How to survive Minnesota’s early sprouting spring allergies

The trees are budding… and the tissues are flying!

Older adult with allergies grabs tissue / Unsplash + Getty

Our mild Minnesota winter has buds forming on trees weeks earlier than usual. That leaves many of us wondering: is this case of the sniffles a cold or allergies?

You may think, “I’ve never had spring allergies; why would I get them now?” The truth is that older adults can and do develop spring allergies. Adult-onset allergies manifest later in life, including in your senior years. In fact, there is evidence that having one severe allergic reaction or symptom during childhood can increase your chances of developing allergies as an adult. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, 25.7% of adults dealt with seasonal allergies. That’s nearly one in every three adults. The report further notes that women were more likely (29.9%) to have a seasonal allergy than men (21.1%).

Spring allergies include irritants like pollen and mold that may make your eyes water, itch, or throat sore. These are also symptoms of the common cold. The difference is subtle, mainly because a fever isn’t always pronounced in adults suffering from a cold virus.

If it’s not a cold, how do you know if you suffer from allergies? Here are the most common symptoms.

Signs spring allergies are affecting you

You can expect to feel off with allergies, and some even feel miserable with their symptoms, which include:

  • Clear nasal drainage
  • Sore throat (from post nasal drip)
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy nose or eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Breathing through your mouth

Beware of symptoms that require immediate attention, such as hives, swelling, or breathing difficulties, which should all be addressed promptly.

Once you suspect allergies, there are things you can do to get some relief.

Keep irritants out

Some allergens peak in the morning. So, if you like to take a walk or spend time preparing the garden for summer, limit your exposure to evenings. A shower is a good idea if you’ve spent a long period outdoors during allergy season. Don’t forget to wash your sheets more regularly.

Keep the windows closed during the spring when allergies are bothering you. You want to keep those allergens out of your house. A HEPA filter can also help to reduce irritants.

Treatment

There are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for allergies, and selecting the right option can seem daunting. It’s worth conversing with a doctor to ensure you are choosing the best and safest fit for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

It’s important to talk to a doctor about the differences between these medications and any interactions with your current medications.

Pay attention to how a particular medicine makes you feel. If your allergy treatment makes you drowsy when you want to be active, that’s not a good fit.   For minor symptoms, patients can often take allergy medications as needed when their symptoms are bothering them. Others with more bothersome and consistent allergy symptoms may need to take a daily medications throughout the allergy season.  In some cases of severe allergy symptoms, patient may need to see an allergy specialist. 

Antihistamines

These medications block histamine receptors, which reduce the body’s physical response to allergens. Antihistamine medications, especially Benadryl, can cause side effects, especially in older adults.  Side effects may include anxiety, confusion, sedation, blurred vision, and reduced alertness.  Some of these symptoms are even more common if you are being treated with certain prescription medications.  Newer generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) often cause fewer side effects.  It is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist about any questions about your medications.

Nasal sprays

While antihistamines work well for sneezing and itching, they may not tackle stuffiness and drainage. That’s where a steroid nasal spray can help. These sprays reduce nasal passage swelling and irritation (post-nasal drip) that causes congestion and even a sore throat.

Decongestants

Severe nasal congestion, head pressure, and clogged sinuses may require a decongestant to reduce the fluid production in the nose, which causes these symptoms. Decongestants come in liquid, pill, or nasal form. Beware of the contradictions for this type of medication, as side effects include increased blood pressure. Decongestants are often not the best fit for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.  Decongestants are also not recommended for long term use.

Once you determine how allergies affect you and match yourself to the proper treatment, you can breathe easy this spring and enjoy what many consider the best season in Minnesota!


Dr. Kristi Trussell, Assistant Medical Director of The Urgency Room.