What are the most common allergens in February across different regions of the United States. How do these allergens affect people, and what can be done to manage allergic reactions. What steps can individuals take to reduce exposure to seasonal and perennial allergens.

Regional Breakdown of February Allergens in the United States

As winter transitions into spring, allergy sufferers across the United States begin to feel the effects of various allergens. The prevalence and types of allergens can vary significantly depending on the region. Let’s explore the top allergens in different parts of the country during February.

Northern United States

In the northern parts of the country, winter’s grip is still strong in February. Cold temperatures and occasional frosts keep outdoor plant growth and pollination at bay. However, this doesn’t mean allergy sufferers are in the clear.

• Mold
• Dust
• Pet dander

These indoor allergens become more problematic as people spend more time indoors to escape the cold. The lack of ventilation in sealed-up homes can exacerbate these issues.

Southern United States

The story is quite different in the southern states. Mild weather and high winds can lead to an early onset of allergy season. Some regions experience an earlier arrival of cedar season and the beginning of spring tree pollen season.

• Mountain Cedar (Juniper)
• Elm
• Mold

Record-breaking high temperatures in states like Texas and Florida are causing plants to pollinate earlier than usual, intensifying allergy symptoms for many residents.

Eastern United States

The eastern part of the country often experiences a last burst of winter in February. This leads to more time spent indoors, increasing exposure to perennial allergens that persist year-round.

• Dust Mites
• Pet Dander

While indoor allergens dominate, outdoor allergens gradually increase as the region prepares for the upcoming spring tree pollen season.

Western United States

The western states often face unique weather patterns in February, which can significantly impact allergen levels.

• Juniper
• Elm
• Mold

Unexpected rainfall in some areas can lead to high mold counts due to flooding and standing water. In drier regions like New Mexico and Arizona, Juniper pollen remains a severe issue. Northwestern areas may experience more indoor allergens like dust.

Understanding Juniper Allergies: A Major February Concern

Juniper trees, popular in landscaping and gardens, can be a significant source of allergies in February, particularly in the southern and western United States. The pollen produced by Juniper flowers is small enough to become airborne and travel long distances, affecting people even in areas where the trees don’t naturally grow.

Why is Juniper pollen so problematic? Its chemical structure can trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are not typically sensitive to other environmental allergens. This makes it a particularly severe allergen for many people.

Symptoms of Juniper Allergies

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Allergy headaches
• Sore throat
• Constant sneezing or wheezing

Is it possible to experience Juniper allergies without being allergic to other pollens? Indeed, some individuals may only experience allergies during Juniper season, indicating that their immune system reacts specifically to this type of pollen while tolerating others.

Strategies for Managing February Allergies

Regardless of the specific allergens prevalent in your region, there are several strategies you can employ to manage your allergy symptoms and reduce exposure to irritants.

Indoor Air Quality Improvement

1. Use HEPA filters: These high-efficiency filters can remove airborne allergens, improving indoor air quality.
2. Regular cleaning: Vacuum and dust frequently to reduce allergen buildup. Remember to dust first, then vacuum to capture fallen particles.
3. Control humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to discourage mold growth and dust mite proliferation.

How often should you change your HEPA filter? Most manufacturers recommend changing HEPA filters every 6-12 months, but this can vary based on usage and air quality. Check your specific model’s guidelines for the best results.

Personal Hygiene and Habits

• Shower after outdoor activities: This helps remove pollen from your hair and skin.
• Change clothes: After spending time outdoors, change into fresh clothes to avoid spreading allergens throughout your home.
• Use saline nasal rinses: These can help flush out allergens from your nasal passages.

Can nasal rinses really make a difference in managing allergy symptoms? Many allergy sufferers find that regular use of saline nasal rinses helps reduce congestion and irritation by physically removing allergens from the nasal passages.

Medical Treatments for February Allergies

While prevention and avoidance are crucial, sometimes medical interventions are necessary to manage allergy symptoms effectively.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antihistamines: These can help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Decongestants: Useful for reducing nasal congestion, but should be used sparingly.
• Nasal corticosteroids: These sprays can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

Are there any natural alternatives to over-the-counter allergy medications? Some people find relief with natural remedies like butterbur, quercetin, or local honey. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatments, as even natural remedies can have side effects or interact with other medications.

Prescription Treatments

For more severe allergies, prescription medications may be necessary. These can include stronger antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, or combination drugs that target multiple allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be an effective long-term solution for managing allergies, particularly for allergens like Juniper that cause severe reactions. This treatment involves regular injections of small amounts of allergens to build up the body’s tolerance over time.

How long does it take for immunotherapy to show results? While individual responses vary, many people start to see improvements in their allergy symptoms within the first year of treatment. However, the full course of immunotherapy typically lasts 3-5 years for maximum benefit.

The Impact of Climate Change on February Allergies

Climate change is having a significant impact on allergy patterns across the United States. Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are leading to changes in plant growth and pollen production.

Extended Allergy Seasons

In many regions, allergy seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer. This is particularly noticeable in February, where traditionally cold areas are experiencing earlier onset of spring allergens.

Increased Pollen Production

Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can stimulate plants to produce more pollen. This increase in pollen production can lead to more severe allergy symptoms for many people.

How much has pollen production increased due to climate change? Studies have shown that pollen production has increased by 20-30% in some plant species over the past few decades, correlating with rising CO2 levels and temperatures.

Shifts in Plant Distribution

As climate patterns change, the geographic distribution of plants is also shifting. This means that people may be exposed to new allergens as different plant species become established in their region.

The Role of Genetics in February Allergies

While environmental factors play a significant role in allergy development and severity, genetics also contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to allergies.

Genetic Predisposition

Research has identified several genes associated with an increased risk of developing allergies. These genes are often related to immune system function and regulation.

Epigenetic Factors

Environmental influences can affect how genes are expressed, potentially increasing or decreasing allergy risk. This field of study, known as epigenetics, is shedding new light on the complex interplay between genetics and environment in allergy development.

Can allergies skip a generation? It’s possible for allergies to appear to skip generations due to the complex nature of genetic inheritance and environmental factors. A person may carry allergy-related genes but not express them, only to pass them on to their children who do develop allergies.

Emerging Technologies in Allergy Management

As our understanding of allergies grows, so do the technologies available to manage them. Several innovative approaches are being developed to help allergy sufferers, particularly during challenging months like February.

Personalized Allergy Forecasting

Advanced algorithms and machine learning are being used to create highly localized and personalized allergy forecasts. These tools take into account local weather patterns, pollen counts, and individual allergy profiles to provide tailored predictions and recommendations.

Smart Home Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are being integrated into home environments to monitor and control air quality. These can include smart air purifiers that automatically adjust based on detected allergen levels, or connected humidity controllers to maintain optimal indoor conditions.

How accurate are personalized allergy forecasts? While the accuracy of these forecasts is continually improving, their effectiveness can vary based on the quality and quantity of data available. Many users find them significantly more helpful than general pollen forecasts, but they should be used as a guide rather than a definitive prediction.

Wearable Allergy Sensors

Researchers are developing wearable devices that can detect airborne allergens in real-time, alerting users to potential exposure and allowing for immediate preventive action.

The Economic Impact of February Allergies

Allergies, including those experienced in February, have a substantial economic impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Healthcare Costs

The direct medical costs associated with allergy treatment, including doctor visits, medications, and immunotherapy, are significant. In the United States, annual costs for allergy-related healthcare run into billions of dollars.

Productivity Loss

Allergies can lead to decreased productivity at work or school. Symptoms like fatigue, congestion, and headaches can impair cognitive function and work performance.

Quality of Life Impact

While harder to quantify, the impact of allergies on quality of life is substantial. Chronic allergy symptoms can affect sleep, social interactions, and overall well-being.

What is the estimated annual cost of allergies in the United States? According to recent studies, the total economic burden of allergies in the U.S. is estimated to be over $18 billion annually, including both direct medical costs and indirect costs like lost productivity.

Future Directions in Allergy Research and Treatment

The field of allergy research is continually evolving, with new discoveries and treatment approaches on the horizon.

Targeted Immunotherapies

Researchers are working on more targeted and efficient immunotherapy approaches, including oral and sublingual treatments that could provide alternatives to traditional allergy shots.

Microbiome Research

Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a role in allergy development and severity. Future treatments may involve modulating the microbiome to prevent or treat allergies.

Gene Therapy

As our understanding of the genetic basis of allergies improves, gene therapy approaches may become possible, potentially offering long-term solutions for allergy sufferers.

Could probiotics be an effective treatment for allergies? While research is ongoing, some studies have shown promising results in using certain probiotic strains to modulate the immune response and potentially reduce allergy symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the most effective strains and dosages for allergy management.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of February allergies, it’s clear that a multifaceted approach involving prevention, treatment, and ongoing research is necessary. By staying informed about regional allergen patterns, employing effective management strategies, and keeping abreast of new developments in allergy science, individuals can work towards minimizing the impact of allergies on their daily lives. Whether you’re dealing with indoor allergens in the north or battling early tree pollen in the south, understanding your specific allergy triggers and having a comprehensive management plan can make a significant difference in your quality of life during the allergy season.

What Are The Top Allergens in February Across the Country?

It’s February and although we’re still in the middle of winter, allergy season is just around the corner. With allergy season approaching, it’s time to start keeping a weekly watch on the pollen levels in your area. Let’s talk more about what allergies you could be facing right now.

February Allergies in the Northern United States 

Winter is coming to a close, but it’s not quite over yet for the north. We’re still seeing frosts that’s keeping any outdoor plant growth and pollination at bay. In areas like Colorado, we’re still seeing temperatures near freezing and no signs of spring. This means plants aren’t growing or pollinating, and that means less pollen in the air—but it also means more time spent indoors, which leaves you more exposed to indoor allergens like mold, pet dander, and dust mites.  

Top February allergens:

• Mold
• Dust
• Pet dander

February Allergies in the Southern United States

When it comes to allergies in the south, the recent high winds and mild weather are causing some of our patients to experience an earlier arrival of cedar season, as well as an earlier spring tree pollen season, as Elm pollen rates begin to skyrocket. Even though there is technically one more month of winter, we’re experiencing record-breaking high temperatures this year, especially in states like Texas and Florida, causing plants to pollinate even earlier than last year. This will continue to wreak havoc on our allergies here in the south. 

Top February allergens:

• Mountain Cedar (Juniper)
• Elm
• Mold

Allergens in the Eastern United States

The last hurrah of winter has come through the East. Through this last cold front, we expect more time spent indoors meaning more exposure to allergens such as mold, pet dander, and dust. These are considered perennial allergens because they are allergens that survive and keep you sneezing all year long, regardless of the season! Meanwhile, outdoor allergens are slowly but surely increasing as we prepare for the upcoming spring tree pollen season. 

Top February allergens:

• Dust Mites
• Pet Dander

February Allergies in the Western United States

Don’t forget your umbrella! With the unexpected torrential downpour the west has been facing, allergens have stirred up quite a bit. This means high Juniper and Elm pollen counts, as well as high mold counts due to the unexpected rainfall, it’s caused a lot of flooding and standing water, resulting in high levels of mold. Although there is less rainfall in New Mexico and Arizona, the Juniper season remains severe.If you’re further northwest, you might be experiencing more indoor allergens like dust, which are most likely responsible for your bad symptoms.

Top February allergens:

• Juniper
• Elm
• Mold

Top December Allergies Across the Country:

Juniper:

Juniper trees are a popular choice for landscaping and gardens. Their berries can be used in cooking, but the pollen produced by their flowers causes allergies in many people. Juniper pollen, which can be released in large quantities by the trees each spring, is small enough to become airborne and spread over long distances, so even if you live far from a state where the plants grow naturally, Juniper pollen could still cause allergic symptoms. When choosing Juniper trees as part of your landscaping plan, keep this in mind.

Pollen can attach itself to anything it touches, including your hair, clothing, bedding, and furniture. It will eventually find its way into your lungs if you don’t take precautions against exposure. Because of its chemical structure, Juniper pollen can cause allergic reactions in people who are typically not as sensitive to other environmental allergens, making it a severe allergen. If you only experience allergies once a year, and that’s at Juniper time, then it probably means that your body is immune to other kinds of pollen, but not this one.

Symptoms of Juniper allergies:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Allergy headaches
• Sore throat
• Constant sneezing or wheezing

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How to prevent Juniper allergy symptoms and reduce Juniper exposure:

• Use a HEPA filter. These filters eliminate any remaining pollen in your home. They’re especially great for areas like your bedroom, purifying the air so you can get a better sleep.
• Vacuum and dust regularly. Make sure to dust first and then vacuum to pick up all the fallen and kicked up dust.
• Wash your hair. Juniper pollen is so small and will stick to anything, so it’s important to wash your hair after coming in from outdoors.

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Juniper allergy treatments:

• Now is the time to get ahead of your Juniper allergy because severe symptoms can develop over time. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a great way to begin treating cedar allergies.These shots are given at regular intervals, usually every two weeks. They slowly increase the body’s tolerance to allergens by exposing it to small amounts of each allergen over time.
• Allergy drops work in the same way as allergy shots, by gradually increasing your tolerance to the allergen, but they’re also portable and painless!
• If you’re tired of suffering from the harsh symptoms of Juniper pollen, our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is just as effective as three years’ worth of allergy shots—but with just three injections over eight weeks.

Elm

Elm trees can be very difficult to avoid. The 35 different species of Elm trees cause a large amount of pollen to be produced, which is why this wind-pollinated tree can travel miles and has a significant impact on sensitive allergy sufferers. With an estimated 20 million people in the United States suffering from allergies, it’s important that your home be as clean as possible to ensure you’re not affected by dirty air. That’s why we created our free allergy calendar: so you can quickly find out what allergens will affect each season in your area. Check out our free allergy calendar today and start living confidently!

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Elm Allergy Symptoms:

If you experience these symptoms, it could be due to an Elm allergy. However, seasonal allergies often look the same, so it might be in your best interest to get an allergy test to know exactly what you’re allergic to. 

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Coughing or wheezing
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Elm Allergy Prevention:

• Wash your clothes immediately after coming inside. Elm pollen can stick to any surface. If you’ve been outdoors, especially on a windy day, there’s a good chance you have pollen stuck to your clothes.
• Keep your windows closed. It’s better to run the air conditioning instead of opening windows during allergy season. This goes for your car as well.
• Check your local pollen count. Keep in mind that pollen levels are usually highest from early morning to mid-afternoon, so try to plan your day accordingly on high pollen level days. 

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Elm Allergy Treatments:

• If you experience symptoms such as rashes, hives, or trouble breathing, take an antihistamine.
• If you’re looking for long-term allergy relief, immunotherapy—also known as allergy shots—is a great way to go. Allergy shots are administered by an allergist in the clinic. You receive injections every week or bi-weekly until your body is able to tolerate the allergen without an allergic reaction. The goal is complete tolerance!
• Allergy drops work like allergy shots, gradually exposing the body to an allergen under the tongue. This treatment is great for those who want an easy way to manage their allergies but don’t have time for frequent office visits.
• Our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is a convenient alternative to allergy shots. This revolutionary new treatment requires just three shots over the span of eight weeks! Studies have shown that our ExACT treatments effectiveness is comparable to three years’ worth of traditional allergy shots!

Mold:

While mold is typically a perennial issue, mold counts are on the rise as we continue to see heavier rainfalls across the country. Mold can be a tricky allergen due to the fact that it can be hidden in our homes. In any area where it might be slightly damp and humid, mold will thrive. This means areas like basements and attics can harbor large amounts of mold spores, dispersing them throughout your home and eventually reaching your lungs. Mold can be a very dangerous allergen if it’s not taken care of. It can grow and spread quickly, and also have severe effects on the body if there’s continued exposure.

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Mold Allergy Symptoms:

Some common allergy symptoms you might experience from mold are:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Wheezing

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Mold Allergy Prevention Tips:

• Check dark, humid areas frequently. If your home has an attic or basement, be sure to frequently check on these areas to ensure that there is no mold growth. 
• Fix leaky faucets. Any stagnant water can lead to mold growth, this can be found under kitchen or bathroom sinks.
• Throw out any moldy food. If you have food on the counter, make sure it isn’t moldy or infested with fruit flies.

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Mold Allergy Treatments:

Luckily, mold allergies can be treated! If you’re looking for long-term treatment options, allergy shots, allergy drops, or even our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment will help treat the root cause of your mold allergy, not just mask the symptoms.

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If you’re tired of sneezing and itching, tired of avoiding your friends or family because the pollen count is too high, and tired of having to choose between saving money and getting proper treatment then it’s time to see what we can do for you at Aspire Allergy & Sinus. We specialize in allergy diagnosis, treatment and management, from taking care of seasonal allergies to minimizing allergy symptoms year round. Don’t let a few sneezes ruin your life; book an appointment today!

Your Month-by-Month Guide to Allergies

You may feel as though you have year-round allergies, and you may be right. See what’s most likely to be causing you to sneeze and wheeze as the months go by.

By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Reviewed: December 21, 2012

Medically Reviewed

If you suffer from allergies for even part of the year, you may wonder when you’ll get a reprieve. People with spring allergies, fall allergies, or winter allergies might feel relief during their off seasons, but for those who experience allergy symptoms year-round — it’s a constant battle with allergens in the air. Here’s a look at which allergies plague people most — and when.

January

During the winter, there’s less pollen (if any) floating around, but cranking up the heat indoors can kick up house dust, a winter allergy trigger. If you’re allergic to dust, winter allergies can be just as bad as in the spring and fall. To reduce dust exposure, it helps to keep your home’s humidity below 55 percent, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly, and encase pillows and mattresses with dust-mite-proof covers.

February

Mold and dust can cause year-round allergy symptoms, but even if dust and mold don’t bring on the sniffles for you, trees can cause your allergies to flare at this time of year, depending on where you live. “We can see tree pollen as early as February, even in the Northeast,” says Marjorie L. Slankard, MD, an associate attending physician and director of the Allergy Clinic at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. In the United States, trees that commonly cause allergies include catalpa, elm, hickory, olive, pecan, sycamore, and walnut. Tree pollen can cause the same symptoms as most spring allergies — watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

March

Tree pollen remains high on the list of allergens for March, which marks the beginning of spring. “If the trees, grasses, and pollens start coming out early, March can be rough going for people with spring allergies,” Dr. Slankard says. Though nice spring weather beckons you outside, if you have spring allergies, keep your eye on the pollen count. The higher the count, the worse the allergies will be. A good place to check pollen counts is at the National Allergy Bureau of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

April

April showers can bring … spring allergies. All that rain can make for blooming flowers, but as beautiful as they are, flowers and their pollen means discomfort for people with spring allergies. In some areas of the country, grass pollen emerges in April, too. Between the pollen from the flowers and the pollen from the grass, spring allergies may make you feel especially miserable.

May

Allergic to tree pollen? Although tree pollination can begin as early as February, it can last through May. That means you might need to slog through spring allergies for four long months. Grass pollen can also emerge this time of year in some parts of the country.

June

June is a key grass pollen month in many areas, and it’s likely that grass pollen will start to trigger your spring allergies by this time of year if it hasn’t already. As the days get longer and the temperature gets higher, you’ll probably want to spend more time outdoors. If you suffer from spring allergies, you may have good days and bad days — the temperature, the rainfall amount, and even the time of day will affect grass pollen levels, and you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

July

The good news is that by July, grass pollen should subside and you might feel like your spring allergies are finally becoming manageable again. The bad news is that July marks the start of fungus spores and seeds, so if you’re allergic to molds and spores, too, you may feel like your allergies never end. Mold can grow on fallen leaves, compost piles, grasses, and grains.

August

August is a prime month for people with summer allergies to mold spores, which peak during hot, humid weather. You might want to stay inside on days when the mold spore count is particularly high. The best way to keep away from these allergens is to run the air conditioning with a HEPA filter — this cool comfort indoors should help you feel better during the dog days of August.

September

Late summer/early fall ragweed is the most common cause of fall allergies. Depending on where you live, ragweed-fueled fall allergies can start in August or September and continue through October and possibly November. Pollen grains are lightweight and spread easily, especially on windy days. The more wet and windy autumn is in your area, the more easily the pollen spreads, and the worse your symptoms will feel.

October

Chances that fall allergies will ease by October get better the farther north you go in the United States. But in warmer climates, fall allergies can linger well into this month. Seasonal rain and wind can also ramp up mold spores — if your fall allergies include mold or fungi spores, your symptoms may linger.

November

The ragweed pollen season usually ends by mid-November in most areas of the country. If you have fall allergies and react to fungi and molds, you probably face your worst symptoms in late summer and early fall. Although you might feel miserable from the end of March until November, making it seem like you have year-round allergies, you should get a break now. November may be one of the best months for people with outdoor allergies, which allows for enjoying the crisp weather. Then, just in time, indoor allergies to pet dander and indoor molds pick up.

December

As pretty as they are, real Christmas trees can make you wheeze and sneeze. It’s likely not the tree itself that triggers allergies but the microscopic mold spores that can harbor in its branches. If you can’t resist buying a live tree despite winter allergies, take it home a week before you plan to decorate it and leave it in a garage or an enclosed porch. Then give it a good shake to try to get rid of any spores.

Donate blood for pollen allergy in February at the Optimum medical laboratory in Sochi (Adler)

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Comprehensive analysis “February Pollen”

Comprehensive study “Pollen February (Hornbeam, Cypress, Hazel, Pine)”, , which allows to detect specific IgE antibodies in the blood and determine their concentration, is carried out to detect sensitization of the patient’s body to these allergens.

Allergic reaction is an abnormal form of immune response that occurs when the human body is over-receptive to repeated exposure to certain foreign substances. The first exposure to allergens provokes the production of antibodies of the isotype E, the subsequent – the degranulation of specific immune cells due to IgE.

In the development of allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis and bronchial asthma, the main role is played by inhaled allergens – tree fingers . To date, more than 9000 types of pollen allergens are known, the distribution of which depends on the area. To help allergy sufferers, floristic maps are compiled, including a list of plants from different regions and a schedule for their flowering.

A representative of the coniferous family – cypress (growing in the southern regions of our country), is a very strong allergen, its pollination begins in February. Signs of pollinosis appear when a threshold concentration of its pollen accumulates in the air. In addition, it is characterized by the presence of similar antigens that can cause an immune cross-reaction with allergens pines and representatives of the beech-flower family – hornbeam and hazel.

To detect the hypersensitivity of the human body to pollen allergens, special laboratory tests are carried out that allow detecting immune disorders and determining the etiological cause of the allergic reaction.

When is the test done?

Conducting immunological analysis “Pollen February (hornbeam, cypress, hazel, pine)” necessary for:

• the patient has symptoms of hay fever – sore throat, clear discharge from the nose, cough, watery eyes, redness and itching of the eyelids, bronchospasm;
• inability to perform skin tests;
• the need to quantify the specificity of inhalant allergens;
• total IgE titer more than 100 IU/l;
• monitoring of ongoing course of specific immunotherapy.

Test method

A sample of biological material (venous blood) is taken in the manipulation room of the laboratory center in the morning, on an empty stomach.

On the eve of the procedure, the patient should:

• refrain from eating;
• stop drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks;
• eliminate psycho-emotional stress;
• limit smoking and physical activity.

immunoassay method with chemiluminescent detection capability.

Analysis interpretation

Normally, specific IgE antibodies do not exceed 0.35 kU/L. An increase in their level confirms the patient’s sensitization to inhaled allergens of hornbeam, cypress, hazel and pine pollen.

What can you be allergic to in February?

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• What can you be allergic to in February?

For many, it may seem like a discovery that there are certain types of allergies that appear precisely in the last winter month. After all, most often various plants become provocateurs, and under a snow cover they are unlikely to be able to have an effect on a person. However, there are specific pathogens that can affect the human body at this particular time of the year.

Potential allergens

• Early trees. The last month of winter is transitional. At this time of the year, the snow cover gradually disappears, and representatives of flora and fauna come to replace it. Most often, at this time of the year, the disease is provoked by plants, or to be more precise, their pollen. Allergies at this time are caused by such varieties of trees as hazel and alder.
• Mold. The weather in February is accompanied by melting snow, which provokes the appearance of a damp and humid environment in the street and in the house. Various fungi and a potential causative agent of the disease, mold, are most easily bred in it. Even if there are no signs of fungus intolerance, it is better to get rid of such a “neighbor” in the house immediately.
• Insects. One has only to warm the warm rays of the sun, and the first insects wake up after a long winter sleep. The awakening of nature is wonderful, but the bites of such representatives of the fauna can cause serious consequences, so you need to be careful with them.
• Special types. In the cold season, two completely special types of intolerance to something by the body can appear: to the cold and to the wind. Symptoms of manifestation of these types of allergies – further.

Symptoms

If insects, trees or mold provoked the reaction, then it will not be so difficult to recognize something was wrong. The disease will manifest itself in the form of habitual and familiar reactions to many:

• Runny nose.
• Mucosal swelling.
• Itching.
• Swelling of the skin.
• Eruptions.

It is much more difficult to determine the presence of a specific type of cold or wind intolerance by external and internal signs.

Most often, such a disease manifests itself after a change of environment. That is, when, after a long walk in the fresh air, a person finds himself in a warm room. The action of the allergen can provoke:

• a feeling of discomfort.
• reddening of the skin.
• Runny nose.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Damage to the skin of the lips.

All these manifestations can be observed to a greater or lesser extent in every person after a long stay at sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, many do not even suspect that they have such a pathology. However, if the symptoms do not go away for a long time after changing the environment, this is a sign that you need to see a doctor. He will diagnose and accurately determine the diagnosis.

How to treat?

In the case where the causative agent is a representative of the plant or animal world, or a fungus, the manifestations of the disease can be eliminated with the help of antihistamines. Your doctor will help you choose the right drug.

If the irritant is specific, then one medication will not be enough. In this case, it is worth contacting a doctor who can attribute a comprehensive treatment plan. 9 is considered an active method to combat allergies.0021 autolymphocytotherapy is the introduction to a person of drugs based on his own lymphocytes. It is believed that this type of therapy can cure allergies in 98% of cases.

Prevention

To prevent an allergic reaction, preventive measures can be started in advance. In this case, the disease will cause a minimum of discomfort.

• If you are allergic to pollen from early plants, you can start wearing a special medical mask in advance. You can buy it in every pharmacy, and it costs a penny. But, such a simple device prevents pollen (that is, the allergen) from entering the bronchi and lungs, which means it prevents the launch of an allergic reaction.
• If the causative agent is a fungus, the best remedy is to fight it.