Allergies typically flare at specific times throughout the year. Depending on which pollen species causes an allergy reaction, allergy season could last several weeks or months.
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when pollen or mold spores enter the body and trigger an immune reaction. Learn about what causes these symptoms as well as ways medication or immunotherapy may treat them effectively.
Spring
As soon as the snow melts and temperatures warm up, pollen counts quickly rise. Millions of people experience seasonal allergy symptoms each spring and summer known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever; symptoms typically include itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, itchy nostrils/throat/thrush, congestion/itch, sneezing sinus pressure fatigue headaches. Allergens cause this reaction by entering our immune systems and producing chemicals which attack and inflame airways and sinuses.
Trees release the highest pollen count during spring, followed by grass and ragweed as summer progresses. Meanwhile, perennial allergens like mold can also present symptoms year-round, particularly in humid or wet weather.
Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and oral allergy drops are often effective ways of managing allergy symptoms, relieving symptoms while suppressing immune system response. Decongestants help clear mucus from nasal passageways. Immunotherapy may be prescribed for severe allergy symptoms; this involves injecting small doses of allergen directly under the skin over several months or years in order to train the body’s tolerance of it – either professionally by a physician, or self-injected using an injector that holds allergen under needle for injection under needle into skin tissue such as in arms or necks.
Summer
An allergy flare-up during the summer season typically presents itself with symptoms like itchy, watery eyes or runny nose; other possible indicators may include sneezing, itchy, watery nose or throat and itching of nose and mouth. If these persist for more than 24 hours or so, children should visit their physician to get the assistance necessary to feel better.
Allergies result from the immune system’s excessive reaction to typically harmless substances known as allergens, releasing histamines that cause itching, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. If an allergy reaction becomes life-threatening (for example requiring difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat and wide spread rash), medical assistance must be sought immediately as this could become life threatening.
Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds as well as mold spores. Tree pollen such as maple, sycamore, birch and oak trees tend to peak during the summer. Weeds like ragweed, wall pellitory and English plantain as well as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass and Timothy grass can also trigger allergy symptoms; mold spores thrive in warm, humid environments and often trigger reactions as well.
Fall
As summer fades into fall, a new season of runny noses and itchy eyes begins. Seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever) typically become worse around this time, including itchy and watery eyes, throat itching and sneezing.
Fall allergies tend to be brought on by ragweed pollen, which begins releasing pollen around late August and continues until the first frost. Other pollen sources such as grass and tree pollen also become more prominent during warm, humid days in September – as can mold spores which thrive in such conditions.
Fall is often associated with allergic reactions from pollen from burning bush, cocklebur, ragweed and tumbleweed; additionally, molds growing on bales of hay or fallen leaves in damp environments like basements or attics can also trigger itchy eyes and itchy watery eyes in people.
Antihistamines and nasal sprays may help ease allergy symptoms. Amiji suggests starting the use of these medicines a couple of weeks prior to allergy season beginning, and taking them consistently throughout its course. He also suggests wearing a face mask while outdoors and using nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory eye drops for itching or burning eye problems. Patients experiencing more serious allergic symptoms should speak with their primary care physicians for referral to an allergist; alternatively they can book an appointment online directly.
Winter
Though most people associate seasonal allergies with spring, summer and fall symptoms, allergy sufferers may also experience issues in winter due to indoor triggers like mold spores, mildew or pet dander.
Allergies tend to increase during the winter due to our spending more time indoors where allergens accumulate. Furthermore, people close their doors and windows more frequently in colder weather to conserve heat – this traps allergens inside with us while our heating systems recirculate indoor air again, intensifying any allergic responses further.
Immune systems react to allergens by producing histamines that cause you to sneeze, tear up or itch; this is a normal response that helps fight allergens off; antihistamine medications help soften this response by slowing histamine release.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide temporary relief for seasonal allergies, including sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms like sneezing. OTC saline sprays may help clear out irritated nasal passages while eye drops provide soothing relief from watery, itchy eyes. If OTC remedies don’t offer relief, speaking to a healthcare professional might provide more effective remedies; allergen immunotherapy (which involves gradually exposing yourself to small amounts of an allergen to build immunity over time) might provide another effective option; especially useful if recurrent allergies arises.
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