Allergies can strike at any time, but most people experience seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever) during spring, summer and fall due to pollen, mold spores and other outdoor allergens.
Antihistamines, oral steroids and eye drops may provide temporary relief of symptoms.
Spring
As spring unfolds and flowers blossom, a surge of pollen fills the sky – signaling for millions of people the start of seasonal allergies (or “hay fever”).
Pollen grains produced by trees, grasses and weeds to fertilize other plants come into contact with our skin or our nose or mouth and cause an allergic response in our bodies, leading to symptoms like runny nose, itchy water eyes, sneezing and coughing.
These symptoms can often be mistaken for cold-like symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. But with proper management and treatment plans in place, allergy symptoms can be managed and eventually even eliminated completely.
Allergies may be treated using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nose sprays; if these medications don’t provide relief, an allergist can perform diagnostic skin testing or blood analysis to identify which substances you’re sensitive to.
Allergy sufferers should closely monitor pollen and mold counts and try to remain indoors as much as possible during periods of high pollen levels. Replacing furnace and air conditioning filters with cleaner ones may help decrease allergen levels in your home, while consulting an allergist might recommend forgoing perfumed or cologned scents that release histamine into the air, and prescribing immunotherapy, where shots under the skin build immunity against specific allergens.
Summer
As summer approaches, allergies can worsen significantly. Pollen, molds and other allergens may increase, leading to symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing; others may develop itchy skin or a rash; sinus congestion or clogged ears can occur as well as potential bee stings from bees, hornets or other insects stinging people who are allergic; in extreme cases this could even result in life-threatening reactions.
Summer’s high humidity fosters mold growth and other allergens in indoor spaces, from grass, trees, weeds, tomatoes and flowers to dust mites which thrive in damp places of your home.
Allergy shots may provide long-term relief from allergic reactions. Allergen desensitization involves injecting small doses of allergens weekly or monthly into your system until your immune response decreases, providing lasting relief from seasonal allergies.
Communicate with an allergist regarding how best to manage your allergies. They will assist in identifying what triggers them, as well as offering medications or other treatments that will enhance quality of life. In case of life-threatening allergic reactions, carry an epinephrine auto-injector; this will save you from an emergency room visit while quickly returning you back into normal activities.
Fall
As summer gives way to fall, trees change color, leaves drop off trees and the air gets chillier – but for some people these changes become triggers of seasonal allergies.
Allergies occur when your immune system misidentifies certain allergens as threats to your body and releases chemicals such as histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins in response to breathing in those allergens; this releases histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which trigger symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing; when this happens it’s best to consult an allergy specialist immediately.
Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen, mold spores and ragweed pollen that all peak during fall months. Ragweed pollen typically begins rising after August ends and peaks around mid-September; remaining until the first frost hits. Mold spores also increase during autumn due to higher humidity and temperatures; they can be found in soil, compost piles or fallen leaves.
Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high to help lower symptoms. Use of HEPA air filters can also help, as well as drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding scented products. It is best to visit an allergist to identify triggers and develop an action plan for managing allergies; we offer medications, desensitization treatment and additional testing so you can enjoy every season without suffering the discomfort caused by allergies.
Winter
People suffering from allergies often develop seasonal flare-ups when exposed to certain allergens, like pollen or pet dander. Your immune system recognizes these substances as invaders and produces chemicals like histamines to combat them – this causes itching, sneezing and nasal congestion as your body reacts in its defense.
Symptoms vary for everyone and are specific to each person, but common ones include runny nose or nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing and skin rashes. Mild to severe symptoms are possible depending on severity. If these are affecting you it’s important to visit an allergist for specific IgE blood testing as this will pinpoint where your allergies lie and provide guidance as you pursue treatment options.
Many people associate seasonal allergies with spring, summer and fall; however, in warmer climates they can occur year-round due to plants releasing pollen throughout the year that you might not notice otherwise unless aware. In the southwestern United States for instance, cedar fever due to Ashe Juniper trees could affect you; antihistamines and decongestants might not suffice; your doctor might prescribe subcutaneous injections with allergens which you have an allergy against instead.
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