Allergies can be treated using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants to alleviate symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe desensitization therapy to gradually build tolerance against specific allergens over months or years.
Seasonal allergies are caused by outdoor allergens that peak at different times during the year, but some individuals have what are known as perpetual allergies that remain active year round.
Pollen
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds can trigger runny noses, itchy eyes and other symptoms in allergy season. When someone is sensitive to pollen, their immune system recognizes it as an invader and produces antibodies against it – this causes hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms like itchy skin patches, runny or stuffy noses and watery eyes when exposed again to that particular allergen.
Pollen type can play a key role in when symptoms appear; for example, juniper pollen might trigger allergy symptoms during spring, cottonwood in summer and ragweed in fall. Other tree pollens like oak or elm may also produce reactions as well as grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or timothy.
Allergy medicines may help alleviate symptoms by providing oral, nasal, and ocular antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays – either over-the-counter or by prescription. For severe allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots) is another solution; weekly injections with gradually increasing doses for several months followed by monthly shots every three to five years until symptoms have subsided or no longer return – consult with your physician for further advice and treatment options.
Mold
Mold is an organic-decomposing fungus that contributes to nature by breaking down cellulosic materials into soil and fertilizers. It thrives in humid environments and emits airborne spores; like pollen, mold spores may cause allergy symptoms in some people with whom they come into contact, such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose or coughing; sometimes people allergic to mold may even experience skin irritation or rashes as a reaction.
Seasonal mold allergies tend to be at their worst during fall and winter as plant remains that died during the summer start decomposing and release their spores into the air. Gardening and other outdoor activities often expose people more directly to mold spores in this period; moreover, rainy periods tend to bring higher concentrations of mold spores into our environments than during other times of the year.
People may be allergic to one specific mold spore type while others can react cross-reactively with various types. A physician can then conduct a skin test in order to pinpoint their allergen.
Medication such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays can all help reduce allergy symptoms. Your physician may also suggest sinus rinse kits to keep your nostrils clear of mucus buildup. In severe cases of mold allergy, immunotherapy shots may help build tolerance against mold spores; such treatment could prove lifesaving for some individuals who are sensitive to mold spores.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are small insects found living in bedding, carpeting and other household fabrics. Their droppings cause allergic reactions in susceptible people that mimic those caused by cold viruses: runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing are typical symptoms. Dust mites may even aggravate asthma attacks in some instances.
Allergy testing can help pinpoint the allergens triggering your symptoms. Your physician will ask about when and for how long these occur before conducting a physical exam on your face, eyes and nasal passages with a lighted instrument to see if swelling has taken place which could indicate allergies.
As soon as an allergen enters our bodies, our immune systems react by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies which target it. Over time, however, your IgE levels build up, leading to increasingly severe allergy symptoms. If your allergy testing identifies dust mite proteins as the cause, allergen immunotherapy could be beneficial; it involves receiving injections that gradually build tolerance against allergens; your doctor can suggest the most suitable approach based on IgE results and other available treatments such as over-the-counter antihistamines/decongestants which relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes etc.
Pets
Dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies just like people; though their symptoms may not match those seen in humans. If your pet is constantly sniffling and sneezing, scratching at its skin or paws, or has chronic itchy ears which cannot be explained, allergy testing could be the key to finding out the source.
Allergy testing typically includes either blood or intradermal testing that measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against specific allergens. IgE antibodies remain on alert against allergens that might trigger reactions when present, such as tree, grass, ragweed pollen as well as mold spores, house dust mites and human/animal dander – commonly seasonal triggers of allergy symptoms include these allergens.
If your dog has been experiencing sniffling, sneezing, itching or watery eyes for any reason, visit your veterinarian immediately. In addition to diagnosing the source of his allergy symptoms and prescribing treatment accordingly. Our veterinarians can prescribe treatments designed to both relieve their symptoms as well as stop further worsening of them.
Be mindful that pets such as dogs and cats can accumulate pollen on their fur, so wiping it off after going outside on days with high pollen counts is one way to limit exposure. Furthermore, regular baths with mild hypoallergenic shampoo will further help minimize allergen accumulation on their coat and keep them more comfortable.
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