Common Spring Diseases and How to Manage Them

The season of spring is much awaited and provides relief from winter. It is also commonly associated with greenery all around and blooming flowers. However, the spring season also comes with its share of common diseases, symptoms of which often get ignored until they become serious. 

 

The common spring-related diseases are seasonal allergies, asthma, Lyme disease, respiratory illness, and allergic pink eye. It is crucial to recognize the early symptoms of these common spring sicknesses and seek medical attention to maintain overall health and enjoy the spring season. 

 

This article discusses the common spring diseases and their symptoms and provides valuable tips on how to manage spring diseases.

 

1. Seasonal Allergies

 

Seasonal allergies are allergies that flare up during a particular season. In the spring, these allergies are caused by several factors, including tree and grass pollination, mould from the rainy season, and increased general outdoor exposure. Moreover, if the weather becomes windy, the pollen from trees and flowers can get blown around, further leading to the flaring up of seasonal allergies. 

 

The common symptoms of seasonal allergies include- 

 

– Runny or stuffy nose 

– Puffy eyes 

– Postnasal drip 

– Hives 

– itchy eyes, nose, ears and mouth 

 

To prevent seasonal allergies in spring, follow the steps given here: 

 

– Limit outdoor exposure when pollen is high. 

– Keep windows closed and use appropriate allergy-friendly filters on air conditioners. 

– Change and wash clothes after being outdoors. 

– Vacuum floors at least once every week. 

 

2. Asthma

 

The pollen and dust that lead to spring allergies can also cause a lung disease known as asthma. For someone already suffering from asthma, the spring season can induce an attack.  

 

An asthma attack is caused by breathing in pollen, dust, mould, or cleaning chemicals. These are perceived as threats by the body, and the body reacts by inducing an asthma attack. An asthma attack can be life-threatening without proper medical attention. 

 

Common symptoms of an asthma attack include:

 

• Chest tightness, pain, or pressure 

• Coughing, especially in the morning or at night 

• Shortness of breath 

• Wheezing 

 

To prevent asthma flare ups during spring, follow the steps given here:

 

• Plan outdoor activity levels based on air quality 

• Identify specific asthma triggers and avoid them as much as possible. 

• Keep the inhaler within reach all the time. 

• Keep pets out of bedrooms. 

• Avoid smoke of any kind, such as tobacco, incense, and candle smoke. 

 

3. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection that develops when an infected tick bites a human.

  

In the spring season, ticks are usually out for feeding. These ticks can contain the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. When these infected ticks bite someone, they can cause Lyme disease.

  

The common symptoms of Lyme disease include: 

• A reddish rash or skin lesion 

• Fever 

• Headache 

• Stiff neck 

• Fatigue 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

 

To prevent Lyme disease during spring, follow the steps given here: 

• Spray clothing and skin with permethrin, an insecticide to repel ticks outdoors. 

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants till ankles to minimize skin exposure to ticks outdoors. 

• Wear light-coloured clothing to make tick detection easier. 

 

4. Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold, associated with the winter season, are also common during springtime. These illnesses are caused by viruses such as rhinovirus and adenovirus, which thrive during the warmer climate of the spring.  

 

Some common symptoms of respiratory illnesses include:

 

• Cough 

• Fever 

• Sore throat 

• Upset stomach 

• Sneezing 

• Runny nose 

 

To prevent viral infections during spring, follow the steps given here:

 

• Wash hands after being in public places and before eating. 

• Keep your distance from those coughing and sneezing. 

• Avoid sharing food and drink with someone suffering from respiratory illnesses. 

 

5. Allergic Pink Eye

 

Allergic pink eye, also called allergic conjunctivitis, is inflammation of tissue in the eye lining the eyelids and eye whites. It is common in the spring due to the abundance of pollen, dust, and pet dander. It usually affects both eyes. 

 

The common symptoms of pink eye include:

 

• Itchy or burning eyes 

• Puffy or swollen eyes 

• Stringy or watery yellow-white eye discharge 

• Red and watery eyes 

 

To prevent pink eye allergy during spring, follow the steps given here: 

• Avoid exposure to common allergens. 

• Wash hands frequently. 

• Avoid smoking or vaping indoors. 

 

Spring season, usually associated with greenery and blooming flowers, is also the season of some common illnesses. These illnesses range from mild nuisances, such as seasonal allergies, to life-threatening conditions, such as an asthma attack. 

 

Recognizing early symptoms of these conditions and getting timely medical attention is crucial for full recovery. If someone notices symptoms of common spring illnesses, they should immediately consult a healthcare provider and schedule an allergy disease test at Dr Lal PathLabs for an accurate diagnosis. 

 

FAQs 

1. Can the common cold occur in spring?

Common colds and other respiratory illnesses are common in the spring season. 

2. What causes spring allergies?

Spring allergies are mainly caused by pollen, tiny grain-like substances used by plants for reproduction.