Watch Out for Spring Allergies
Watch Out for Spring Allergies
Dr. Süreyya Paksoy, a Child Health and Diseases Specialist at Özel ENTO Kulak Burun Boğaz Cerrahi Tıp Merkezi, stated that the condition commonly known as “spring allergy” is not limited only to springtime.
Dr. Paksoy explained that, depending on the type of pollen causing the allergy, symptoms may also occur during summer and autumn months. “Grass and meadow pollens are generally most intense between April and July, while tree pollens are more common in spring. Weed pollens are typically seen between July and September,” she said.
Emphasizing that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors must come together for allergies to develop, Dr. Paksoy noted that allergens can enter the body through different routes:
“Foods and medications enter through the mouth; insect bites and chemicals such as detergents and shampoos through the skin; while pollens, house dust mites, mold fungi, animal dander, and certain odors enter through the respiratory tract. These can lead to different allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, urticaria, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, and food allergies in infants.
Allergic reactions may cause watery, red, and crusty eyes; runny, blocked, and itchy nose; frequent sneezing; throat irritation; and itching of the palate. In some children, asthma may accompany this condition. When asthma develops, symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath may occur.”
Diagnosis and Treatment Process
Dr. Paksoy stated that patient history and physical examination play a major role in diagnosing allergies and that allergy tests are also used to support the diagnosis.
“In addition to specific IgE blood tests, skin tests are also performed. During a skin test, a small puncture is made on the skin surface and the allergen is applied. Redness and swelling are evaluated after approximately 15 minutes. Reactions measuring 3 millimeters or more are considered positive. While a positive result strongly supports the diagnosis of allergy, a negative result does not completely rule it out. Therefore, the child’s clinical symptoms remain the most important indicator. Early allergic reactions usually appear within 30 minutes to 1 hour, while delayed reactions may occur 6–12 hours later,” she explained.
Masks Should Be Worn in Windy Weather
Dr. Paksoy stated that the primary goal of treatment is to control symptoms:
“Although it is not possible to completely eliminate allergies, accurate diagnosis, appropriate preventive measures, and regular treatment can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Allergic rhinitis may progress to asthma in some children. Therefore, early and proper treatment of allergic rhinitis is very important.
Treatment generally includes oral medications, nasal sprays, and eye drops. In cases accompanied by asthma, inhaled sprays or nebulized medications delivered through steam machines are used.
Some patients may receive allergy vaccines (immunotherapy), but this is preferred only in cases where avoiding allergens is impossible and medication is ineffective.”
Dr. Paksoy also emphasized that prevention is an important part of treatment in allergic diseases:
“It is recommended to avoid going outdoors as much as possible between 05:00 and 10:00 in the morning, when pollen levels are highest. If going outside is unavoidable, masks should be worn in windy weather. Homes should be ventilated at midday rather than early in the morning, and outdoor activities should be avoided on windy days.
After returning home, washing the face and, if possible, taking a shower can be beneficial. Using pollen-filter air conditioners at home and in vehicles, drying laundry indoors rather than outside, and wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors can help reduce pollen exposure.”
