Metro Creative

For many, spring is the season of renewal and new beginnings. But it’s also the season when trees and plants start to bloom and pollen hangs in the air. Instead of feeling refreshed and reinvigorated, some brace for the return of seasonal allergies.

Sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, exhaustion — you know the drill. These environmental triggers bring discomfort and fatigue but can also lead to more serious respiratory complications, especially for those with asthma.

What prompts allergies?

Allergies are prompted by exposure to airborne particles. Trees are the primary culprit in the spring, followed by grasses in the summer and weeds in the fall. Other year-long triggers include dust mites, pollution, fragrances, animal dander and weather changes.

When exposed, the body identifies these particles as threats and produces antibodies, triggering the release of histamines. This immune response leads to inflammation, congestion and other common allergy symptoms.

What ties allergies to asthma?

While allergy symptoms are manageable for most people, they can pose a significant risk for individuals with asthma, which affects nearly 28 million people in the U.S. Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder to breathe. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.

When allergens are introduced into an environment, they worsen these symptoms, which can potentially lead to an asthma attack.

Allergic asthma is one of the most common forms of asthma, affecting about 60% of asthma patients. When pollen levels rise, inflammation in mucous membranes and airways increases. Those with allergic asthma may notice a sharp increase in symptoms as their bodies react to these particles.

How can I manage my symptoms to keep asthma at bay?

The overlap between allergies and asthma is especially important in regions like Northeast Ohio, where cities like Toledo rank among the worst in the country for allergies. This year, Accuweather forecasts are also predicting particularly intense tree pollen in the Ohio Valley, especially after spring rainfall.

For residents of these areas, heavy pollen levels layered on top of existing respiratory conditions can significantly worsen symptoms and increase health risks.

Managing this dual challenge starts with awareness. Those with symptoms must identify their personal triggers and reduce their exposure to prevent flare-ups. A few ways to reduce exposure to allergens include:

• Monitoring pollen forecasts and limiting time outdoors when pollen counts are high.

• Avoiding activities that stir up allergens or asthma, like gardening, lawn mowing or other outdoor physical activity.

• Showering and changing clothes after outdoor activity to remove any lingering pollen.

• Keeping windows closed, running air conditioning and using air filters to reduce the amount of pollen that enters your home.

What if my symptoms get worse?

If your symptoms aggravate your airways for extended periods of time, consult your doctor. For those diagnosed with asthma, consistent treatment is essential. Long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids or combination inhalers, are often used daily to calm symptoms and prevent attacks. Quick-relief inhalers should also be readily available to address sudden flare-ups. In some cases, providers may recommend seasonal adjustments to medication plans or additional treatments like allergy shots to reduce sensitivity to triggers.

If your seasonal allergies cause symptoms of asthma, know that the connection between the two is stronger than most people think. Recognizing this can help you take more proactive steps to protect your respiratory health. With the right preventative measures and medication, you’ll be able to not only endure allergy season, but navigate it with greater control and confidence.