Seasonal allergies are airborne substances that cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Their source is when an overreaction of immune system to perceived threat such as pollen occurs, leading to symptoms.
Avoiding allergens can help minimize and manage symptoms, however if that is not possible then oral and nasal antihistamines or steroid sprays may be prescribed; immunotherapy (allergen immunotherapy) may also provide support.
Spring
Spring allergies are caused by the reappearance of tree, grass and weed pollen which is carried by wind currents to allergy sufferers who inhale its pollen grains, leading to symptoms including itchy eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion; sometimes leading to further worsening of eczema or asthma symptoms in severe cases.
As people breathe in allergens, their immune systems perceive them as threats and produce histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins in response – producing symptoms including runny nose/eyes/nasal congestion/itching/sneezing etc. For people living with asthma, inhaled pollen may cause inflammation to occur within their airways leading to wheezing coughing episodes.
If you suspect seasonal allergies, seeing an allergy and immunology specialist could be invaluable. Your physician can conduct tests to isolate the allergen causing symptoms before prescribing antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or bronchodilators as needed to alleviate them. They may even recommend immunotherapy treatment that may decrease overreacting against allergens over time and allow you to enjoy outdoor activities more freely again. This will allow better management of allergy symptoms so you can return to enjoying what matters.
Summer
Allergies are an increasingly prevalent condition that affect people of all ages. Sometimes known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, seasonal allergies are caused by allergens which mislead our immune systems into misidentifying as harmful substances. When exposed to allergens, our bodies produce antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which stay vigilant for that substance and trigger an allergic response when encountered again – often manifested as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing fits, itchy throat or nasal congestion symptoms.
Pollen counts rise exponentially during summer due to tree, grass and weed growth. Furthermore, heatwave conditions prolong pollen season causing plants such as ragweed to produce more of its signature pollen.
Seasonal allergy sufferers can help alleviate their symptoms by staying indoors on days with high pollen counts. Monitoring pollen counts online or via mobile apps is an easy way for allergy sufferers to stay informed of allergens present in their area.
Symptom-relieving medications such as intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines and decongestants can all provide short-term relief of allergy symptoms, while immunotherapy offers long-term solutions by helping the body adapt to allergens that cause them. Speak with one of our healthcare providers at one of our local clinics today about options for long-term relief from seasonal allergies.
Fall
School’s back in session and leaves are changing colors – fall is an incredible season to look forward to! Unfortunately, for people living with seasonal allergies it also marks a time when symptoms reemerge and their symptoms start acting up again.
Allergies develop when your immune system misidentifies an allergen as harmful and releases antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to combat it. When that allergen resurfaces again, these IgE antibodies remain on alert, producing allergic symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, congestion and runny nose as your body responds with its defense mechanisms against it.
As fall progresses, pollen from trees, grass and ragweed often serve as triggers for allergy symptoms after an especially wet summer. Furthermore, outdoor mold spores become more widespread once pollination by ragweed has stopped taking place.
At its core, allergies can be managed through exposure reduction. Closing windows, using air conditioning and washing hands and face regularly are effective strategies that can lessen symptoms. Your doctor can perform physical exams and skin testing (also called prick or intradermal testing) to identify your allergies; antihistamines and decongestants may help relieve allergy symptoms temporarily while subcutaneous injections of allergen-specific IgE may offer longer term relief.
Winter
Seasonal Allergies are an immune system response to certain allergens entering the body, and being recognized as invaders. When exposed, this triggers chemical releases like histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins to fight off these intruders – this causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and congestion – but allergies can occur year-round with different levels of symptoms depending on which allergens are in the air at any given moment.
Spring can be the worst season for allergies in many parts of the country as trees reemerge and release tree pollen into the air, while summer brings grass and weed pollen that often causes “hay fever,” while fall brings ragweed (another common allergen). Some individuals, however, experience allergy symptoms year-round due to indoor allergens like pet dander, mold spores or dust mites.
First step should be making an appointment with an allergist who will administer skin tests to identify potential environmental triggers, by pricking small amounts of potential allergens onto your skin and seeing how your body responds. Your allergist may prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms as well as develop an environmental plan to minimize environmental allergens in your home or office environment. You can reduce allergy symptoms by eliminating known triggers, taking prescribed medication on schedule, and using a neti pot.
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