Itchy throat? Runny nose? Why your spring allergies might have started early this year
If you're an allergy sufferer, you may have noticed the telltale signs of seasonal affliction over the past few weeks: watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat.
That's because spring has come early this year (as it did last year), bringing all the unpleasant respiratory symptoms the allergy-afflicted know so well.
According to data from the National Phenology Network, the first spring leaves appeared about 17 days early in the Columbus area. In fact, almost the entire state of Ohio is experiencing a preemptive spring.
Dr. Monica Kraft, an allergist and immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said she tells her patients to expect pollen at the end of February and early March.
"Really, by the end of February, we tend to see some uptick in pollen. And by March, it tends to be in full swing once we stop having those good repetitive deep frosts," she said.
Allergy season will continue to start earlier and last longer as winters grow milder and warmer due to climate change, Kraft added.
Why do spring and pollen cause allergy symptoms?
While pollen is generally harmless , allergy sufferers' immune systems don't see it that way. When pollen enters an allergic person's body—most commonly by breathing—the immune system releases an antibody known as IgE, which brings allergens like pollen to allergy cells known as mast cells.
When the allergen reaches a mast cell, histamine is released, which causes allergy symptoms like runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, asthma and wheezing, Kraft said.
How are spring allergies different from fall allergies?
Spring allergies are often caused by tree pollens, which start appearing in March and fade in May, and grass pollens, which start in April and fade in June. By midsummer, pollen counts start to dip, Kraft said.
"I usually tell people (when) they think of Fourth of July, they're not usually suffering with their allergies," she said.
Fall allergies, meanwhile, are primarily caused by blooming ragweed, which starts appearing around August.
The worst time of year for pollen is April and May when tree and grass pollens start overlapping, Kraft said.
How to tell the difference between allergies and other sicknesses
According to Kraft, some symptoms like runny nose, congestion or sneezing are also common symptoms for illnesses like the common cold or the flu. If these symptoms only appear when you're spending time outside or if they last for a long time, they may just be from allergies.
Itchiness is generally due to allergies, but it can sometimes be caused by other illnesses. Fever, on the other hand, is almost never caused by allergies, Kraft added.
If you're unsure about what's causing your symptoms, you should see your doctor, Kraft said.
Allergy medicines to help symptoms
There are three ways allergies are treated: avoidance, medications and immunotherapy.
Avoidance involves simply avoiding your allergy triggers through a variety of means, like showering after being outside or keeping pollen out by closing windows, Kraft said.
Pollen tends to increase as the day goes on, so early morning and late evening are the best times for allergy sufferers to be outdoors.
Nasal sprays that contain steroids and over-the-counter allergy pills are effective against allergy symptoms but may take a few weeks to kick in, Kraft said.
People whose symptoms aren't improving or if they aren't sure what causes their symptoms can see an allergist or immunologist to identify their triggers and receive allergy shots that decrease their allergic reactions.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Here's why your spring allergies might be starting earlier
