Spring allergies most often affect people who experience allergic reactions to tree pollen, based on their geographic locations. Allergy symptoms may arise for individuals in certain parts of the United States when oak, elm and ash trees are producing pollen. Hickory, pecan and cypress trees, or alder, cedar and sequoia trees, may affect people in other locales. As summer approaches, grasses begin to produce allergy-causing pollen. Histamines created by human body cells in response to irritating pollens are responsible for the respiratory symptoms that accompany spring allergies.
Eye Effects
According to the Cleveland Clinic, to counteract an allergic reaction, histamines in the bloodstream trigger an inflammatory response that affects the mucous membranes and surrounding tissue. This produces common springtime allergy symptoms such as redness in the eyes and swelling of the eyelids. These are signs of increased blood flow and fluid accumulation due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye. Itching and tearing may occur, and dark circles may appear under the eyes in chronic cases of spring allergies. Minute grains of pollen can collect on the eyebrows and eyelashes, so washing the face after being outdoors can help to alleviate allergy effects.
Nose Effects
The persistent nasal allergy symptoms of hay fever may be attributed to inflammation of the sinuses and the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Histamines work hard to prevent any more pollen from entering the respiratory system. The swelling of the nose and sinuses serves to reduce pollen inhalation, but also causes congestion, as the University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center notes.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to grass or tree pollen may include an itchy, stuffy or runny nose, postnasal drip and sneezing, which can be violent. Sinus pain can cause headaches or reduce the senses of taste, hearing and smell. The Cleveland Clinic points out that the sneeze reflex, which is prompted by histamine levels in the blood, is an attempt by the immune system to drive allergens out of the body.
Throat Effects
Allergic reactions to tree or grass pollen often involve the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Along with itchy eyes and nose, the UM Medical Center lists itching in the mouth and throat as allergy symptoms of springtime hay fever.
Severe inflammation may cause a sore throat. This irritation, or the “tickle” in the throat caused by postnasal drip of mucus, can lead to a dry cough in some patients with spring allergies.
