Seasonal allergies (also known as “hay fever”) affect the membrane that lines the nose and eyes (conjunctivitis). Usually they only manifest themselves during certain seasons and depending on your allergens they could only present themselves during certain times of year.
Reduce allergy symptoms by taking allergy medications, monitoring pollen counts and staying indoors when pollen counts increase; immunotherapy may also be effective.
Pollen
Many millions of people who experience seasonal allergies (commonly referred to as hay fever) experience itchy eyes and runny nose in early spring, known as allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis respectively. Pollen release from different plants produces pollen at different times throughout the year and only causes symptoms during certain times of year – hence hay fever’s prevalence during certain times of year.
As soon as your body encounters an allergen such as ragweed pollen, it responds by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to defend against it and produce runny nose and sneezing symptoms. When encountered again by this same pollen, IgE antibodies immediately launch attacks, leading to runny noses and sneezes from your immune system and an attack by these IgE antibodies against it resulting in runny noses and sneezing attacks by your immune system and IgE producing IgE antibodies immediately attacking it and causing runny noses as IgE attacks it causes runny noses sneezing due to IgE attacking its target causing attacks by attacking its source which results in both nose sneezes from attack by attacking its offending pollen from your immune system to attack the offending pollen immediately upon encountering it causing runny nose sneezing and sneezing due to their attack by attacking it quickly producing antibodies which causes runny nose and sneezing as your IgE attack it makes your body to produce more IgE which triggers its defense system to sneeze attacks against it; ultimately leading to runny nose and sneeze attacks when confronted by attack from IgE antibodies which cause runny nose as well as runny nose symptoms and cause runny nose and sneezing due causing them.
Tree pollen is another of the more frequent allergen triggers. Beginning with warm days of spring, trees begin releasing pollen that may trigger mild to severe allergies depending on which tree species releases it; oak, birch, maple and sycamore trees typically release their pollen; however fewer reactions have been triggered by other trees such as elm, beech, walnut and hazel pollens.
Avoid outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts to help lower symptoms. Showering before bed and taking off clothing are both helpful ways of limiting how much pollen gets on your skin or hair and causes reactions. When venturing outside, be sure to wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask as well as take medication beforehand.
Dust
Dust mite allergies are one of the primary sources of nasal allergy symptoms, including runny nose and sneezing. Dust mite allergens are microparticles found in bedding, mattresses and upholstery furniture and float freely through the air; vacuuming disturbs them as can changing sheets. When exposed too frequently to dust mite allergens, our immune systems respond with antibodies which bind directly to them and cause symptoms like itchy watery eyes, runny nose or sneezing.
By wintertime, most outdoor allergens have gone dormant while people spend more time indoors where they may encounter mold spores, pet dander, cockroaches or dust mites as potential triggers. Unfortunately these allergens tend to worsen since people tend to keep windows closed and turn up the heat more than usual, increasing chances for allergens to get trapped indoors.
Just like with pollen allergies, when a person becomes allergic to certain irritants their immune system reacts by producing chemicals to neutralise or remove allergens – including histamine responses that lead to itchy, watery eyes and runny or stuffy nose, along with sneezing. Antihistamines and decongestants are often prescribed in order to alleviate such reactions; otherwise steroid nasal sprays or immunotherapy might be suggested by medical practitioners as ways of building tolerance to these allergens over time.
Animals
The allergy season differs depending on your region and local plants; tree pollen allergies tend to peak in spring while grass and weed allergies become more prominent later. In mild climate areas such as Victoria and Surrey, environmental mold may present year round issues that lead to seasonal allergies.
As with people, pets may also experience allergies. Pets suffering seasonal allergies often experience itchy skin and scratch, lick or chew to try and relieve their symptoms; this can result in hair loss as well as open sores prone to infection.
Food allergies can be challenging to identify and treat; environmental allergies are typically simpler. Skin testing is an efficient and accurate method for veterinarians to identify which allergens your pet is sensitive to.
Your veterinarian will begin by discussing and conducting a physical exam on your pet, followed by discussing any treatment options based on its history and cause of allergy. He or she can suggest different strategies depending on its source; medications like Oclacitinib (Apoquel) can effectively block itching at its source to keep your pet comfortable throughout allergy season; additionally, omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce inflammation while relieving skin itchiness.
Mold
Allergies arise when airborne irritants enter the body, inflaming and irritating nasal membranes (allergic rhinitis) or the mucous membrane covering the whites of eyes (conjunctivitis). When you’re allergic to pollen grains, weeds, trees or mold spores, your immune system releases histamine into your system which causes symptoms like runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, itchy skin or throat and postnasal drip. Seasonal allergies also affect respiratory tracts by triggering asthma flare-ups as well as coughing or wheezing due to this release of histamine from your immune system.
Allergy symptoms tend to peak in spring and summer due to pollen releases from trees and flowers. Grass pollen reaches its highest point between late summer and fall, and ragweed pollen becomes prevalent later on. Mold spores – microscopic “seeds” of fungus that thrive in warm humid environments with excessive moisture – typically trigger symptoms in July through early autumn but they may flare up throughout the year for those sensitive to mold spores. Mold thrives best in homes that provide ample moisture – perfect conditions for mold growth!
When seasonal allergies (hay fever) interfere with daily activities and quality of life, contact an allergist. Testing may reveal hidden allergens; sublingual immunotherapy treatments (allergy drops or tablets that dissolve under the tongue) could also prove helpful. Air filters in your home, car and work may help filter allergens entering the body; additionally keep doors and windows shut during peak pollen periods for even further protection.
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