Spring Allergies: What They Are, Symptoms, and Causes

Spring allergies (often caused by pollen from trees, grasses and plants such as pellitory) can be prevented or at least greatly attenuated with some targeted strategies. According to the experts at the pediatric hospital Baby Jesus of Rome, and other health sources, approximately 9 million Italians suffer from respiratory allergies due to pollen, of which approx 4 million need medical care For more severe symptoms. But before any possible treatment, prevention is key, which includes: reducing exposure to pollen, using a HEPA air purifier at home, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding smoking. Sleep is also considered an excellent preventative measure against spring allergies.

Index of topics

What are spring allergies

Spring allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are an excessive reaction of the immune system to generally harmless substances present in the environment during the spring season.

These substances, called allergens, are mainly pollens released by trees, grasses and weeds.

When an allergic person inhales these pollens, his immune system It mistakenly identifies them as a threat and produces specific antibodies (IgE).

Upon subsequent contact with the same pollen, these antibodies trigger the release of chemicals, including histamine, from specialized cells (mast cells). This is thehistamine the main cause of typical allergic symptoms.

What are the causes?

The trigger for spring allergies is exposure to airborne pollenEach plant has its own pollination season, but spring sees the highest concentration of many species responsible for the most common allergies.

Factors that contribute to the development of an allergy include:

Genetic predisposition: There is a family history; those who have allergic parents are more likely to develop allergies.
Exposure to allergens: Living in areas with high concentrations of specific pollen increases the risk.
Environmental factors: The air pollution It can worsen symptoms and make the airways more sensitive.

Symptoms

Spring allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and primarily involve the upper respiratory tract and eyes. The most common include:

Nasal symptoms:
- Frequent and consecutive sneezing
- Runny nose (watery rhinorrhea)
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Itchy nose, palate, or throat
Eye symptoms (Allergic conjunctivitis):
- Itchy eyes
- Eye redness
- Profuse tearing
- Swelling of the eyelids
Respiratory symptoms:
- Dry, tickly cough
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness
- Wheezing (allergic bronchial asthma, in predisposed subjects)
Other symptoms:
- Feeling of fatigue and general malaise
- Itchy skin or rash (less common with pollen)
- Headache

Symptoms often occur simultaneously (rhinitis and conjunctivitis together, called oculorhinitis) and can be confused with those of the common cold. However, allergies do not cause fever, and symptoms persist as long as the person is exposed to the allergen.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective allergy management. The diagnostic process usually includes:

Anamnesis: The doctor collects detailed information on the symptoms (type, duration, seasonality), personal and family medical history, and possible triggering factors.
Objective examination: Evaluation of the clinical signs present.
Skin allergy tests (Prick tests): This is the most common test. Small amounts of purified allergen extracts are applied to the skin (usually the forearm) and the skin is lightly scratched. The appearance of a wheal (a red, itchy swelling) at the site of an allergen indicates a positive reaction.
Blood tests (RAST test or specific IgE test): They measure the amount of specific IgE antibodies to certain allergens present in the blood. They are useful when skin tests are not possible.

Main spring allergens

In Italy, the main causes of spring allergies are pollen from:

Graminaceae: A very large family (wheat, oats, ryegrass, cocksfoot, etc.), with a long pollination season from late spring to summer. They are among the most common causes of allergies.
Betulaceae: Mainly birch, which flowers between March and May.
Oleaceae: The olive tree (flowering between May and June) and the ash tree.
Parietaria: A very widespread weed, especially in central and southern Italy and on the coasts, with prolonged flowering from March to October.
Cupressaceae: Cypress and Juniper, often with early pollination, already in late winter/early spring.

there pollen calendars which monitor the concentration of different pollen types in the air in various regions, useful for identifying the periods of greatest risk.

How to deal with spring allergies

The management of spring allergies is based on several approaches, often combined:

Pharmacological Therapies (Symptomatic): They aim to control symptoms. It's essential to consult your doctor for the most appropriate prescription.
- Antihistamines: They block the action of histamine. Available orally (tablets, drops), nasal sprays, and eye drops. antihistamines new generation cause less drowsiness.
- Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatories, very effective especially for nasal congestion (nasal sprays) and ocular symptoms (eye drops). Sometimes used orally for short periods in severe cases.
- Decongestants: They reduce nasal congestion (spray or drops), but should only be used for short periods (a few days) to avoid the “rebound” effect (worsening of congestion).
- Antileukotrienes: Oral medications that block other inflammatory substances (leukotrienes), especially useful if asthma is present.
- Sodium Cromoglicate: Stabilizes mast cells by preventing the release of histamine, available as a nasal spray or eye drops, more effective when used preventatively.
Specific Immunotherapy (AIT) or “Vaccine”: It is the only therapy that acts on the cause of the allergy, modifying the immune system's response. It consists of the gradual and controlled administration of the specific allergen (sublingually or subcutaneously) over a prolonged period (3-5 years). It induces a tolerance to the allergen, reducing symptoms and the need for long-term medications. It should be started under specialist medical supervision.
Practical and Behavioral Remedies:
- Monitor pollen: Check local pollen bulletins for concentration levels and to plan activities.
- Limit exposure: Avoid going outdoors during the middle of the day (10 a.m.-16 p.m.), especially on dry, windy days, when pollen concentrations are highest. Go for walks after a shower, which "cleans" the air.
- Keep windows closed: Both at home and in the car, especially during peak pollination hours. Use air conditioning with pollen filters.
- Personal hygiene: Shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from your skin, hair, and clothing. Wash your hands and face frequently.
- Sun glasses: Wear them outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen.
- Laundry: Avoid hanging laundry outside during pollen season.
- Air purifiers: At home, they can help reduce the amount of allergens in indoor air, especially if equipped with HEPA filters.

Prevention

Prevention focuses primarily on avoiding contact with the allergen and preparing for the critical season:

Know your enemy: Identifying through allergy testing which specific pollens trigger the reaction is the first step.
Planning: Use pollen calendars to know when to expect peak concentrations of your allergens.
Preventive therapy: In some cases, your doctor may recommend starting medications (such as antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays) a few weeks before the expected start of pollen season to prevent or reduce the onset of symptoms.
Environmental Control: Adopt the behavioral measures described above to reduce your exposure to pollen both outdoors and indoors.
Evaluate immunotherapy: If the allergy is significant and the drugs are not sufficient or poorly tolerated, discuss with the allergist the possibility of undertaking specific immunotherapy.

What to do about spring allergies