Seasonal Allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur due to an overreaction by the immune system in response to environmental irritants like mold spores, tree, grass and ragweed pollen and watery eyes – leading to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and nasal congestion.
Track your symptoms to determine if seasonal allergies exist. Your physician may also suggest allergy testing to confirm your diagnosis.
Spring
Spring allergies, also known as “hay fever”, are caused by airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that settles on airborne particles that travel into our respiratory systems from outside sources. As a result, they may result in itchy eyes or runny noses, wheezing or shortness of breath, skin flare-ups such as eczema flare ups as well as respiratory symptoms like wheezing.
Outdoor allergens can be hard to avoid. Unless you live in a bubble, pollen and mold spores will inevitably enter the air whenever you step outside, either being breathed in directly through inhalation or attached to clothes and hair and brought inside again by their wearers, becoming airborne pollutants that you inhale later.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, one way to help reduce symptoms may be monitoring the weather report and pollen count prior to going outdoors. After engaging in outdoor activities, take a shower, change clothes, use eyedrops for eye care purposes if any pollen remains, shower again afterwards and make sure all windows and doors in both home and car are closed during dry, windy conditions when pollen counts are higher than average.
If allergy symptoms become persistent, it’s essential to communicate with a healthcare provider immediately. IgE blood testing may help pinpoint your unique allergen sensitivities and create targeted treatment solutions. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroids may all help relieve symptoms; but immunotherapy shots (allergy shots) may be beneficial. They contain small doses of allergens so as to build immunity over time.
Summer
Once spring allergies subside, symptoms may continue through summer. Trees typically cease producing pollen by late summer; however grasses and weeds still release allergens; additionally ragweed pollen may increase due to warm weather with calm winds.
Mold spores and mildew can also trigger allergic reactions in individuals, with moisture-laden summer months being especially susceptible. Their presence varies by region and climate. Bees, wasps and other insects carrying venom may also trigger painful allergic reactions when they sting people.
Allergic symptoms may also be exacerbated by high levels of air pollution in urban environments with extensive open spaces, especially those located close to car emissions or nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. Ozone pollution forms when sunlight reacts with chemicals from car exhaust or nitrogen oxides found in the atmosphere to form particles of air pollution called “ozone.”
Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may help alleviate allergy symptoms. If they continue to worsen for you or become chronic, talk to your primary care provider about seeing an allergist for more specialized solutions.
Fall
Fall is the season for pumpkin spice lattes, football games and changing leaves – but for allergy sufferers it can also be one of the toughest times to enjoy outdoor activities like hayrides, bonfires or camping. Sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses may keep them indoors more often and cause them to miss out!
Allergy symptoms may last throughout the fall season and usually begin in late August or September depending on your region. Ragweed pollen is the primary trigger of fall allergies in many regions across the U.S.; symptoms tend to peak between 8am and 11am and mid afternoon. Other sources of allergens can include Elm tree, wall pellitory and goosefoot which also tend to make symptoms worse in morning and early afternoon hours. If you suffer from fall allergies, staying inside and keeping doors and windows shut can help limit exposure; use an air filter system regularly to limit dust mites which could potentially trigger allergic reactions as they could do in your home if necessary for better control.
If over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays aren’t helping you feel relief from allergy symptoms, speak to your physician about IgE blood testing to identify what may be triggering your allergy symptoms and together create a treatment plan that provides lasting relief from allergy symptoms.
Winter
Seasonal allergies typically appear between February and early summer in many parts of the US. Tree pollen releases can trigger allergy symptoms in those sensitive to them, while grass or ragweed pollen allergies often worsen symptoms throughout summer and fall months; mold spores or indoor allergens may even further exacerbate them!
Symptoms can include runny noses, sneezing fits, itchy eyes and throat, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, fatigue and skin irritation (allergy dermatitis) with possible hives as a result. Over-the-counter remedies like antihistamines, decongestants and steroid sprays may help manage these symptoms effectively.
Individuals who do not find relief through over-the-counter medicines or lifestyle adjustments may benefit from consulting an allergy specialist. An allergist can conduct allergy testing and provide a personalized plan to reduce allergy symptoms.
Comments are closed