple, aspen, poplar, and beech.
Allergies due to tree pollen flare up as soon as the weather warms enough for things to start blooming. If it’s allergies, you’ll experience symptoms such as:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sinus pressure
- Throat irritation
- Dry cough
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Changes in taste buds
Coping with Seasonal Allergies
Springtime allergies can be hard to avoid because we all love to go outside after being cooped up all winter, and it’s tempting to open up all the windows on those first beautiful spring days. Spring weather, too, is often windy, which sends even more pollen flying.
The best first step is to address those actions, tough as it might be. Stay inside on windy days. Keep windows closed. If necessary, you might even wear a mask outside on high pollen count days. In your home, you can also vacuum frequently, wash sheets often, and use HEPA air filters to keep pollen as low as possible.
Treating Seasonal Allergies
When your spring allergies get unbearable, it’s time to move on to medications for relief. There are a number of over-the-counter options, including antihistamines and decongestants, and combinations of the two. Nasal sprays are useful to some as well, and some people have to try various medications and combinations of sprays and pills before finding relief.
When these methods don’t work, that’s when it’s time to see your ENT doctor. At Southwest Idaho Ear Nose and Throat, we have answers to all your allergy questions. Find out more by contacting us at (208) 336-4368 today!