Seasonal allergies (or allergic rhinitis) is a prevalent condition that often manifests itself through runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. They typically start around spring when trees reemerge and release pollen into the environment; grass pollen comes later while fall is typically when ragweed pollen becomes active.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consult your physician. They may refer you to an allergist for skin or blood testing to pinpoint allergy triggers.
Pollen
Allergies caused by pollen are a frequent spring and summer complaint. Pollen, produced by male flowers of seed plants for reproduction (pollination), is carried through the air by birds, insects, or wind to another flower and serves as food for bees and other flowering plants.
As soon as your immune system encounters pollen grains, its response can go into overdrive and cause runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy mouth/throat irritation and congestion symptoms to emerge.
Different climates affect what grows and blooms at specific times, as well as how much pollen is released. Rising global temperatures have made trees produce pollen earlier and for longer, and some non-native landscaping species, like ragweed, that were introduced over time are now highly allergenic (resulting in allergy outbreaks for some).
In order to manage pollen allergy symptoms, keep windows closed during the daytime and monitor local weather reports for pollen counts in your area. Antihistamine or corticosteroid nasal spray taken two hours prior to going outside may reduce severity of allergy symptoms. It may also be worthwhile considering using a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when gardening or mowing the lawn.
Mold
Allergic reactions to mold are more prevalent during spring when temperatures warm and rains lead to outdoor and indoor mold growth, just as pollen does. Like pollen, mold spores can be inhaled and trigger an allergic response similar to pollen’s. Fungi thrive in damp environments like logs, compost piles and grass where they release their spores into the air – when wind blows, these get carried to other locations and cause nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip.
Mold spores trigger an immune system response by producing antibodies against them; when inhaled, this leads to release of chemicals including histamine that cause allergy symptoms.
Allergy medications can help to decrease histamine production and alleviate allergy symptoms, while nasal rinses such as saline solutions or HEPA filters may help clear nasal passages of allergens or irritants. Saline solutions or HEPA filters may be effective at clearing away allergens and irritants while intranasal steroids such as Flonase and Rhinocort Aqua may reduce swelling associated with sinusitis and allergies, while antihistamines help relieve itchy watery eyes caused by histamine release – while older forms tend to produce drowsiness or side effects when taken; newer forms typically produce less severe side effects or both conditions.
Greater Austin Allergy can assist in understanding your allergies and providing a treatment plan to enhance your quality of life. Our specialists may recommend various solutions, such as allergy shots designed to desensitize specific allergens as well as over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or intranasal steroids, and more.
Dust
Allergies to dust mites found in carpeting, drapes and bedding may develop throughout the year and symptoms may worsen in the morning when dust mites are most active. If severe symptoms arise, seek medical advice immediately.
All allergies are caused by our immune systems’ overreacting to an environmental irritant known as allergens that is generally harmless to most. When allergic rhinitis (hay fever) strikes, however, our bodies mistakenly interpret allergens as invaders and attack them, leading to an outburst of natural chemicals which inflame nose, eyes and throat tissues and produce runny noses, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing fits or even wheezing fits – usually associated with such attacks! Children suffering severe symptoms may even wheezing as symptoms accompany these attacks.
Seasonal allergies typically flare up during spring when flowering trees produce pollen that blows on the wind and settles into sensitive people’s nose or throat, though allergy season can sometimes start as early as February in certain regions. Spring allergies typically continue through summer as grasses and weeds pollinate before mold spores and animal dander become predominant, followed by fall when mold spores and animal dander become prominent factors.
Your physician can diagnose hay fever through a review of your symptom history and physical exam, inquiring into your work/home environments, eating habits, family medical history and exposure to pets. Skin testing can also be used to detect allergic reactions by watching how the body reacts when small amounts of allergens are placed onto skin and measured for reactions.
Animals
Springtime brings with it seasonal allergies for millions of people and our four-legged friends – cats and dogs included! Like humans, cats and dogs may suffer from pollen allergies caused by pollen spores, grass pollen, flowers pollen or mold that causes irritation or itching – symptoms which not only become annoying but can lead to skin lesions and secondary infections as well as excessive licking/chewing which leads to hair loss.
Sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and scratchy skin can all be symptoms of environmental allergen allergies in pets. An unusual itchiness that does not respond to over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl should also serve as an early warning sign that there could be allergy issues present.
An extensive physical exam, history of allergy flare-ups and diagnostic tests can help your pet’s itchy skin issues be diagnosed more accurately. Before making an allergy diagnosis, other conditions should be ruled out such as skin mites, fungal infections and endocrine diseases; immunotherapy will likely be advised in order to desensitize him/her against environmental allergens causing his symptoms, via injections which gradually build tolerance over time; until an effective solution has been identified it is crucial that you keep his/her itching under control in order to minimize their discomfort.
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