Spring Allergies Are Here: How to Tell Them Apart from a Cold and When to Get Tested.

Spring Allergies: Symptoms and Triggers

According to TSN.ua: Many people suffer from uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching during spring. The main culprits behind these reactions are plant pollen released during blooming season, along with dust mites and mold. These allergens can significantly disrupt daily life for those affected.

Key Allergens in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the most common spring allergens include:

• birch
• alder
• poplar
• ragweed
• magnolia
• lily of the valley

Birch, for example, can produce up to 5.5 million pollen grains per season, making it one of the most aggressive triggers. Typical symptoms of spring allergies include a runny or stuffy nose without fever, frequent sneezing, itching in the nose, eyes, and throat, watery or red eyes, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Allergy duration can vary widely, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In some cases, skin tests may not be possible, so doctors will draw blood from a vein for molecular testing. It is important to note that 30–40% of patients with untreated hay fever may develop asthma within 5 to 10 years.

To distinguish allergies from a cold, pay attention to how long symptoms last, whether a fever is present, and how well antihistamines work. Understanding these differences can help people better manage their condition during the blooming season.

Spring allergies are a serious issue for many, especially in Ukraine, where high pollen levels from various plants can severely impact quality of life. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as neglecting allergies can lead to asthma. Public education on symptoms and management strategies can ease the burden of allergies and help prevent complications.