Seasonal Allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis, can result in itchy and watery eyes, stuffy nose, coughing congestion and sneezing. They may be caused by pollen from trees, grass or weeds as well as mold spores or pet dander.
Warmer temperatures allow trees and other plants to blossom earlier and produce more pollen, while air pollution makes pollen allergenic.
Spring
Allergies can be more than a mere nuisance; they can also pose health threats. Seasonal allergies may exacerbate eczema in those with sensitive skin and allergens can worsen asthma symptoms among those living with chronic illnesses.
Seasonal Allergies, more commonly referred to as Hay Fever, result from an allergic response to outdoor allergens such as mold spores and pollen (trees, grass or ragweed). Their symptoms typically manifest themselves during specific times of year when these allergens are more likely to be found.
When spring arrives, tree pollen is typically the biggest culprit when it comes to seasonal allergies. Birch, oak and maple trees tend to cause the most trouble; their allergenic traits often first surface between March and April and can even continue into May. Meanwhile, grass pollen season typically starts late February and peaks sometime during May; often overlapped by tree pollen allergy season.
Climate change-linked temperatures have lengthened pollen seasons and caused plants to produce more pollen for longer, worsening allergies and worsening symptoms throughout each season.
If medications, environmental modifications and avoiding triggers don’t help manage allergy symptoms effectively, consulting with an allergist for in-depth testing and treatments such as immunotherapy may provide long-term relief through decreasing your body’s immune response to allergens such as shots or sublingual drops.
Summer
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis, are caused by allergens released into the air that trigger an immune response in people’s bodies that misidentifies as harmful substances such as mold spores, pollen from trees, grass or ragweed, dust mites or dust particles. When inhaled or come into contact with skin contact from an allergen, chemicals are released that trigger symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes/noses.
Pollen-related allergies typically strike in spring, summer and fall. Tree pollen is often the primary culprit – particularly alder, birch, elm, horse chestnut and oak pollens are of particular concern – while summer brings grass pollens (including timothy, Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass as well as weeds such as ragweed) that become problematic; autumn is generally known for being peak ragweed season.
Summer allergies may be made worse by both outdoor allergens as well as indoor irritants such as pet dander and mold growth, with hot, humid weather favouring mold development in many regions of the country.
Antihistamines and decongestants available over-the-counter or through a doctor can help alleviate allergy symptoms, while sinus irrigation with sterile saline solution may be beneficial in relieving congestion. If over-the-counter medication does not provide relief, your physician can administer a skin test to identify environmental allergens; then prescribe medication or subcutaneous immunotherapy treatments over time that reduce your body’s response to them.
Fall
Allergies may be more prevalent during spring, but seasonal allergies may also worsen during the fall season for those suffering from “hay fever”. Unfortunately, fall can often be just as harsh on those suffering than spring for various reasons.
Ragweed pollen is often the source of fall allergy symptoms in many regions. This annual plant can grow nearly anywhere and pollinate from late summer until November, triggering symptoms even among people living far from its source. Molds and other indoor allergens also tend to increase with cooler weather.
Seasonal allergies typically manifest themselves through symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and itching in the mouth. They may be further triggered by certain foods like melons, zucchini and apples which contain proteins similar to what can be found in ragweed pollen pollen which mimic its chemicals; this mimicry then triggers oral allergy syndrome in its entirety.
Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may provide temporary relief of allergy symptoms. Some experts also advise wearing a mask covering both nose and mouth to protect from large allergen particles; though this does not completely block all allergens. Immunotherapy may also help decrease body sensitivity over time.
Winter
End of summer/beginning of fall marks the start of allergy season for many. When temperatures begin to decrease, trees emerge from winter dormancy to release tree pollen that causes seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever symptoms; grass pollen continues to rise throughout summer while ragweed becomes an especially potent source in autumn; those suffering seasonal allergies typically experience symptoms including sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, runny nose congestion and itchy skin patches, including hives or dermatitis.
People suffering from allergies may suffer symptoms year-round depending on their sensitivity and triggers; this is known as perennial allergies. Pet dander, mildew, mold spores and dust mites are frequently the source of perennial reactions; additionally damp conditions in winter weather often promote mold growth in areas like bathrooms and basements; while wood smoke from fireplaces or wood-burning stoves may further exacerbate allergic responses in some individuals.
Those experiencing seasonal allergies should consult with a physician specializing in allergy treatment for assistance. Allergists can administer tests to identify allergens, prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms, and devise long-term plans to avoid them altogether. Common treatments for seasonal allergies include over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nose sprays while more severe reactions may require subcutaneous injections of allergens into the immune system via subcutaneous shots (shots).
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