Flowers blooming and trees sprouting leaves may bring out seasonal allergies in some people, usually when exposed to specific types of pollen and are at their worst from spring through early fall.
Hay fever symptoms result from an immune system overreacting to harmless airborne pollen spores and producing chemicals that irritate. Common signs include runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Spring
Allergies affect 50 million people in the US, making them the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Allergic reactions may be triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, weeds and flowers as well as molds and dust mites; symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, itching of nose and throat area, sinus congestion with nasal discharge, sneezing fits, scratchy or stuffy feeling in nose or ears and more.
Spring allergy symptoms typically originate with tree pollen. Birch trees begin pollinating in March; oak and maple trees follow suit later that month or even into June if conditions warrant it. Grass allergies typically peak between late spring and summer time while ragweed allergens become an issue in autumn; for some individuals however, allergies can persist year-round, especially if exposed to indoor allergens like molds and dust mites.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly recognizes harmless airborne substances as threats and releases chemicals to combat them, producing histamines which result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. You can reduce allergy symptoms by limiting outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, taking antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids medication as prescribed, closing windows and doors at home and in cars more often and keeping windows and doors shut at all times.
Summer
Summer can be an exciting and relaxing time of year, yet can also cause unpleasant allergy symptoms for many people. Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is caused by airborne pollen from plants such as grasses and weeds as well as trees which produce pollen in summer; symptoms may include sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, runny or stuffy nose and nasal congestion.
Allergies stimulate an immune response when the body recognizes certain allergens as invaders and produces antibodies to combat them, so it’s essential that you become familiar with your triggers, such as pollen, weeds, mold and dust mites.
Avoiding allergens as much as possible, particularly during times when pollen counts are high, can help limit exposure and alleviate symptoms. Staying indoors after being outdoors, washing hands and face after being outside, and showering prior to going to sleep are all ways you can lower exposure and minimize symptoms.
No official start date exists for allergy season; since allergens peak at different points throughout the year. Springtime brings tree pollen while summer brings grass and weed pollen production and fall marks the beginning of ragweed pollen season. Some areas also experience cedar fever when pollen-producing cedar trees continue to release pollen throughout winter; otherwise most winter allergies come from indoor allergens like pet dander or mold production.
Fall
Now is the season to enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful fall foliage — yet you may not be so delighted to experience runny noses and itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis). Allergies are caused by airborne pollen from different sources that enters your nose through airflow, leading to nasal congestion, itchy, watery eyes and a scratchy throat; symptoms typically fluctuate throughout the year but if certain times come around then seasonal allergies could be to blame.
Dr. Aronica discusses the most prevalent causes and solutions of fall allergies, with itchy, watery eyes often being one of the main symptoms. The first step towards relief should be identifying your triggers through allergy testing; once done, over-the-counter or prescription medication can also help alleviate them.
Allergies caused by ragweed, mold and weather changes tend to peak during the fall months. Symptoms often begin around mid- to late August and last up until the first good snowfall. Warmer temperatures due to climate change are helping plants like ragweed produce pollen for extended periods. Furthermore, carbon dioxide levels have increased and may make certain individuals more sensitive to allergens.
Winter
Winter allergies are less prevalent than spring and summer allergies, yet can still produce itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing symptoms that are just as annoying. Most commonly they’re caused by indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, cockroach droppings and fungi thriving in cold temperatures; additional irritants could also come from burning wood in fireplaces and furnaces.
Tree pollen from birch and cedar trees could be an allergy trigger for some in northern climates.2
Air quality during the winter can often be poor, especially as snow and ice accumulate on roads and homes. This can aggravate seasonal allergy symptoms by drying out nasal passages and making them more vulnerable to indoor allergens. People tend to spend more time indoors during this season than outdoors which increases exposure. Furthermore, forced-air heating systems and ductwork may circulate allergens throughout their home further exacerbating exposure.
Speak to your physician about IgE blood testing to help pinpoint what may be triggering allergy-like symptoms and develop an effective management plan. While over-the-counter allergy medication such as antihistamines may provide temporary relief, preventative measures are key when managing seasonal allergies.
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