Allergies often lead to runny noses, itchy and watery eyes and sneezing. Furthermore, they may lead to coughing and wheezing in people with asthma.
To accurately diagnose allergies, visit a physician and get a proper diagnosis. Your physician may suggest skin testing or blood analysis as appropriate tests to check.
Spring
Spring brings baseball games and outdoor activities, but for millions of people it also means runny noses, sneezing, and watery eyes due to seasonal allergies (or “hay fever”). Seasonal allergies occur when trees and grasses release pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants; when people with allergies respond by releasing chemicals including histamine into their bloodstream in response, which causes symptoms like itchy, watery eyes and runny noses.
Based on your location, allergy symptoms may manifest themselves differently throughout the year. Spring sees tree pollen bloom and cause havoc across most regions, followed by grass pollen in summer and finally ragweed (a major hay fever trigger) during autumn.
Some allergies have the ability to affect not only respiratory systems but also skin conditions like eczema. Warmer temperatures caused by climate change have extended pollen seasons, leaving more allergens out in the air longer and increasing exposure for those living with allergies. People who know they are allergic can get ahead of this problem by discussing IgE blood testing with healthcare providers and finding effective strategies for exposure reduction.
Summer
Allergies can be an uncomfortable summer reality for people living with seasonal allergies, who typically experience itchy eyes and runny noses due to pollen, mold or weed allergens such as pollen. Allergen levels vary by region; weather apps can give an idea of pollen levels near you. Allergies occur when your immune system interprets something it perceives as harmful as an immediate threat and releases chemicals that trigger symptoms like runny nose, itchy watery eyes, coughing and wheezing; unlike colds which typically only last a few days before dissipating.
Warmer temperatures associated with climate change are lengthening pollen seasons and making symptoms of allergies worse, with plants such as ragweed and grass producing more pollen for longer. Extreme heat and humidity may further exacerbate symptoms.
Treatment for seasonal allergies typically begins with over-the-counter antihistamines combined with decongestants and/or steroid nasal sprays. If these medications fail to control symptoms effectively, immunotherapy (injecting yourself with allergens you’re sensitive to over time in doctor’s offices) may be prescribed in an effort to gradually build tolerance to them; also avoidance may be key for many patients.
Fall
Fall often arrives more subtly than spring, yet for the one in four adults and one in five children suffering from seasonal allergies it can still be challenging. Sneezing, itchy eyes and postnasal drip are some of the hallmarks of autumn allergies.
Ragweed is often considered the primary cause of fall allergies; however, other plants such as nettles, mugworts, fat hens and plantains may also produce pollen that causes reactions in sensitive individuals. Pollination from allergy-causing plants could continue through November depending on weather conditions.
Avoiding fall allergens requires taking similar measures as with summer: keep windows closed on warm, windy days when pollen counts are highest; as well as refrain from outdoor activities like mowing the lawn or taking walks during these times.
Whenever venturing outdoors, make sure to shower and change out of your clothes to remove pollen from them before returning indoors. Wipe your feet before entering your home; as you may have tracked in mold or other allergens from outdoors onto carpet or furniture. If over-the-counter medicines and nasal sprays don’t provide relief, consult your physician for subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) which are given over several months or years and aim at desensitizing your immune system to allergens that trigger your symptoms.
Winter
Winter allergies commonly develop when kids spend too much time indoors and are exposed to indoor allergens such as mold, pet dander, dust mites and cockroach droppings – these allergens cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Allergies can strike any region at any time of year, depending on what types of pollen are circulating at that particular moment and in what quantities. When these invaders arrive at the immune system’s threshold, histamines are released, leading to allergic reactions such as sneezing.
Children suffering from seasonal allergies need to limit their exposure to allergens as effectively as possible, including outdoor activities at peak pollen times and using air conditioning during the day to filter out pollen and pollutants. Furthermore, using a dryer rather than hanging clothes outside may also help as pollen can adhere itself to clothing items.
If your child’s symptoms do not subside over time, visiting an allergist should be the next step. They can prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms like an itchy, runny nose and watery eyes, as well as immunotherapy – giving injections over a period of time in increasing amounts to expose immune systems gradually to allergens that cause symptoms – may help them build resistance over time, making immunotherapy ideal for those who experience persistent allergies. For children who exhibit more severe reactions or those who require regular medical attention for chronic allergy issues this could also help build immunity over time – making treatment options suitable options when necessary.
Comments are closed