Planting in Shvat or Allergy Season?

Do you find yourself scratching your nose, having trouble breathing and stocking up on tissues? You're not alone. Contrary to popular belief, seasonal allergies don't wait for spring. Symptoms begin appearing as early as late January and throughout February. 

"This is exactly the time to start preparing," explains Dr. Vered Shichter Confino, Director of the Allergy and Immunology Unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. “The timing varies from year to year depending on rainfall, temperatures and pollen levels, but this is typically when the body starts to react." • Is there anything to do besides taking antihistamines and waiting for summer? 

In recent years, more patients have been reporting that their allergies feel worse. According to Dr. Shichter-Confino, that impression is not coincidental. "The climate is warming, there's more air pollution and seasonal patterns are changing. When it's warm and windy, pollen is carried over greater distances and remains airborne longer, increasing exposure.” 

One of the most common challenges is distinguishing allergies from lingering winter flu symptoms. "Symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, fatigue or mild shortness of breath are sometimes mistaken as the end of the flu, but in reality these can be early signs of allergies," she explains. 

At this stage, she emphasizes, it's important not only to recognize that you are dealing with an allergy, but also to understand exactly what the trigger is. Diagnosis is performed through specialized tests that identify sensitivity to airborne proteins found in pollen from various trees and plants that are inhaled into the body. "We can determine sensitivity to specific trees such as olive, cypress, pecan or oak," she explains. In Israel, olive pollen is the most common tree allergen, followed by grasses and grains. 

Recommendation: don't wait for symptoms

The main recommendation for people who suffer from allergies is to start treatment in February, even before symptoms appear. "Just like you prepare your car for winter, you need to prepare your body for spring," says Dr. Shichter-Confino. "People who start treatment early arrive at spring in a much better starting position, and early treatment can prevent significant worsening later on." 

Standard treatment includes antihistamines, nasal sprays and sometimes eye drops, all designed to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. In cases of more severe flare-ups or breathing difficulties, medical evaluation is important to adjust treatment and, in some cases, even begin preventive therapy. 

In addition, allergy immunotherapy is available over an extended period and can significantly reduce the intensity of allergic reactions. This is long-term treatment generally lasts several years and is best to start a few months before the trees come into bloom. Sublingual immunotherapy is also available, but primarily for dust allergies. 

Daily activities such as opening windows on nice days, spending time outdoors or cleaning the house can also increase exposure to allergens. "There's no need to avoid these activities," says Dr. Shichter-Confino, "but it’s important to be aware and prepare in advance." 

This Tu B'Shvat, then, let's celebrate the flowering almond trees along with the sunshine ensure we associate the season with renewal and not discomfort. According to Dr. Shichter-Confino - it's definitely possible. "Sometimes all the body needs to get through this season breathing easier is awareness and early preparation," she concludes.