While spring in Florida brings lush green scenes and colorful blooms, it also ushers in the spring allergy season. Here at AllergyTampa.com, we understand how impactful spring allergies can be on your daily life. In this post, we’ll explain spring allergies in Florida and give some tips on how to best manage them.
What Causes Spring Allergies?
Spring allergies in Florida are mainly caused by pollen, which is produced by trees, grasses, and weeds. The most common allergy-inducing plants here in the Spring are oak and other trees. Grasses and weeds pollinate throughout the year as well. Our mild climate means pollination here starts earlier than in cooler parts of the country, so our allergy season can also last longer.
When someone is exposed to pollen from an offending plant, their immune system mistakenly recognizes the pollen particles as dangerous and releases antibodies and histamine to combat the invaders. This sequence of events leads to a variety of allergy symptoms, which we discuss in more detail below.
Common Symptoms of Spring Allergies
Spring allergy symptoms can range from very mild to very severe. Not everyone will have the same spring allergy symptoms, but most people have some combination of the following:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy throat or ears
- Coughing and wheezing
Managing Spring Allergies in Tampa Bay
Being proactive about allergy symptom management is the best way to stay ahead of symptoms and live a fulfilling, active life. The following strategies will help reduce the impact spring allergies have on your life:
Keep Track of Pollen Counts
Local weather channels or allergy apps can provide daily pollen forecasts. These are predictions. For accurate, current pollen counts in your area, you can check the AAAAI National Allergy Bureau at pollen.aaaai.org. On days when the pollen count is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible, especially during mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels are at their peak.
Create an Allergen-Free Environment
Make your home a safe haven from allergens. Keep windows closed during high pollen times and use air conditioning in your home and car. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help remove pollen from indoor air.
Practice Good Hygiene
After spending time outside, it’s important to shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your body and prevent it from spreading inside your home.
Consider Medication
Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants can relieve symptoms. However, for best results, consider consulting an allergist who can prescribe stronger medications or recommend immunotherapy, which can desensitize your immune system to allergens.
Seek Professional Help
An allergist can provide comprehensive testing to identify exactly what triggers your allergies and offer tailored treatment plans. Whether it’s through medication, lifestyle changes, or allergy shots, a personalized approach can significantly improve your quality of life.
Spring Allergy Treatment in Tampa Bay
Don’t let allergy symptoms make your spring and summer miserable. Identify your allergies, avoid exposure to your triggers, and be seen regularly by a qualified allergist to manage your allergies safely and effectively. If you’re in Tampa Bay, call 813-971-9743 to schedule an appointment with our talented local allergist team.
