Allergies occur when your immune system misidentifies harmless substances like pollen as harmful and attacks them with antibodies, often leading to runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and other symptoms.
Immunotherapy, which exposes you to small doses of the allergen over time, can be particularly helpful. By gradually exposing yourself to it, immune therapy may reduce symptoms.
Spring
As pollen particles fill the air in springtime, millions of people suffering from seasonal allergies experience itchy eyes, runny nose, and sinus pressure symptoms that interfere with daily life. This condition is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever and impacts children and adults throughout America. No matter how mild or severe their allergy symptoms may be, they may severely hamper daily routines.
Allergy symptoms are the result of several different factors and tend to fluctuate according to season and location. They may be caused by plants, trees or indoor allergens such as pet dander, mold and dust mites; effectively managing allergy symptoms during peak allergy seasons can provide long-term relief.
Tree pollen is one of the main allergy triggers during spring, beginning as early as February in some parts of the country and reaching its peak around April. Birch, cedar and cottonwood tree pollens are some of the more frequently allergenic pollen sources; grass pollen allergy triggers may appear beginning in March with Rye grass or Bermuda grass being amongst them.
Experiencing allergies this spring? Consult your otolaryngologist about getting tested with IgE blood testing; this can give a clear indication of the source and aid your search for relief.
Summer
Many people associate “allergy season” with spring, but for the 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 kids living with seasonal allergies, symptoms may continue into late summer and early fall. Hay fever symptoms may actually arise throughout the year if an individual is allergic to plants such as grasses, weeds, or trees that release pollen year-round.
Common allergy symptoms in the summertime include itchy and watery eyes (allergic shiners), runny nose or sinus congestion, sneezing, itching of throat or face as well as itchy or itchy skin, whistling or coughing sounds while breathing and immediate medical intervention if symptoms become more serious (whistling or coughing sound during breathing, for instance). Some individuals may even experience more serious reactions such as whistling or coughing sounds while breathing which require immediate medical intervention.
Tree pollen counts are at their peak from June through August and can exacerbate allergic reactions in those sensitive to trees such as maple, sycamore, birch, elm, aspen or hickory. Also weeds such as ragweed, wall pellitory and English plantain release pollen throughout the summer season and some individuals can develop an adverse reaction when eating certain raw vegetables and fruits from these families like bell peppers, zucchini or tomatoes.
Air pollution from car exhaust and other sources may aggravate allergy symptoms for those who are sensitive. Bees, wasps and other insects with stingers can also trigger allergic reactions that range from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis – so it’s essential that you meet with an allergist and get tested to identify which allergens may be contributing to your symptoms.
Fall
Seasonal allergies are typically triggered by airborne pollen from flowers, trees, grasses or weeds that is carried in the wind. Pollen may elicit symptoms including runny noses and watery eyes as well as itchy skin sensations and congestion; occasionally people experiencing allergic reactions also exhibit skin conditions like raised, itchy welts as well as asthma-related wheezing or tightness in their chest.
Antihistamines and decongestants, both OTC and prescription, may help relieve allergy symptoms. Doctors may also recommend steroid nasal sprays or allergy shots from time to time. Allergy blood testing provides a more detailed picture of an individual’s allergen sensitivities to better direct treatment options.
At the onset of seasonal allergies often coincides with changes in weather conditions. Rain and cool temperatures help reduce pollen counts temporarily, providing some relief; but when temperatures warm up again and dry weather returns, pollen counts increase once again. Ragweed blooms from August through November in many regions across the US, potentially triggering allergy symptoms as it blooms throughout its lifetime. Mold spores that cause respiratory problems also tend to thrive off decomposing plant matter that floats through the air in autumn months.
Winter
Sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose are the hallmark symptoms of seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever), caused when airborne allergens trigger an immune system response. Flowers, trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen grains into the air which then enter our bodies where our immune systems fight them off by producing histamines that combat allergens; leading to runny noses, itchy eyes/noses and nasal congestion – classic symptoms!
Weather plays an integral role in how severe your allergy symptoms are. Dry and windy days often bring on attacks as pollen from plants sticks to surfaces and blows around, while rainy and humid conditions increase the amount of pollen floating through the air.
Allergies can also be caused by household and environmental allergens like mold, pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and mildew – particularly during the winter when spending more time indoors increases and furnaces dry out the air further.
Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief of seasonal allergies; however, if symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes or skin reactions such as hives or dermatitis persist for extended periods, consulting an allergist is strongly advised. They will conduct skin tests to identify what exactly you are allergic to as well as recommend effective treatment options tailored specifically for you.
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