SPRING ALLERGIES GOT YOU DOWN? RECLAIM YOUR SEASON WITH THIS EASY GUIDE TO RELIEF

SPRING in South Africa is often romanticised as a season of new beginnings, longer days, blooming gardens and a renewed sense of energy.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

But for millions, it also brings something less poetic: watery eyes, runny noses, itchy throats, and that heavy morning puffiness that makes you look (and feel) like you barely slept.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. According to the Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA), up to 40% of South Africans experience allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, with symptoms peaking between August and October when pollen counts are at their highest.

Allergies are more than just an inconvenience. They're your body's immune system mistaking harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander for dangerous invaders.

In response, your body releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger inflammation, congestion, and irritation. The result? Puffy eyes, sneezing fits, fatigue, and in some cases, even difficulty breathing.

While seasonal allergies may feel inevitable, understanding how and why they affect you can help you reclaim your spring.

Why do your eyes puff up in spring?

The science behind puffy eyes is straightforward yet frustrating. When allergens enter the body, histamine causes blood vessels around the eyes to expand.

This leads to fluid buildup in the thin, delicate tissue under the eyes, hence the swelling, itching, and even those dark "allergic shiners" many people wake up with. Add late nights, too much salt, alcohol, or endless scrolling before bed, and you've created the perfect storm for morning puffiness.