Seasonal allergies, commonly known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when certain trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air and come into contact with people’s sensitive respiratory systems, which then respond by sneezing and itchy eyes.
An allergist and immunologist are your best resources when it comes to diagnosing seasonal allergies.
Spring
As winter fades away and flowers come back into bloom, trees and weeds wake from hibernation and pollen levels increase, unfortunately these beautiful springtime blooms also play a large part in causing allergies for millions of Americans.
Allergies arise when our immune systems mistakenly perceive particles of an allergen as threats and react by producing antibodies against it and releasing chemicals such as histamine into our bodies, leading to symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Histamine releases lead to those classic allergy symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing that we know so well.
As there are various medications to manage seasonal allergies, medications can also provide some relief from its symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal sprays are able to lower histamine levels to relieve runny nose and itchy eye symptoms while saline rinses can also help wash away pollen from nose and sinuses. Beginning treatment as soon as symptoms arise is key if allergy season is expected to last through summer.
For those experiencing severe allergy symptoms, consulting an allergist is often essential. An allergist can conduct blood or skin tests to identify allergens responsible and devise an effective treatment plan, helping people enjoy spring flowers without the accompanying sneezing and sniffling.
Summer
With warmer weather comes allergy season. Seasonal allergies often mimic cold symptoms and are marked by itchy eyes and nose, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and bloodshot eyes that become itchy over time. Treatment begins with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants as well as nasal sprays with corticosteroid or immunotherapy injections from your doctor; additionally immunotherapy shots may also help.
Allergies arise when our immune systems identify harmless substances like pollen or mold as threats and release histamines in response, leading to symptoms like itching, running nose and sneezing.
As spring arrives, trees begin to emerge from winter hibernation and produce tree pollens that spread throughout the atmosphere. Grass pollen peaks during the summer while ragweed pollen peaks during fall; both types can cause symptoms known as “hay fever.” Additionally, indoor allergens like pet dander, mold or dust mites may contribute to these symptoms as well.
Allergies can be debilitating and, left untreated, have serious repercussions for health and well-being. Untreated allergies may cause fatigue, irritability and difficulty focusing, leading to missed work days according to one recent study; presenteeism costs associated with seasonal allergies total over $18 billion each year! Rebecca Schapira, DO is an assistant professor of Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine as well as an allergist at Carilion Clinic with insight on recognizing early signs of allergies as well as how to take steps preventative steps against symptoms.
Fall
Seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever) typically manifest themselves with runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion. This happens when your immune system mistakenly recognizes airborne pollen as harmful and releases chemicals including histamines into the bloodstream to fight it off.
Seasonal allergies typically only manifest themselves at certain times of year, depending on what it is you are allergic to. Spring allergies tend to be due to tree pollen; summer allergies come from grass and hay (hence its name: Hay Fever); while fall allergies often come from ragweed.
As temperatures begin to cool and plants start to hibernate, ragweed which triggers fall allergies begins its annual bloom. Allergen levels usually peak early-mid September and last into November – even if you live miles from any ragweed plants, your symptoms could still be triggered!
As winter draws near, mold, dust mites and pet dander may also present a problem for those suffering from allergies. Being inside more often leads to higher levels of these allergens accumulating indoors; over-the-counter medicines might not provide relief – if this occurs for you then consult an allergist to find an individualized plan that provides long-term relief for you. Our board certified specialists can identify which allergens cause your symptoms while developing effective plans of attack against these allergens for long-term relief. Our board certified specialists can identify which allergens cause them and the best approach towards long term relief for you – board certified specialists like our board-certified specialists can assist you in finding an appropriate plan of attack against this in particular!
Winter
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances known as allergens, unlike viral infections such as colds. Allergies trigger when your body overreacts to allergens.
Symptoms usually involve the nose, eyes, throat and ears and include itchy nose and throat areas as well as runny nose, watery eyes, itching in the nose and throat areas, sneezing, nasal congestion/pressure build up in sinus cavities/pressure on sinuses pressure fatigue and itchy skin – these may all indicate allergies severe enough for people to develop hives.
An allergist, also known as a board-certified allergist, can help identify seasonal allergies by performing allergy testing with either skin tests or blood samples. Allergy specialists may perform skin or blood testing to determine your particular allergens and test for them accordingly.
Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds in spring and summer and mold spores, mildew, dust mites and pet dander in winter; however some plants don’t go dormant and climate change could extend their pollen seasons, potentially creating allergens year round – leaving symptoms for some people year after year.
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