Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect millions of people each year. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts negatively to pollen or mold spores you inhale, which triggers allergy symptoms in response.
Sneezing, itchy eyes and fatigue are hallmarks of allergies, but other symptoms could also arise such as sinusitis pain or fatigue.
Spring
Springtime marks the arrival of blossoming trees, breezy breezes and plenty of pollen – three conditions known to cause seasonal allergies (also called “hay fever”) which affect millions of people annually and have serious implications on quality of life.
Allergies occur when our immune systems mistakenly interpret normally harmless substances as potentially dangerous, yet are actually safe to consume. When this occurs, histamines are released by our bodies in response to pollen–they release fluids which result in classic allergy symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
In the United States, tree pollen typically triggers allergy symptoms between February and March; grass pollen from late spring through early summer; weed and ragweed pollen during late summer through fall; however mild winter temperatures and wet spring conditions may prompt plants to pollinate early and extend pollen season by several weeks.
Seasonal allergies can be a real nuisance for both adults and children of any age. Luckily, most can manage their symptoms using OTC drugs like antihistamines and decongestants; more targeted solutions such as intranasal corticosteroids may also help. They work best when used regularly according to instructions.
Summer
Seasonal allergies, often known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, cause symptoms including itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and watery, itchy eyes. They occur when your immune system reacts to airborne particles like pollen released into the air from trees and grasses or weeds to fertilize other plants; when breathing these in, those sensitive to them experience their immune systems react by producing histamine in order to protect against this invader substance.
Occasional allergy symptoms may be mild; others, like anaphylaxis, require medical intervention immediately. Allergies can be caused by various sources including animal dander, pollen, mold spores and insect stings/bites.
Avoiding allergens is often the best way to manage their symptoms. Over-the-counter treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops; for severe symptoms your health care provider may suggest stronger measures like corticosteroid nasal sprays or immunotherapy (allergy shots). You can also hydrate yourself regularly by drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy food which will strengthen your immune system further. Those who have severe or life-threatening allergies should carry an EpiPen just in case anything comes up unexpectedly.
Fall
Fall allergies typically begin in late August or early September as ragweed begins blooming and discharging pollen into the air, with symptoms reaching their peak between mid-September and November in areas with heavy ragweed populations. Other triggers for fall allergies can include mold spores, changing weather, burning leaves or other outdoor activities as well as changes in mold density in indoor air quality.
Allergies arise when a person’s immune system mistakenly recognizes a harmless substance (like pollen) as dangerous pathogen or infection, leading to symptoms like itchy skin, runny nose and watery eyes. For some individuals with severe allergies, however, this reaction can impair breathing causing asthma attacks that require medical treatment and hospitalization.
If a child’s symptoms include fever or body aches, it could be indicative of something more than seasonal allergies and should be discussed with their healthcare provider to determine the most effective course of treatment.
At times of high pollen counts, taking allergy medication and restricting outdoor activities can help manage allergy symptoms effectively. Closing windows and using an air purifier to decrease dust mites and other allergens that trigger allergic reactions is also beneficial; showering after playing outside helps remove pollen from hair and skin as well as clothes after changing can also help. It is especially important for children with asthma that they take their prescribed medication on time as well as following a healthy diet to help minimize an exacerbation of symptoms.
Winter
Many people mistakenly assume that when winter arrives, their allergies will dissipate; however, this is often not true; winter allergies can occur just as frequently as their spring and summer counterparts and can make life particularly challenging for allergy sufferers during this season.
As temperatures cool off, indoor allergens reemerge. You are more likely to keep doors and windows shut, increasing exposure to mold spores, pet dander and dust mites. Furthermore, central heating circulates these allergens throughout your house.
These allergens can trigger symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, runny nose and itchy skin. Furthermore, these allergens may aggravate respiratory symptoms like wheezing especially among asthmatics; in addition, sinus pressure and headaches may occur as a result.
Allergy symptoms during winter can be extremely frustrating and interfere with everyday life, but understanding why winter allergies occur and implementing effective strategies to mitigate them may help. Allergies are caused by your immune system reacting against substances considered harmful by your body – typically pollen from flowers and trees but also mold spores, animal dander, dust mites and chemicals from household cleaners as potential allergens; cold weather or indoor allergens could also trigger allergy attacks in some instances.
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