Seasonal Allergies, commonly referred to as Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever, can come and go throughout the year depending on what types of pollen cause your symptoms – these may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes/throat/nose congestion & sinus pressure.
This year, warming temperatures related to climate change are causing plants to produce pollen earlier and for longer, further compounding allergy symptoms.
Spring
Seasonal allergies, more commonly referred to as hay fever, affect one in four adults. They’re an allergic response that only manifests itself during certain seasons and involve both membrane lining the nose (allergic rhinitis) and eye membranes (allergic conjunctivitis).
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to environmental allergens such as tree, grass or weed pollen. As the weather warms in springtime, trees bloom and release pollen into the air that triggers seasonal allergies in people – leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and congestion for those affected.
Tree pollen is often responsible for allergy symptoms in springtime, while weed and grass pollen can become problematic through summer and into fall when their peak seasons reach their maximum impact. Molds and mildew spores also play a part in contributing to these seasonal allergies.
Allergy medication can help alleviate symptoms and get you back to doing what you love more quickly. These include both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines to address itchy eyes, sneezing, runny noses and congestion; decongestants may help ease congestion; rinse nasal passages with saline solution available over-the-counter with a neti pot may provide sinus relief; for severe symptoms your doctor may recommend immunotherapy (allergen desensitization), where injections expose you gradually to lower levels of allergen over time so that over time your body becomes less sensitive; for severe symptoms you may require immunotherapy (allergen desensitization), where low levels of allergen are gradually exposed over time so your body becomes less sensitive; for severe symptoms your doctor may recommend immunotherapy (allergen desensitization), which involves gradually being exposed over time in small amounts so your body becomes less reactive;
Summer
Seasonal allergies (also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are an immune reaction caused by outdoor triggers like mold spores and pollen from trees, grass, or ragweed pollen. These allergens usually lead to runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing for those affected. Allergies affect people of all ages and genders and may even run in families.
Seasonal allergies vary depending on their source, making it essential to identify which allergen is triggering symptoms before beginning any treatments. Consulting an allergist may help identify what your specific problem is as well as create a long-term strategy to avoid environmental allergens altogether.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes, a physician will conduct a physical exam and interview to identify possible allergens causing these reactions. A needle will inject small quantities of potential allergens under your skin – if your body reacts positively it may produce raised bumps called “hives” at their injection site.
Allergy medications may provide some relief for seasonal allergies, however if home remedies and over-the-counter remedies fail to do so an allergist may suggest immunotherapy – a series of injections designed to gradually build tolerance of allergy-causing agents.
Fall
Fall is allergy season, and tree pollen and ragweed pollen can both trigger allergy symptoms. Common reactions include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat; nasal congestion; sinus pressure; fatigue; headaches post nasal drip earaches itchy watery ears with foul smell coming from back of throat (posterior laryngitis) are just some symptoms to watch out for.
Allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to harmless substances in the environment, like pollen. When this happens, our bodies produce chemicals such as histamine that cause symptoms.
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, tend to strike at certain times of year when allergens become more widespread. For instance, in Washington DC metro area spring is when tree pollen levels peak; summer sees grass pollen spike; while autumn brings with it ragweed pollens. Mold spores and pet dander may also trigger seasonal allergies for some individuals; antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nose sprays can provide temporary relief while dermatologists can administer skin tests that identify environmental allergens to which individuals are sensitive; prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms as well as devising plans to permanently avoidance of allergens that trigger them long term.
Winter
Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) can leave you sneezing, congested, and itchy eyes; leaving you drained of energy and impacting your mood in ways you hadn’t anticipated. Studies are linking symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis with anxiety and depression.
Seasonal allergies arise when your immune system reacts to airborne allergens like tree, weed and grass pollens, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander – often harmless substances such as tree pollens. An overly sensitive immune system responds by attacking them by secreting antigen-specific immune chemicals like histamines; this causes itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms in an unfortunate chain reaction that leaves sufferers itchy with watery eyes and runny nose.
Antihistamine medications can provide effective relief, and our doctors will recommend treatment options depending on the time of year. Intranasal corticosteroid sprays have been shown to significantly alleviate allergy symptoms by decreasing inflammation and the release of histamines; they may be combined with oral antihistamines and decongestants to provide even further benefits.
Your symptoms could indicate seasonal allergies if they recur at the same time each year and are relieved with medications, particularly intranasal corticosteroids. To determine whether or not you have allergies, visit either your primary care doctor or a clinic specializing in allergies and immunology to get tested; an allergy specialist will conduct either a skin or blood test to confirm what’s causing them.
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