Your guide to living with spring allergies in Louisiana

There’s a lot to love about spring in Louisiana. From festivals in every corner of the state to crawfish boils with family and friends. But for many, the season also means watery eyes, scratchy throats, and runny noses. That’s right—we’re talking about spring allergies.

Are you dreading this allergy season? At LCMC Health, we’re here to help you pinpoint and avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms, so you can have one of your best spring seasons yet.

What causes spring allergies?

Spring allergies become active during certain times of the year. Ragweed pollen triggers many fall allergy symptoms. In the spring, however, it’s tree pollen. Oak, cedar, ash, maple, and hickory trees in our area release pollen in the spring, a process that may begin early if it’s a mild winter.

Your allergies act up when allergens prompt your immune system to protect you. It’s really not the allergens themselves that cause allergy symptoms, but your immune system reaction.

Seasonal allergy symptoms

Seasonal allergy symptoms happen when your body is exposed to an allergen and sees it as a threat. You may experience:

• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Headache or a stuffy head
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Post-nasal drip
• Sneezing and running nose
• Sore throat

Common allergens in Louisiana

Here in Louisiana, spring allergies typically start in late February and can stick around until June or longer. Though tree pollen is a major trigger for NOLA spring allergies, it’s not the only one. Other spring allergens include:

• Dust mites: These tiny creatures inhabit bedding, upholstery, and carpet—and love warm, humid climates like ours.
• Grass pollen: Like trees, grasses also release pollen in the spring, although they usually start later in the season.
• Insect stings: Stings from several types of insects can cause allergic reactions. Watch out for bees, wasps, fire ants, and buck moth caterpillars.
• Mold: Mold spores travel by air, both outside and in your home.
• Pet dander: Dead skin cells, feathers, saliva, or urine from household animals can mix with dust, triggering allergic reactions.

How to prevent allergies this spring

The bad news is that Louisiana is considered an “allergy capital” of the United States. But the good news is there are ways to get ahead of your allergies this season.

Talk to an allergist

The first step to preventing spring allergies is to figure out which allergens trigger your symptoms. An allergist can do testing to pinpoint substances that cause your body’s allergic response. They can also determine if you have asthma, which can happen alongside allergies.

Once you know what you’re allergic to, you and your allergist or primary care provider can make an allergy treatment plan. Your plan may include allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine or decongestant, or allergy shots. You’ll also want to steer clear of the allergens that make your symptoms worse.

Avoid allergens as much as possible

To reduce the effects of spring allergies, you can also make some simple changes to your daily habits:

• Keep an eye on outdoor allergen counts: You can find this information in local news outlets or online. Limit your time outdoors on high pollen count days. Do the same when the mold count is high.
• Watch the weather: If the forecast calls for warm, dry, and breezy weather—ideal conditions for pollen in the air—stay indoors.
• Be smart about when you go outside: Evening usually brings the highest tree and grass pollen levels, so complete outdoor activities earlier in the day.
• Wash pollen away: Take a shower after spending time outdoors to prevent pollen from clinging to your hair and skin. Wipe your dog or cat with a damp cloth to remove pollen from fur.
• Close your windows and doors: Deny pollen entry to your home and car by closing doors and windows and driving with the car windows up.
• Kick dust mites out of bed: Use a mattress cover and sheets designed to be effective against dust mites.
• Improve your indoor air: Vacuum your space frequently, using a HEPA type of air filter. Change your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters regularly, too. And consider using a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity level low, which helps prevent mold growth.

Breathe easy with respiratory care services

Even if you take all precautions, you may still experience seasonal allergy symptoms. Try to treat any symptoms early, using allergy medication. If you think you have asthma or other breathing challenges, you may need treatment from a respiratory care specialist. Set up an appointment with our respiratory care team today.