Hello Spring and Seasonal Allergies

By Nikki Walls, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Spring has arrived and so has allergy season. In Idaho, we are fortunate enough to live in a part of the world where we experience all seasons from the bitterly cold winters to the scorching hot summers and everything in between. Unfortunately, that also includes a time of year that affects over 100 million Americans each year: allergy season. The allergy season in Idaho typically starts at the beginning of spring, late February or early March and can last until the first frost of the year, which typically occurs around October.
Allergic rhinitis, known more commonly as hay fever, is one of the most common allergic conditions. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 26% of adults and 20% of children suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Tree, grass and weed pollen are the most common causes of seasonal allergies. Tree pollen is the first pollen to appear each year and are the primary culprit for allergies between February and June. Grass pollen is more common from April through June and weed season runs through the fall but peaks in mid-September.
Because allergy symptoms can mimic those symptoms of the common cold, or other viral respiratory conditions like Influenza and COVID, it can be difficult to know when to seek an appointment with your primary care provider. With both allergies and viral infections, it’s typical to have congestion or a runny nose, and to sneeze often. You may also feel tired and drowsy. But, there are several other symptoms that don’t often overlap between allergies and a cold. Here are some of the differences between cold and allergy symptoms:
1. Allergies typically follow a pattern and symptoms tend to stick around longer
2. Allergies do not cause fevers
3. Allergies usually do not routinely cause wet coughs
4. Itchy eyes, ears, nose and throat usually signals allergies
5. Allergies rarely cause sore throats or body aches
Symptoms of viral respiratory infections and allergies can initially be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications to help provide relief.
1. Ensure you are getting adequate fluids and rest
2. Salt water gargles, hot honey and tea, lozenges can help soothe irritated nasal passages and scratchy or sore throats. The use of nasal rinses or a NetiPot can also help with irritated nasal passages.
3. Oral anti-histamines, the most common being Benadryl, but this may cause drowsiness. There are newer anti-histamines like Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec that do not have the side effect of drowsiness.
4. Nasal Sprays, like Flonase or Nasacort, which help bring down the inflammation in your nose and sinuses.
5. Decongestants like Sudafed can relieve congestion when allergies are at their worst. It is recommended you contact your provider before starting these medications as these should not be taken if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition.
If you aren’t sure if it’s a cold or allergies, or if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, it’s best to connect with your primary care provider to get an individualized treatment plan.