Allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, arise when your immune system responds with an overreaction against harmless substances like pollen. Your immune system then produces chemicals which trigger symptoms including nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing.
Studies have demonstrated the detrimental effect that sniffles have on productivity at work, leading to presenteeism and lost wages. Experts believe climate change is making allergies worse by shortening and lengthening pollen seasons.
Spring
Seasonal allergies (hay fever) occur when airborne pollen from trees, grass and weeds trigger your immune system, leading to itchy eyes, watery eye lids and sneezing as the body releases chemicals that fight allergens that then trigger an uncomfortable chain reaction of symptoms that manifest themselves as itchy watery eyes or sneezing.
Allergies are caused by proteins produced by animals and plants in their fur, skin, poop or urine. Common allergens include tree pollen (including cedar, birch, oak and maple varieties) grass pollen weeds molds as well as animal dander saliva mosquitoes other insects cockroaches bug venom proteins
Allergic reactions caused by allergens can include sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Some individuals are affected from spring through early summer; for others the problem persists all year. Their condition will depend on which types of allergens they’re sensitive to.
Antihistamines and decongestants may help relieve allergy symptoms. If they continue, however, consult a physician about getting tested for environmental allergies and devising an action plan to avoid them in the long-run. They may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms or recommend nasal rinses with sterile saline solution; alternatively they can give subcutaneous injections of allergens over time to build immunity – this process usually takes months or years before becoming effective.
Summer
Seasonal allergies — which usually manifest themselves with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy or watery eyes — typically appear between spring and fall depending on which pollens one is sensitive to. They affect both the membrane lining the nose (allergic rhinitis) and whites of eyes (conjunctivitis), with itchy skin irritation often accompanying sinus congestion or wheezing/itchy throat also often being present.
Spring marks the start of allergy season with alder, birch, beech, elm, hickory and oak pollen being among the primary culprits. Additionally, various grass species produce pollen that is responsible for hay fever such as timothy, rye, bermuda and redtop grass which produces pollen that causes this condition. Other summer allergens include sorrel, ragweed and cocklebur.
Good news is that allergies can often be eased with medication. There is an array of antihistamines and decongestants available without prescription at pharmacies; allergy shots (immunotherapy) provide regular injections containing small amounts of allergens to which one is allergic in order to gradually build tolerance; other common allergy treatments include steroid nasal sprays or oral medications. Our experts can pinpoint what’s triggering your allergies so you can get relief so you can enjoy being outdoors again – allergies don’t need to control lives –
Fall
Allergies can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Some are obvious, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion; other more subtle manifestations include fatigue and aching joints and muscles. If any of these are present in your daily life, it is wise to visit an allergy specialist immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
All allergies result from the immune system’s response to an allergen. When exposed to something that sets off an allergy attack, your immune system releases chemicals like histamines and leukotrienes which irritate nasal passages and impair sleep quality due to blocked sinuses.
Fall allergies are typically caused by ragweed pollination, which typically starts pollinating around August and peaks by September in most parts of the U.S. Other commonly allergenic fall blooms include elm trees, wall pellitorys, Kentucky bluegrasses and goosefoot (a type of weed).
If your seasonal allergies cannot be managed through home remedies, over-the-counter medication and environmental modifications alone, immunotherapy may be recommended by your allergist to decrease the body’s response to allergens over time. Our team of experts will collaborate on creating a plan tailored specifically to you – helping you find relief so you can return to living the life you love!
Winter
Winter allergies may not be as prevalent as spring or summer allergies, yet can still produce similar symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. People suffering from allergens may even develop skin reactions like hives or allergic dermatitis if exposed. Indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mold spores tend to trigger winter allergy symptoms when people turn on the heat to warm their homes and increase air humidity levels in the room.
Allergens are irritating substances that stimulate the immune system to overreact by producing antibodies, which then attach themselves to cells throughout the body and release chemicals known as histamines – leading to allergy symptoms affecting nasal membranes (rhinitis) or eyes/skin (conjunctivitis). Seasonal allergies can often coincide with asthmatic attacks causing wheezing episodes; additional studies are presently being done into how both disorders interact.
Allergies can be diagnosed by assessing symptoms and identifying potential allergens. Testing for allergies is generally unnecessary; however if symptoms are severe or persistent, a specialist in allergy and immunology can offer medical advice about managing it effectively – for instance by prescribing corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamines which help control body’s response to allergens, thus improving quality of life and helping prevent long-term symptoms.
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