Seasonal Allergies–also referred to as Hay Fever–are your immune system’s reaction to airborne pollen and mold spores, often manifested as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Tree pollination generally begins in February in the US; grass pollen starts appearing during spring; and ragweed pollen typically appears in autumn. If over-the-counter allergy medications don’t do the trick, a doctor can offer skin or blood tests to identify allergy triggers and prescribe specific medications to alleviate your symptoms.
Spring
Allergic reactions can take the joy out of spring, from runny noses and itchy eyes to itching lips and joints. But there are ways to manage allergy symptoms, including over-the-counter medication and immunotherapy treatments.
Allergens can cause itchy eyes and runny noses (allergic rhinitis). They may also contribute to wheezing and difficulty breathing in children with asthma. When allergens come into contact with skin they can irritate nasal membranes causing itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis).
What triggers seasonal allergies varies by region. Here in the Valley, 2023 has seen an exceptionally wet spring that’s fostered increased vegetation growth and kicked allergy season into full effect. Tree pollen peaks March through April; grass pollen hits its highest levels late April/early May; while summer weed pollen peaks July through October before becoming the leading allergen by fall – most commonly with Ragweed as its focus.
Allergens can be identified via blood or skin tests. A skin test involves having your healthcare provider prick your skin in order to expose you to potential allergens and monitor for any raised bump (hive) which indicates a positive reaction. These tests can take place either at your physician’s office, or for some patients ages 2 and over at home using kits containing treatment patches with various allergen concentrations which target potential allergens that you are sensitive to.
Summer
Allergies to trees, grasses, weeds and flowers may flare up in the summertime due to increased mold spore growth due to hot temperatures and rainy conditions. Allergens from these sources may lead to symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose and sinus congestion which can make breathing difficult and impair performance.
Spring and summer allergies are typically brought on by pollen. Trees release pollen in the spring while grasses like timothy and rye release seeds during the summer season, along with weeds like ragweed and wall pellitory which produce pollen during this period. As regional variations may create longer pollen seasons than others.
As summer heats up, many may suffer from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (swollen, itchy and watery eyes). One common trigger during this season may be insect venom allergens like bees or wasps.
Doctors can diagnose seasonal allergies through conducting a skin test. A doctor or nurse will prick your skin with tiny amounts of potential allergens to identify which ones you are most sensitive to, and may suggest medications like over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants as relief measures; corticosteroid nasal spray may also help relieve symptoms, while immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood tests measure levels of antibodies for various allergens that trigger symptoms as well as how severe their reactions are.
Fall
Fall allergies often produce similar symptoms as spring and summer allergies: itchy eyes and nose, runny or watery nose, sneezing and coughing. This condition is known as allergic rhinitis and can be managed using either over-the-counter medications or prescription allergy medicines.
Allergies are caused by an immune reaction that reacts strongly against allergens found in airborne substances known as allergens, prompting their immune systems to produce chemicals such as histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins that trigger allergic symptoms that range from mild to severe based on location or systemic impact.
Fall allergies can be triggered by numerous sources, including tree pollen (juniper and cottonwood) as well as weed pollen such as ragweed and sagebrush, as well as mold (Alternaria and Cladosporium).
Some can avoid seasonal allergies by staying indoors during peak allergy times and closing windows; washing clothes and skin after being outdoors; using a saline nasal rinse such as neti pot; and taking steps such as taking antibiotics after coming indoors. A board-certified allergist may offer immunotherapy injections which will gradually lessen allergy symptoms over time; in addition, performing IgE blood testing to identify specific allergens will allow them to create an action plan to avoid them.
Winter
Seasonal allergies, otherwise known as “hay fever”, occur when your immune system identifies airborne substances such as pollen or mold spores as harmful intruders and produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies attack allergens that enter your system, leading to symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and congestion as well as itchy skin hives and asthma in some people.
Winter allergies may not be as severe as pollen allergies caused by grass, tree and ragweed pollen; nevertheless they still impact quality of life and may include symptoms caused by dander, dust mites and indoor mold; further compounded by smoking cigarettes and air pollution.
Avoid allergens to combat seasonal allergies effectively. Wear a mask on high pollen days and close windows as much as possible; indoors, use a saline nasal wash to rinse away pollen residue, while antihistamines and steroid nose sprays may help alleviate your body’s allergic response. For persistent or interference allergies consult an allergist.
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