Seasonal Allergies or Hay Fever refer to allergic reactions caused by trees, grasses and weeds producing pollen particles that trigger an immune response in response. Your immune system perceives these invaders as threats and produces chemicals such as histamine to defend itself – leading to symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Reducing allergen exposure, taking over-the-counter medicines, and staying indoors during periods when pollen counts are high can all help alleviate symptoms of allergies. If this fails to alleviate them, consult with your physician regarding allergy testing and immunotherapy treatments as possible solutions.
Spring
Spring marks the season when snowmelt, flowers bloom and trees begin pollinating; unfortunately this change can trigger allergy symptoms for millions. These allergies are caused by pollen produced by specific plants; when people inhale it their immune systems mistake it as harmful and overreact by coughing, sneezing, runny nose or stuffy nose or itchy watery eyes as a response.
Tree and grass pollen is one of the leading causes of seasonal allergies – also known as “hay fever” or allergic rhinitis – during spring. Pollen from these plants are released into the air from plant stem ends, carried away by wind currents. If someone suffers from allergies, this could trigger their symptoms such as runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and itching of their nose or throat.
Seasonal allergies can often be treated effectively by taking over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants and bronchodilators. If symptoms become severe, subcutaneous immunotherapy – an allergy shot program administered at your doctor’s office over several months or years and targeting specific allergens – may also help.
Summer
Summertime allergies can be an especially problematic time for many in different parts of the country. Spring allergies typically arise from tree pollen; while in summer grass or hay pollen levels rise drastically (hence, “hay fever”) as well as mold spores reemerging after being dormant during the winter.
Summer allergies often manifest themselves with runny nose, itchy eyes, itchiness in the throat or ears and scratchy or stuffy nose symptoms. Many mistake these signs for colds but the mucus produced from an allergy is typically thin and clear in color.
Keep an eye on local pollen forecasts and stay indoors on days with high counts, using air filters, and showering immediately after going outside can all help to lower exposure to common allergens. If avoiding allergens and OTC medications don’t do the trick, your doctor may suggest IgE blood testing which provides more targeted options and treatment. Alternatively, Allergen Desensitization Therapy (ADT) has proven itself an effective form of immunotherapy; administered as injection or sublingual administration it has significantly enhanced allergy relief among candidates for it.
Fall
Fall allergies tend to be caused by ragweed and mold spores. Ragweed pollen levels typically peak in late summer and last until the first frost of the season; those allergic may also develop an adverse reaction to certain raw fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, cantaloupe, tomatoes or zucchini, known as oral allergy syndrome which typically manifests itself with symptoms like itchy mouth/throat irritation and swelling lips.
Mold spores and dust mites, which thrive in warm environments with humidity and moisture, are another frequent allergen in autumn. Mold spores may grow on dead leaves, hay, straw, compost piles, soil or any organic materials and become airborne; eventually leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or nose/throat irritation.
Of course, seasonal allergies can be managed successfully with the appropriate allergy treatment plan – you just have to find an allergist who knows your symptoms well and has tailored a plan specifically to you! They will assess your symptoms and recommend treatment options that work. Our Allergist Locator tool makes this search process simple – find one near you now to discover more of these solutions!
Winter
Winter allergies often go overlooked, yet can still cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus congestion and nasal discharge – disrupting work life, family activities and everyday tasks.
Allergies are an immune response to substances typically harmless to us that activate histamine release, leading to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and watery eye discharge, irritation in your throat or nose and nasal congestion. Allergies differ from colds in that their symptoms often last much longer compared to when caused by common cold viruses.
Mold, dust mites and pet dander are often the culprits behind winter allergy symptoms, especially as people spend more time indoors with windows shut and heating systems running, trapping allergens in the airflow system and magnifying them into allergenic triggers.
allergies often present with similar symptoms to that of a cold or flu, making it hard to differentiate them from each other. But cold symptoms usually go away within 10 days while allergy symptoms can continue for years if exposed to allergens; to properly identify your allergies and formulate an action plan – including avoiding known triggers, using over-the-counter and prescription medication as needed and receiving preventive therapies like allergy shots or immunotherapy shots – getting tested is crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis and manage them successfully.
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