Seasonal allergies differ from perennial (annual) allergies in that their symptoms only arise at certain times of year when specific allergens are present, as well as from common colds.
As temperatures warm, trees and flowers begin pollinating, which can trigger seasonal allergies causing your nose to run, eyes water and cause you to sneeze – this condition is known as allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Pollen
Allergies to pollen arise as an immune response to tiny grain-like pollen grains released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds as part of plant reproduction; but for people allergic to this pollen it can lead to symptoms including sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes.
Your seasonal allergy symptoms depend on where and what pollen type are present in your environment, but in general they tend to flare up in spring when trees begin reemerging with pollen bearing blossoms, followed by peak grass pollen levels in summer, followed by ragweed pollen in fall.
Pollen is very lightweight and can travel long distances in the air, carrying with it allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. To reduce symptoms related to allergies, it is important to keep windows and doors closed during night hours, wash clothing/hair after spending time outdoors, and wear protective clothing when engaging in outdoor activities.
Medication and immunotherapy (allergy shots) may help control seasonal allergies for some. Consult your physician regarding treatment options; immunotherapy works best when started after pollen levels have declined during the off-peak seasons and tolerance is built up over time; this process may take up to one year.
Mold
Molds are types of fungus found both indoors and outdoors, flourishing in damp environments. When inhaling mold spores, your immune system produces allergy-causing antibodies to attack these molds causing symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus congestion and possibly asthma flare-ups. More serious reactions may arise for those predisposed such as asthmatics or those with compromised immune systems such as those suffering from HIV; those suffering these preconditions could experience more severe reactions; some even developing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis which causes both an allergic and inflammatory reaction within their lungs causing both an allergic and inflammatory reaction in response.
Your doctor may suggest performing both skin and blood tests to detect whether you have a mold allergy. A skin test uses minute extracts of various molds applied directly onto your skin; when they cause a positive reaction, this shows up as red, raised areas. As for blood testing, antibodies against various mold types are checked against against which ones you might be sensitized to.
Mold allergies are treatable with medication such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays, both designed to ease itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms and nasal corticosteroid sprays that reduce inflammation and stuffiness. Some physicians may suggest immunotherapy as another means of managing these allergies over time by injecting small doses of the allergen under medical supervision – this allows your body to gradually adapt less reactively over time.
Dust
If your symptoms occur on an ongoing basis rather than during specific seasons, a dust mite allergy could be at play. Triggered by their droppings that come into contact with pillows, mattresses, duvets and carpets; their droppings easily crumble up in the air to cause reactions in those with an allergy to dust mites.
As with pollen allergies, mold allergies often involve inflammation of the nasal passage (allergic rhinitis) and eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). People suffering from this condition may also have wheezing due to allergens like mold or animal dander causing swelling or congestion in these areas.
Your allergist can use the skin-prick method to test you for dust mite allergy, by gently pricking small amounts of allergen extracts onto your skin and monitoring how you react. If a reaction occurs, red and itchy bumps may appear at where allergen landed – an indicator that an allergist has identified an allergic substance and will guide their treatment plan accordingly.
Allergists may prescribe antihistamine sprays, liquids and pills to alleviate your symptoms of allergies. They can also suggest decongestants to ease congestion as well as nasal corticosteroids to widen blood vessels in your nose (nasal corticosteroids). Some allergists provide sublingual immunotherapy treatments which allow your immune system to gradually build tolerance to allergens over time.
Animals
Immune systems are vital tools designed to defend us against pathogens like viruses and bacteria, yet sometimes their response can go awry, leading to inflammation and potentially leading to symptoms including allergies.
Allergies in pets typically manifest as skin symptoms, such as itchy spots that lead to excessive scratching or biting by dogs, leading to infections of skin and ears as well as other dermatological issues. Pollen from trees or weeds; molds; mildews and dust mites as well as animal and human dander may all trigger allergies in animals; symptoms may manifest during spring, summer or fall periods although symptoms could appear year round.
If your pet exhibits allergy symptoms, they should visit their veterinarian immediately. A physical exam and diagnostic tests can be run, while skin testing may also be recommended to identify allergens they react against.
Treating seasonal allergies in pets involves minimizing exposure to triggers. While this is difficult, as allergens cannot always be completely avoided, anti-itch medication and immunotherapy treatment may help. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of allergens until desensitization takes place – giving your pet shots may help as well.
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