Spring Allergies in St. Louis, Missouri

The spring allergy season in St. Louis, Missouri typically starts in March and extends into mid-July. Pollinating trees kick off spring allergy season and continue releasing pollen well into May. Common culprits of spring allergies in St. Louis include oak trees, cedar trees, hickory trees, walnut trees, and ash trees. A number of other less common trees are also responsible for seasonal allergies in St. Louis, including aspen, alder, ash, birch, beech, box elder, cottonwood, elm, mountain elder, mulberry, olive, poplar, pecan, and willow trees. The St. Louis Missouri spring allergy season is also extended by pollinating grass, which typically starts in May and ends in mid-July.

Because of Missouri’s frequent weather changes from warm and humid to damp and cool, perennial (year-round) allergies like indoor mold, pets, dust, and dust mites can also get worse during the Missouri spring time.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Spring Allergy Symptoms

Spring allergy symptoms are similar to those of other seasonal allergies. The most common spring allergy symptoms include any or all of the following:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red eyes
• Stuffy nose (congestion)
• Itchy mouth and lips
• Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness

It’s also possible for spring allergies in Missouri to trigger more severe symptoms, including:

• Hives
• Worsening eczema
• Swollen eyelids
• Wheezing
• Upset stomach

Every allergy sufferer’s experience can be unique.

Fall Allergies vs Spring

Many allergy sufferers are curious about the differences between fall allergies vs spring allergies. Allergy symptoms are similar between the two seasons, but what causes fall allergives vs spring allergies can vary significantly. Spring allergies are typically caused by pollinating trees and grass, whereas fall allergies are more often caused by ragweed. Mold can be prevalent during both fall and spring. Depending on what you’re allergic to, you might experience worse allergy symptoms during the spring vs the fall.

Spring Cold or Allergies?

Do you suspect a spring cold or allergies? Spring allergies and the common cold have several symptoms in common. Cold symptoms include a runny or congested nose, sneezing, sore throat, scratchy throat, and cough. However, there are subtle differences between spring allergies and a cold. Allergies can cause itchy and watery eyes, which are typically not present with a cold. Allergies cause thin, translucent mucus. Colds, on the other hand, can cause thick, greenish-yellowish mucus. Colds can also cause fever or sweats, which are not a symptom of allergies. Allergies are persistent and longer lasting than the cold. For an otherwise healthy individual, a cold typically lasts three to seven days, but spring allergies will persist throughout the season.

Spring Allergies vs COVID

COVID often causes body aches, chills, and fever, none of which are associated with spring allergies. COVID also causes dry cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell. While these symptoms are possible with allergies, especially if you have asthma as well, they are typically much more pronounced when you have COVID.

On the other hand, spring allergies often cause itchiness, either in your eyes or your mouth. COVID does not cause itchiness. Importantly, allergies will typically respond to allergy medications, whereas COVID symptoms will not. As a final point, allergies will stick around throughout the spring season, but COVID will typically resolve within 14 days of onset.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Allergy Testing For Spring Allergies

Spring allergies can be caused by one of many distinct allergens, which is why it’s important to get a formal diagnosis from a board-certified allergist. Allergy testing for spring allergies begins with a detailed medical history where Dr. Cajigal will ask you about your symptoms and when you’ve experienced them. Spring allergies can have a strong environmental component, so details about your home, your work, your pets, and other environmental factors are critical for Dr. Cajigal to diagnose the cause of your spring allergies.

A spring allergy diagnosis can usually be confirmed with a simple skin prick test, but Dr. Cajigal may order intradermal testing or blood testing as needed if a skin prick test is inconclusive or cannot be performed.

Spring Allergy Treatment

Tips to Avoid Spring Allergies

• Check your local pollen counts whenever you check the weather
• Limit outdoor activities during times of high pollen counts
• Wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to reduce pollen exposure when outdoors
• Change clothes as soon as you get home if you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors
• Men should shave frequently to prevent pollen from gathering in their facial hair

When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will have additional recommendations for you based on your unique case.

Removing Spring Allergens from Your Home

• Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent frequently to reduce allergens
• Steam clean carpets or remove carpets altogether, especially if they tend to get damp
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust in your home
• Use dust mite proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and box springs
• Regularly clean garbage cans and refrigerator drip pans
• Regularly clean your gutters and ensure drainage flows away from your home’s foundation
• Quickly clean up any spills, leaks, or messes to prevent mold from growing
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander in your bedding
• Keep pets off of upholstered furniture
• Consider replacing upholstered furniture to minimize pet dander accumulation

Some of this advice only applies if you have a specific allergy. When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will provide personalized advice for your unique circumstances.

Spring Allergy Medications

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

References