6 Spring Allergens You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
Avoid sneezing and sniffling this spring by paying attention to these common allergy triggers.
Common spring allergens: Farmer’s Markets
Sniffling and sneezing can happen after you eat raw or fresh fruits. Called oral allergy syndrome, this condition occurs when your immune system sees a similarity between the proteins of pollen and those of the food, and triggers a reaction. If you are allergic to tree pollen, for example, foods like apples, cherries, pears, apricots, kiwis, oranges, plums, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts may bother you. Cooking or peeling the food may help.
Common spring allergens: Soccer games
Pollen and mold settles on the field and when players run around, it kicks up dirt and allergens. Carry allergy medication with you and take it before the game.
Common spring allergens: Stormy weather
Gentle rains can wash away pollen, but thunderstorms draw pollen up into the air. Be prepared for the pollen and mold count to increase after a storm.
Common spring allergens: Grilling
Grills can produce smoke that contains allergens. And what’s worse? The smoke can also alter your immune system, making you more vulnerable to allergies.
Common spring allergens: Cycling and jogging
Fumes from cars and trucks can combine with pollen to embed in your lungs. This can be worse on hot and humid days – so don’t head out until the sun sets and the traffic settles.
