Seasonal Allergies (also referred to as Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever) affect millions of American’s each year, with symptoms starting and the length of allergy season depending on where they reside and which allergens affect them.
Medication may help relieve symptoms. Natural solutions, including saline nasal sprays and nutritional supplements like butterbur or quercetin may also alleviate them.
Spring
Spring allergies are usually brought on by airborne pollen grains from trees, weeds and grasses that float in the air. When people breathe these particles in, their immune systems respond by producing antibodies which lead to nasal congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing; in some people these reactions worsen asthma symptoms or trigger flare-ups of chronic skin condition eczema.
Symptoms may begin as early as March when tree pollen peaks; the exact date can depend on weather. By May, grass and weed pollen levels begin increasing exponentially; if you are allergic, symptoms could continue into summer when these reach their highest concentration levels.
Allergens can also trigger attacks in those living with perennial rhinitis (hay fever), an allergy that affects the nose and sinuses year-round, leading to itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing fits, stuffiness and congestion. Sneezing fits may result in other side effects including watery, itchy eyes or stuffiness – not to mention constant sneezing fits!
Recent studies have demonstrated how global warming is increasing allergen counts and duration in the air, leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons. Thankfully, there are ways to alleviate symptoms. Antihistamines, steroid nose sprays and decongestants may help suppress overreacting body cells to airborne allergens, offering relief. Some doctors may also offer subcutaneous immunotherapy injections over an extended period of time that expose you to low doses of allergens; helping decrease allergy symptoms.
Summer
Once spring flowers fade and trees stop pollinating, summer allergies begin. Depending on where you live, allergy season may start as early as February and run all through summer – and trees produce the most pollen during this season while grasses produce most during midsummer to late fall seasons and ragweed at both extremes of its bloom.
Symptoms may include runny nose, watery eyes, itching in the nose or throat, itchy and swollen lips and mouth, nasal congestion, sinus pressure headaches and fatigue; in addition to which allergic reactions to bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants may occur in some people.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly treats certain particles known as allergens as invaders and releases chemicals such as histamine to fight them off. Histamine produces many of the symptoms you might associate with seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, itchy throat/ears/coughing.
Some individuals also experience allergic rhinitis (hay fever) during the summertime. This condition gets its name because once upon a time it was common practice to cut hay when its blooming plants would trigger allergies in those sensitive to it. Mold and other indoor allergens may also trigger symptoms in summer. Finally, people with food allergies may develop mild allergic reactions against peppers and tomatoes during this season.
Fall
As summer winds down and school years commence, people with seasonal allergies are beginning to experience its symptoms: itchy eyes, runny nose or clogged sinuses. Allergists caution that it has been an especially challenging season for those suffering from seasonal allergies this year.
Warmer temperatures have allowed allergens to flourish for extended periods, leading to extended allergy seasons for many and leading to itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezing attacks.
Allergies can also be caused by indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and mold. Some individuals are even sensitive to foods containing ragweed pollen – such as strawberries, cantaloupe and zucchini which contain this pollen – leading to oral allergy syndrome symptoms in some individuals when eating these kinds of produce.
Allergic reactions can be managed effectively by closing windows when pollen counts are high, taking antihistamines to control symptoms, and regularly rinsing your nose and throat with water. Wearing a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask while lawn mowing or working outside may also provide relief; otherwise it’s wise to consult your physician regarding specific IgE blood testing in order to confirm what exactly you are allergic to and develop a plan to address any further allergies that arise.
Winter
Winter allergies often don’t receive as much consideration as their spring and summer counterparts, yet they still present problems for people living with seasonal allergy symptoms. Winter allergies typically arise from exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and cockroach droppings that often come together during this season.
These irritations can be compounded by the cold and dry air often found indoors during winter. This air can clog nasal passages and cause itchy eyes, runny nose, postnasal drip, coughing, sneezing, sore throat as well as skin allergies such as hives or allergic dermatitis to flare-up.
Allergy tests can help identify which allergens are contributing to your winter allergies so you can avoid them. Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may also provide effective long-term solutions by gradually desensitizing immune systems to decrease symptoms over time.
If symptoms that disrupt your quality of life are interfering with it, an allergy consultation can provide much-needed relief. An allergist will review your medical history and perform diagnostic tests such as skin prick testing or blood work to pinpoint allergens responsible. They then offer effective strategies to manage allergies through lifestyle changes, medication or allergy shots; an allergist also assists with long-term care management to keep symptoms at bay; such as keeping homes dehumidified to reduce mold growth, using cleaners without harsh chemicals, opting for hypoallergenic holiday decorations among other recommendations.
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