Why do we get a runny nose?

Why behind stuffy and stuffy noses, in our youth Feelings of early spring stuffy and stuffy nose is never a welcome sign as we step in to save time and daylight of spring. The change by […]

Why is behind the stuffy and stuffy nose, in the youth
Feeling stuffy and stuffy in early spring is never a welcome sign as we step into springtime and daylight savings. The seasonal change to spring brings with it many long-awaited delights, including longer, mildly warm evenings and bluer skies as we head into the warmer months and end of the year. For many people, feelings of suffocation and congestion from allergies, difficult sinuses, tickling and stuffy noses are all too common in the spring time.

Histamine effect – the main culprit
The onset of spring, more than any other season can bring suffering for those with seasonal allergies. As the weather warms, many plants also begin to come out of winter hibernation and start releasing pollen in response to warmer daylight hours. Our New Zealand landscape results in an abundance of pollen in the environment from grasses, trees, flowers, weeds and shrubs, and pollen can come from almost anywhere. There are many known culprits from garden plants to dust that cause allergies and affect normal histamine levels.

It can feel inescapable, the exact culprit of pollen is almost always known and it can be very weather dependent. Volatile spring weather is ideal for those with plant allergies, the warm, windy wild spring weather spreads it far and wide and acts as the perfect pollen activator for many people with allergies.

Common plants that can cause pollen sensitivities and spring allergies are the following:

Trees – Oaks, cedars, pines, poplars, figs, willows, and palm trees

Grass – timothy, perennial rye, orchard and fescue

Weeds and Flowers – jasmine, chrysanthemum, daisy family, dahlia and chrysanthemum

There are other common non-plant pollen triggers, but they can be aggravating for people with seasonal allergies. Other possible triggers are dust mites and mold for allergy sufferers, especially for those with year-round allergies.

Common signs of allergy
Runny or stuffy nose,

Tears and fatigue

Dry cough

Sneezing and sniffling

Itchy eyes and nose

Dark circles under eyes