 Winter, the height of cold, and flu season is behind us. So why are so many people sneezing and feeling rotten? Runny noses and itchy eyes this time of year are often related to the flowers, budding trees, and lush green grass that make spring so beautiful.
Bottom line: pollen allergy season is in full bloom. In fact, this could be one of the most achoo-causing springs ever.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recently announced that springtime pollen counts have reached record highs across the country. According to the ACAAI, these levels of tree and grass pollens and mold spores can trigger symptoms in the 60 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
Deciphering cold vs. allergies symptomsOf course, just because pollen allergies are rampant this season doesn’t automatically mean your runny nose isn’t a springtime cold. "Runny, stuffy or itchy noses, sneezing, coughing, fatigue, and headaches can all be symptoms of both allergies and colds. However when you pay close attention to minor details you will be able to tell the difference," says Michelle Lierl, MD, a pediatric allergist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
 Colds are caused by one of more than 200 contagious viruses while allergies are sparked by allergens which prompt the immune system to overreact in people who are hypersensitive to certain substances.
How to tell a cold from pollen allergies:- Take stock of your symptoms. The ACAAI notes that colds usually begin with a stuffy nose and throat irritation. Then come sneezes and a runny nose with thickening mucus that may turn yellow or green. "The common symptoms of allergy, however, typically affect both the nose and eyes," allergy expert Karen DeMuth, MD, Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Emory University, tells Synergy. "Nasal symptoms include congestion, sneezing, itching, and runniness (usually clear). Eye symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and increased tearing."
- How long have your symptoms lasted? Colds usually run their course after a week or two. "Allergy symptoms, on the other hand, hang on or even increase as long as you are exposed to the allergen that is triggering your symptoms," notes allergist Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of ACAAI. "For spring allergies that may mean six weeks or more."
- Feel achy and hot? Coughing? "If your symptoms are accompanied by a fever, it’s more than likely a cold," says Dr. DeMuth. Also, even though a sore throat and cough can occur with allergies, those symptoms suggest you probably have a cold.
How to reduce pollen exposureIf pollen bothers you, many self-help measures can help. Even wearing natural fiber clothes to work can reduce allergy symptoms. The reason? University of California, San Diego allergy expert Eli Meltzer, MD, says synthetic fabrics possess a static charge that attracts pollen more readily than natural fibers. So wear polyester clothes during heavy pollen season and you could be bringing loads of allergy-aggravating pollen into your office with you every day.
Keep the windows of your home and car closed and when you are running the air conditioning, switch it to the air recycling setting with the outside vents closed. Using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can also greatly reduce the amount of pollen and mold in indoor air.
Emory’s Dr. DeMuth offers these additional suggestions to help you reduce your pollen exposure:
- Don’t hang your laundry outside. You’ll bring loads of pollen into your house when the dry clothes are brought inside.
- When you come in from the outdoors, take the time to wash your hands and face.
- When you take off the clothes you have been wearing outside, don’t put them in the bedroom.
- Wash your hair before going to bed to remove the pollen in your hair before going to sleep.
 When to see your doctorIf you’re having any bothersome symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your physician. "That’s the best way to determine if your symptoms are related to allergies," says Dr. DeMuth.
If symptoms are persistent, it may be time to see a specialist. "An allergist can help by testing to see what you are allergic to, teach you how to avoid allergens, and provide you with medications to reduce symptoms. Allergists are also the only doctors who can use allergy shots to help make you less sensitive to allergens," Dr. DeMuth tells Synergy.
She adds that if you’re experiencing worrisome symptoms during the pollen season this year, make sure to visit your family doctor or allergist before the next pollen season rolls around.
"Your physician can give you a plan that will help make the next pollen season less problematic," Dr. DeMuth explains. "An allergist can really help reduce nasal and eye symptoms related to allergies, which can dramatically improve quality of life. We are here to help."
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