Allergies affect more than 60 million people nationwide, leading to symptoms such as runny nose and itchy eyes and nose. Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds releases pollen grains into the air that trigger allergies in these people.
Seasonal allergies (also referred to as hay fever) occur only at certain times of year and can be caused by tree pollen, grass pollen or weed pollen. Over-the-counter allergy medications may provide some relief.
Spring
Most people love spring and summer for its vibrant flowers blooming, birds chirping, and outdoor activities to take advantage of. However, for those living with seasonal allergies – known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever – spring is when symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus congestion can strike.
Dependent upon where you reside, allergy symptoms may begin as early as February from tree pollen (birch trees, oaks and elms are especially problematic) or as late as June when grass pollen peaks; mold spores and ragweed are other possible triggers.
Warmer temperatures caused by climate change have extended pollen seasons and made allergy symptoms worse, experts speculate. An increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere may help plants produce more pollen that is potency greater and cause stronger allergic reactions than ever.
Allergy sufferers should discuss their symptoms with their physician. He/she can perform tests such as skin testing or blood work to identify possible environmental allergens and prescribe medicines such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants and eye drops that can relieve their symptoms. They may also recommend immunosensitization therapy (allergy shots or desensitization therapy), which involves injecting small doses of allergen over time in order to decrease immune system responses that lead to symptoms.
Summer
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens and produces symptoms including runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing; for some this also includes wheezing and sinus pressure. Seasonal symptoms typically appear during certain times of year when certain allergens such as tree pollen in springtime, grass pollen in summer or ragweed are in the air; symptoms usually worsen with each passing season when certain allergens enter our atmosphere such as tree pollen in springtime, grass pollen in summer or ragweed in fall.
Pollen is a powdery substance produced by trees, grasses and weeds to fertilize other plants, carried by wind currents or dispersed by insects or plant bodies. When inhaled by those with seasonal allergies it triggers their immune systems’ reaction by producing antibodies against it which attacks it directly resulting in runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing symptoms as a result of chemical production from their immune systems resulting in allergy symptoms like runny noses.
Antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants may help relieve allergy symptoms. If these medications don’t do the trick, immunotherapy may provide long-term relief; gradually exposing yourself to the allergen that triggers symptoms can desensitize over time and eventually eliminate symptoms altogether. If these treatments don’t help either way, consulting with an allergy or asthma specialist may be necessary in managing long-term symptoms.
Fall
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, occur when someone’s immune system overreacts against certain airborne allergens that produce itchy eyes and runny or stuffy nose symptoms. Allergies occur because antibodies produced by our bodies attack these allergens by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE antibodies trigger responses such as sneezing and congestion leading to itchy eyes as well.
Springtime allergies tend to be particularly problematic, with tree pollen often being the major offender. Summer months bring different varieties of grass pollen, while autumn marks ragweed season.
Allergy sufferers can find relief for itchy eyes and runny noses by taking over-the-counter or prescription medications, including intranasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nasal drops. Rinsing sinuses with saline solutions such as those found in neti pots may also help relieve congestion while providing quick relief of symptoms.
If symptoms persist, an allergist can perform skin tests and blood tests to identify which environmental allergens cause allergy symptoms in a person. Once identified, medications to relieve symptoms will likely be prescribed while immunotherapy or “allergy shots,” consisting of injecting small amounts of allergens over time into one arm may also be recommended as part of a plan to build tolerance and build immunity over time. These therapies may be available through doctors offices and may help increase tolerance.
Winter
Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to normally harmless airborne substances (allergens) such as pollen from trees, grasses and ragweed, or indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander or mold spores that normally wouldn’t harm. They usually manifest at certain times of year–for instance in spring from tree pollen, summer from grass/ragweed/grass pollen/ragweed pollen or winter dust mite allergens like pet dander/pet dander/mold spores etc causing symptoms like runny nose/itchy watery eyes with symptoms like coughing/sneezing/coughing coughing/coughing coughing congestion/fatigue as well as membranes lining your nose/eyelids (conjunctiva), giving rise to allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/ conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/conjunctivitis/ conjunctivitis/allergen causing conjunctivitis/ allergy related symptoms rhinitis/ allergies as affecting conjunctivitis caused by other allergens such as dust mite dander/ moldspore spore allergy related issues spora related issues sporeitits etc spor spora issues etc spora.itits related issues caused rhinitititititititititits due to dust mite/dus/spor spor spor spora it/ititis etc symptoms as symptoms such as this condition/con/ conjuncitis etc…
People living with seasonal allergies experience symptoms throughout the year, but their symptoms often worsen at certain times of year depending on what triggers their allergy. For those suffering from spring allergies, trees reemerging can cause problems; those suffering with hay fever deal with field crops reappearing; while indoor allergies often see increased mold or dust mite levels in their home environment.
Visit an allergist if you experience persistent nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, persistent sneezing for more than several days, hives or dermatitis symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter medicines, lifestyle adjustments and lifestyle modifications, hives or dermatitis symptoms which do not go away when prescribed over-the-counter medication is taken as prescribed, hives that do not subside, hives that persist despite treatments as directed, or other symptoms that do not respond well to medication prescribed and lifestyle adjustments alone. Your doctor can administer tests in order to determine what allergies cause symptoms while helping devising plans to alleviate them in future visits and provide relief plans which will alleviate them altogether.
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