Spring is considered to be the most delightful season of the year, but certainly not for people who have seasonal allergies. A lot of people suffer from sneezing, running nose, and sniffling as spring approaches. These allergies can not only be irritating but can also interfere with your daily activities. And the sad part is that there is a constant increase in the number of people who suffer from allergies and are in search of effective seasonal allergy medications. So let’s first understand why spring allergies occur.

The main culprit for your spring allergies is the high amount of pollen in the air during the season. It is when the trees bloom and release the pollen grains, as is natural for them. The pollens that appear green, yellow, and white in your garden, and everywhere else, are essential for your trees but can be harsh on people who have seasonal allergies. The pollens are so very tiny and light that they can freely float in the air. Moreover, the air quality of your locale might vary with some other pollutants and dust particles.

However, there is no way you can avoid getting allergies as you cannot stop breathing. Allergens can travel up to miles, so you are not safe from it during spring even if you travel far away. But the pollens are not to be blamed for seasonal allergies, as it is the immune system of your body that is the reason behind the discomfort. The immune system misinterprets the pollens as harmful bodies, and hence release antibodies to fight against them. The chemical called histamine is released into the body which leads to allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies
You will have the following symptoms if you are suffering from seasonal allergies and therefore should opt for seasonal allergy medications to stay safe.

• Running nose
• Itching of the eyes, nose, etc
• Watery eyes
• Redness in the eyes
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Breathing problems like wheezing
• Cough
• Itching in the throat
• Stuffy nose
• Congestion
• Headache

If you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to consult an allergy specialist and take the necessary seasonal allergy medications.

Treatment for allergy
Numerous seasonal allergy medications are available these days to give you relief from the symptoms of allergies. The different types of medications are given below:

• Antihistamines: It is one of the best among seasonal allergy medications. The antihistamines block the release of histamines which is responsible for causing discomforts related to pollen allergy. You can get some of the antihistamine medications over-the-counter. Pills, liquid medication, nasal sprays, eye drops, etc. are available among antihistamines and you can choose the one that suits you most. These are available in child-friendly form as well.
• Decongestants: These types of medication give instant relief from inflammation and congestion of the nose. These are available in the form of pills, liquids, and nasal sprays. Eye drops are available to give relief from watery and itchy eyes as well. You can also get a combination of antihistamine and decongestants. However, decongestants come with certain side effects.
• Corticosteroids: Steroids, preferably corticosteroids, are very effective in suppressing the inflammation caused by seasonal allergies. For controlling breathing difficulties, you can get inhalers with corticosteroids. You can get relief from a stuffy nose, sneezing, and other nasal irritations. Corticosteroids eye drops are also available to get relief from eye irritations.
• Immunotherapy: This is a gradual way of improving the immune system of the body. It can give you relief from the symptoms for a longer time.

Preventive measures
It is really difficult to stay away from pollens. However, you can use certain preventive measures to reduce the exposure to pollens during spring.

• Try not to stay outdoors during windy days.
• If the humidity is high, the number of pollens will be less in the air. Go out when the wind is low, and humidity is high.
• Try to stay indoors with your windows and doors closed.
• Change your clothes and wash your hair immediately once you reach home.
• Wear a mask when you do the cleaning task.
• Clean your home including the windows and air filters at least twice a week to prevent accumulation of pollens.
• Be alert about your allergies and take preventive medicines before the onset of the symptoms.
• Increase the intake of fruits and vegetable rich in Vitamin C. It can lower the amount of histamine produced by the body, according to research studies.

There is no complete cure for allergies, but you can effectively cope up with the condition using seasonal allergy medications. Take the preventive measures and keep yourself alert to the triggers. If the symptoms get severe, seek medical care immediately to avoid any further complications.