Spring allergies: symptoms and natural remedies

Spring allergies are triggered by an abnormal reaction of the immune system, which identifies certain substances present in the environment, particularly pollens, as potential threats. This hypersensitivity leads to the release of histamine and other chemical mediators, causing the typical allergy symptoms. However, the severity and frequency of allergic reactions depend on several factors:

• Genetic factors and personal predisposition

Heredity plays a fundamental role in the development of allergies. If one or both parents suffer from seasonal allergies, the risk of developing them increases considerably. Additionally, there are other factors that can make some people more vulnerable to spring allergies, for example early exposure to allergens during childhood, the alterations of the intestinal flora, which affect the immune system or the presence of other allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.

• The concentration of pollen and the climate

Pollen, tiny grains produced by plants for reproduction, are among the main causes of spring allergies. In spring, their concentration in the air increases exponentially, especially on dry and windy days. The main allergenic plants to keep in mind are:

• Trees: birch, alder, hazel, plane tree, olive, and cypress. Birch is particularly allergenic and spreads its pollen from March to May.
• Grasses: include many species of wild herbs, such as bindweed, bluegrass, and orchard grass, which bloom between April and June.
• Weeds: in some areas, even pellitory (a plant from the Urticaceae family) can cause strong allergic reactions in spring.

Each geographical area has a different concentration of pollens and there are pollen bulletins updated to monitor periods of higher allergy risk.

Naturally, the climate plays a crucial role in the spread and concentration of pollen in the air. The mild temperature promote a more intense blooming and a greater production of pollen. The wind transports pollen over long distances, increasing exposure to allergens. The rain temporarily reduces the concentration of pollen, but after a downpour a massive release can occur when the plants resume dispersing the grains into the air.

• Air pollution

According to one studio published in the magazine Allergy,  climate change and pollution are extending the pollen season, with a significant increase in spring allergies. It is no coincidence that urban areas tend to experience an intensification of allergy symptoms due to the combination of pollen and pollution. Nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter present in the air can indeed:

• Altering the structure of pollens, making them more aggressive to the respiratory tract.
• Weaken the natural defenses of the nasal mucous membranes, promoting inflammation.
• Increase the duration of pollen remaining in the air, amplifying exposure to allergens.

Spring allergies: symptoms

We can divide the symptoms of spring allergies into respiratory symptoms, eye symptoms, and skin symptoms. The upper airways are among the first to be affected by exposure to pollen, which often also causes eye irritation, with the typical symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The ocular symptoms they can worsen on windy days or after direct contact with pollen, which can occur, for example, when we touch our eyes with hands dirty from pollen particles. In some cases, spring allergies can also manifest with symptoms involving the skin and overall well-being.

Here are the main symptoms of spring allergies:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Nasal congestion.
• Dry cough
• Allergic asthma
• Excessive tearing
• Itching and burning sensation in the eyes
• Conjunctival redness
• Sand sensation in the eyes
• Hives or eczema
• Headache
• Fatigue and irritability
• Insomnia

The severity of symptoms varies from person to person and depends on the amount of pollen in the air, individual predisposition, and any exposure to other irritants, primarily pollution.

If the symptoms significantly interfere with your quality of life or you have experienced episodes of allergic asthma e breathing difficulties, if antihistamines do not relieve the symptoms or if you suspect a cross-allergic reaction with certain foods, you should contact a doctor. According to the Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (SIAAIC) in fact, an allergy test can help accurately identify the responsible allergens and define the most effective therapeutic strategy.