Spring Allergy: How to Prepare Your Body for the Blooming Season

People with heightened sensitivity to pollen should begin preparing for the spring season at least one month before the first buds appear on trees. A comprehensive approach includes timely diagnosis, appropriate medication, and adjustments to household habits. Only in this way can symptoms of pollen allergy be minimized and a high quality of life maintained.

We explain what allergies you may experience in spring and how to combat their manifestations. 

Mechanisms and Causes of Spring Allergies

Pollinosis is a classic example of seasonal pollen allergy. When microscopic particles settle on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract or eyes, the immune system of some people begins to perceive them as dangerous foreign substances. As a result, the body produces specific antibodies — Immunoglobulin E (IgE), leading to the release of histamine and the development of inflammation.

The main cause of patient condition exacerbation in the spring is the flowering of wind-pollinated trees. Unlike bright garden flowers, trees release a massive amount of lightweight and fine pollen, which is carried by the wind over dozens of kilometers. Even in the center of a large city, the concentration of allergens in the air can be critical due to active air movement.

It is important to understand that the body’s reaction is often cumulative. Allergies at the beginning of spring start with mild discomfort. However, by mid-April, when pollen intensity increases, symptoms can escalate into severe episodes. Therefore, prevention and starting medication before the first clinical signs appear is the most effective method of controlling the condition.

When does spring allergy start: blooming calendar

The spring allergy period is usually divided into several stages, each associated with specific types of plants. The schedule can shift by 1–2 weeks depending on the prevailing weather in the region: an early warm spring accelerates the allergy during blooming, while prolonged cold slows it down.

Main stages of pollen in the middle strip:

• March — early April: during this period, alder and hazel begin to bloom, releasing the first portions of allergens;
• April — May: allergy to birch pollen appears, which is the strongest allergen among trees, as well as willow, poplar, oak, and ash;
• End of May — June: the start of grass pollination.

Birch pollen allergy in spring is considered the most dangerous. This plant’s pollen is highly volatile with a complex protein structure to which the immune system reacts particularly strongly. On dry and windy days, the concentration of pollen in the air reaches its maximum, while after a rain, there is temporary relief.

Allergy (pollinosis): symptoms and clinical manifestations

The clinical picture of spring allergies often resembles a cold but has a number of specific differences. The main symptom is clear seasonality and the absence of a fever. 

Symptoms of allergies in spring usually intensify outdoors and subside indoors, especially after wet cleaning.

Typical manifestations of seasonal allergies in spring:

1. Allergic rhinitis: severe runny nose with abundant clear discharge, itching in the nose, and serial sneezing.
2. Conjunctivitis: redness of the eye mucosa, tearing, feeling of ‘sand’ in the eyes, and eyelid swelling.
3. Nasal congestion: due to swelling of the mucous membranes, breathing becomes difficult, which may lead to a reduced sense of smell.
4. Cough and shortness of breath: some patients experience a scratchy throat and bouts of dry cough, indicating the involvement of the lower respiratory tract.

Important! Without adequate treatment, hay fever can progress. Each year, symptoms may become more severe, and the risk of developing bronchial asthma increases several times. If you notice that you develop allergies early in spring, it is necessary to consult an allergist for diagnosis.

Cross-reaction: connection between pollen and food

Many patients notice that their condition worsens after consuming certain foods during the flowering period. This phenomenon is known as cross-allergy. The reason lies in the similarity of the protein structures in pollen and in some fruits, vegetables, or nuts. The body mistakenly identifies the food as pollen and triggers an allergic process.

Examples of common cross-reactions:

• birch, alder, hazel: possible reaction to apples, pears, cherries, peaches, hazelnuts, carrots, celery, and kiwi;
• cereals: often there is an intolerance to tomatoes, peanuts, and soy;
• weeds (wormwood, quinoa): exercise caution with citrus, sunflower seeds (including oil and halva) and melon.

During spring bloom allergies, it is recommended to exclude potentially dangerous products from the diet. This will help reduce the overall load on the immune system and lessen the severity of itching and swelling.

Diagnosis and Necessary Tests

To prescribe effective therapy, a specialist must accurately determine the causes of the disease. Modern diagnostics allow identifying specific irritants even in cases where a patient reacts to several types of plants at once.

Main examination methods:

1. Blood tests for specific antibodies: this method allows to identify the level of IgE to specific allergens. It is the safest diagnostic method, which can be conducted even during exacerbation periods.
2. Skin tests: drops of allergen solutions are applied to the forearm skin, followed by small scratches. The result is assessed based on the degree of redness after 15–20 minutes. This method is conducted only during remission periods (usually from November to February).
3. Molecular diagnostics: an advanced type of examination, allowing the determination of sensitivity not just to a plant, but to a specific protein within its composition. This helps differentiate true allergies from cross-reactivity.

Based on the obtained data, the allergist creates an individual treatment and prevention plan. Self-administration of medical drugs often only masks symptoms without preventing the development of the disease.

Modern Treatment and Preventive Measures

The treatment of pollinosis includes two approaches: alleviating current symptoms and pathogenic therapy aimed at modifying the immune response.

Second and third-generation antihistamines are most commonly used. They block the action of histamine without causing drowsiness or dependence. Additionally, local treatments are prescribed: eye drops and nasal sprays (including hormonal ones), which directly reduce inflammation at the site of pollen contact.

The most effective method to date is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). The essence of the method is the regular introduction of microdoses of the allergen that causes the reaction into the patient’s body. Gradually, the immune system gets used to the irritant and stops reacting to it. ASIT allows achieving long-lasting remission for many years but needs to be conducted in advance, several months before the start of the season.

Hormonal therapy may also be prescribed. However, this format of treatment is rather an exception to the rules. 

These medications are most often used when there are pronounced symptoms, when antihistamines are insufficient, as well as in cases of severe allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, skin manifestations, or the risk of respiratory complications. 

In most cases, the doctor chooses local forms, for example:

• nasal sprays;
• inhalation drugs;
• topical remedies.

They act locally and are considered safer. Pills and injections are used less frequently, usually in severe allergy cases. 

It is important to understand that hormonal medications do not eliminate the root cause of the disease, but help reduce inflammation and control symptoms, so they should only be used as prescribed by a specialist.

Organizing the living space during the active blooming period

To reduce contact with allergens, it’s necessary to change behavior rules at home and outdoors. Pollen enters the apartment through windows and on people’s clothing, so creating a barrier is a priority task.

Recommendations for organizing space and daily routine:

• wiping: it should be done daily to remove pollen settled on surfaces;
• air purification: use dedicated air washers or cleaners with HEPA filters capable of trapping the smallest particles;
• window protection: during peak pollen times, keep windows closed. If ventilation is necessary, use “anti-pollen” screens or cover openings with damp gauze;
• hygiene after being outside: upon returning home, immediately change clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair, as pollen accumulates most on hair.

For walks, it’s better to choose times after rain or in the evening hours when pollen concentration in the air decreases. On dry and windy days, outdoor activities should be as limited as possible. Using a medical mask and tightly fitting glasses outside significantly reduces the risk of irritants reaching the mucous membranes.

Timely consultation with a specialist and adherence to preventive measures allow for minimizing risks and spending the spring months without serious restrictions. Remember that each allergy case is unique, and only a professional medical approach guarantees the safety and effectiveness of therapy.