Spring has sprung, but unfortunately for people who suffer from hay fever, so has allergy season. Some people suffer from runny noses, itchy eyes and more. But why does Spring cause your allergies to flare up?
Why your allergies flare up in Spring
Hayfever is common and affects one in five people in Australia1. Many people have wondered why they seem to flare up in Spring, which means you can't enjoy the warmer weather without worrying about a flare-up.
Your allergies are likely primarily caused by pollen, a fine powder released by trees, flowers, and other plants as they begin to bloom.
However, other allergens can include dust mites, grass, mould and animal dander.
Unfortunately, your body mistakes allergens for harmful substances and releases histamines. These histamines cause the symptoms of allergies, including itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Some other hayfever symptoms include 1:
- a reduced sense of smell
- frequent sinus infections
- difficulty concentrating
- snoring during sleeping
What if my allergies flare up year-round?
There are two different types of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which are 2:
- Seasonal allergies (which means your allergies flare up in Spring or your symptoms only occur during specific seasons)
- Perennial allergies (which are triggered year-round by pet hair, mould or dust mites)
If you're not sure whether your allergies are seasonal or year-round, take note of when you notice when your symptoms flare up and speak to your doctor or healthcare professional for more advice.
How can I manage my allergies in Spring?
There are a few ways that you can manage your allergies in Spring, including 3:
- Taking medicines, like Telfast, to help treat your hayfever symptoms
- Reducing or trying to minimise your exposure to known allergens
- Washing your sheets, pillowcases and other bedding weekly in hot water to minimise your exposure to house dust mites
- Nasal irrigation through saltwater nasal sprays to help relieve your symptoms
Antihistamines, like Telfast, are popular for hayfever symptom relief and treatment and block the effects of histamine in your body. They have a range of strengths and can treat seasonal or year-round hayfever.
Telfast 180mg tablets provide fast, non-drowsy 24-hour relief for your hayfever symptoms, including itchy skin rash, hives and sneezing 4
Spring allergies can be a nuisance, but understanding why they occur and taking steps to manage them can help you enjoy the season more comfortably.
This is a sponsored article with Telfast.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor or Pharmacist. Do not use in children under 12 years.
References
1HealthDirect, Hayfever (allergic rhinitis), accessed 19 August 2024
2HealthDirect, Antihistamines, accessed 19 August 2024
3Better Health Victoria, Hayfever, accessed 19 August 2024
4Telfast, Telfast 180mg tablets –hayfever allergy relief, accessed 19 August 2024