6 Spring Allergens You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Avoid sneezing and sniffling this spring by paying attention to these common allergy triggers.

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Mother and son shopping at farmer's market
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Common spring allergens: Farmer’s Markets

Sniffling and sneezing can happen after you eat raw or fresh fruits. Called oral allergy syndrome, this condition occurs when your immune system sees a similarity between the proteins of pollen and those of the food, and triggers a reaction. If you are allergic to tree pollen, for example, foods like apples, cherries, pears, apricots, kiwis, oranges, plums, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts may bother you. Cooking or peeling the food may help.

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Woman folding her laundry
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Common spring allergens: Laundry

When laundry is dried on a clothesline, the fabric can collect pollen. Instead, use a dryer to reduce the presence of allergens.

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Boys' soccer game
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Common spring allergens: Soccer games

Pollen and mold settles on the field and when players run around, it kicks up dirt and allergens. Carry allergy medication with you and take it before the game.

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Little girl running in spring rain
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Common spring allergens: Stormy weather

Gentle rains can wash away pollen, but thunderstorms draw pollen up into the air. Be prepared for the pollen and mold count to increase after a storm.

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Man grilling food on barbecue
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Common spring allergens: Grilling

Grills can produce smoke that contains allergens. And what’s worse? The smoke can also alter your immune system, making you more vulnerable to allergies.

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Elderly couple jogging
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Common spring allergens: Cycling and jogging

Fumes from cars and trucks can combine with pollen to embed in your lungs. This can be worse on hot and humid days – so don’t head out until the sun sets and the traffic settles.

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