Allergies can cause symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes and sinus pressure. Furthermore, allergies can make people sneeze and cough frequently if they suffer from asthma.
Seasonal allergies–also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever–typically strike at certain times of year. Flowers and tree pollen trigger spring allergies while grass and weed pollen cause summer allergies.
Spring
Spring brings warm temperatures, vibrant flowers, and fresh starts – but for millions of people worldwide it also signals the return of their allergy symptoms. Tree pollen, grass and weed pollen, mold or dust mite allergens may cause this discomfort when carried by wind; landing on eyes, noses or skin could result in itchy, watery eyes, runny noses and coughing fits.
When something triggers an allergy reaction, our immune systems treat it like an intruder and release chemicals to combat it – this reaction causes itchy, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose and coughing as a response. These chemicals include histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which produce symptoms.
Allergen levels tend to peak during spring, depending on your location and specific allergen. Climate change has extended pollen seasons further, lengthening allergy seasons further still and prolonging symptoms even further.
Happily, most spring allergy symptoms can be treated effectively using over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays. You may also benefit from prescription allergy drops or immunotherapy injections to subcutaneous injections (allergy shots). If severe allergy symptoms interfere with your quality of life or cause impairment to work and other areas, speak to your healthcare provider about obtaining IgE blood testing – it will allow them to identify which substances cause allergies so they can avoid them in future.
Summer
Seasonal allergies tend to flare up most commonly during spring, yet those living with seasonal allergies can experience discomfort well into summer as trees, grasses and weeds release pollen that can trigger symptoms – this is especially challenging for people allergic to certain varieties of grass such as rye or timothy. Hay fever (another name for ragweed allergy) symptoms often flare up later in autumn when leaves change color again.
An allergic reaction occurs when your overly sensitive immune system misinterprets an allergen as being harmful, and launches an attack against it, producing symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose.
Warmer temperatures associated with climate change have extended pollen seasons and allergy seasons, meaning even those without allergies can suffer throughout the summer. Luckily, antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays available over-the-counter may provide some relief; for those seeking additional assistance a primary care doctor can prescribe stronger medication such as corticosteroid nasal sprays or immunotherapy via subcutaneous injections.
Apart from taking allergy medication, it’s also wise to limit outdoor activities that expose you to pollen and mold spores, like windy weather conditions or lawnmowing and leaf-raking activities. That includes staying indoors during windy weather conditions or keeping windows closed; staying inside when it’s windy would help, along with showering/changing clothes after spending time outside as pollen spores can cling to hair and skin surfaces easily.
Fall
As days shorten and leaves change color, autumn allergies often flare up in force. Unfortunately, this time of year brings with it some unexpected complications for some individuals.
Fall allergies differ significantly from their spring/summer counterparts in that most symptoms are caused by weed pollens like ragweed. Other culprits can include burning bush, cocklebur, mugwort and tumbleweed depending on your region – pollen levels typically peaking between late August and November.
As we move into spring and summer, people with allergies may experience runny noses, watery eyes, itchy throats and scratchy coughs. Some individuals may even develop an adverse reaction to raw fruits and vegetables known as pollen food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome.
If you suffer from fall allergies, it is wise to start taking antihistamines a couple of weeks prior to allergy season arriving. Also keep an eye on local ragweed pollen counts and try not to spend time outdoors when these are high; when venturing outdoors when these levels are elevated be sure to wear a mask; upon returning indoors don’t forget to wash hands and change clothes to remove allergens that have settled onto skin, hair or clothing!
Winter
Winter may come as a surprise, but winter can still be hazardous for allergy sufferers. People are mostly indoors during this season, increasing exposure to mold spores found in decomposing plant matter as well as pet dander that sheds more frequently during colder temperatures.
Birch and cedar trees release pollen during wintertime in warmer climates, often producing symptoms similar to those caused by common colds or flus. Itchy eyes, watery eyelids and runny nose are just some of the many symptoms caused by allergies; thus making it hard to tell whether your symptoms are coming from allergies or viral infection.
Allergic symptoms may be alleviated with medications like antihistamines and decongestants that are both available over-the-counter and with a valid valid prescription. If symptoms don’t improve or persist, however, it’s essential that you visit Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center where our team of allergists conduct specific IgE blood testing in order to pinpoint which allergens are triggering symptoms in order to provide long-lasting relief.
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts excessively to allergens and produces IgE antibodies to fight them, binding to and irritating nasal passage surfaces causing symptoms like itchy, watery eyes and runny nose if left untreated. When symptoms go untreated they can compromise breathing as well as lead to further complications that require medical intervention.
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