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Spring Is in the Air, And So Are Allergens—How to Combat Spring Allergies

For some of us, April marks the end of the ski season. For allergy specialists like me, it means the beginning of a very busy season. Warmer weather and longer days help trees pollinate. While the greening up of our snow-packed mountains is beautiful, it is a signal that those who suffer from allergies will experience unwelcomed symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing fits, nasal congestion, or that persistent tickle in the throat. 

As an allergist-immunologist and a proud member of this vibrant mountain community, I am passionate about a personal approach to health and helping people not “just live with” allergies or immune conditions that affect their quality of life. 
 

Understanding Spring Allergies

Spring allergies—commonly known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis—are an exaggerated immune response to something that normally shouldn’t cause problems. People can develop allergies for a variety of reasons at any stage in their lives:

1. A genetic predisposition: Allergies are genetic, so if your siblings or parents are allergic, there is a higher chance you will be too. 
2. Sensitization: Normally when exposed to pollen or pet dander, our body is meant to be tolerant and say, “nah, that’s nothing to worry about.” Sensitization is when your body’s immune system starts to think that that pollen or pet dander is a threat and overreacts to try and deal with it by making allergic antibodies. The key to sensitization is that nothing happens unless you get exposed to the allergen you are allergic to (also known as re-exposure). For example, someone with an allergy to tree pollen will only have symptoms in the spring when the trees are pollinating, but won’t have symptoms any other time of the year.
3. Re-exposure: When someone is already sensitized to tree pollen, for example, exposure during the spring causes cells in the allergic immune system (called mast cells) to release histamine, among other chemicals, which leads to allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Whether it’s tree pollen in the spring, weeds in the fall, cats or dogs, this is how environmental allergens cause symptoms in a predisposed person. But don’t fret! There is help. My job as an allergist-immunologist is to help identify what you are allergic to, typically through skin testing, and treat those symptoms with tactics like avoidance measures, medications and allergy shots.
 

What You Can Do

Since I am new to the Colorado Mountain Medical team, and there is a high demand for the Allergy & Immunology service, it could take a few weeks or months to get an appointment. Call (970) 363-5289 today to get on my calendar, and in the meantime, here are a few steps you can take now:

• Monitor pollen counts in your area and try to stay indoors on high-count day. Colorado Allergy Map from Pollen.com is a great resource for allergy levels and pollen count forecasts. 
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to wash off pollen.
• Keep windows closed, especially during early morning hours when pollen is most active.
• Start medications early. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops are more effective when taken before symptoms peak.
• Consider allergy testing to pinpoint your specific triggers and explore long-term relief options, like allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).
   

My Commitment to You

Whether you’ve dealt with allergies your whole life or are just now noticing seasonal symptoms (or symptoms around pets), I’m here to help. My practice offers comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and the latest evidence-based care for allergy, asthma, and immune-related conditions. But more than that, I’m here to listen, to understand your story and to work in partnership toward better health—not just for this season, but year-round so you can live your best life.
 

Let’s Elevate Health Together

I believe that when we breathe better, we live better. As we step into this beautiful season of renewal, I am also making a commitment to you—to elevate immune health across our community, one person at a time. If you or a loved one is struggling with seasonal symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. Relief is possible, and I’m honored to walk the path towards wellness with you.
 

Wishing you a vibrant and healthy spring,
Regan Pyle, DO 
Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist, Colorado Mountain Medical/Vail Health

Learn more about our Allergy & Immunology service >