Allergies typically result in runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing; unlike colds however, seasonal allergies rarely produce fever or body aches.
Seasonal Allergies, more commonly referred to as Hay Fever, typically appear during spring and summer when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air and trigger our immune systems to release chemicals which trigger classic allergy symptoms.
Pollen
Allergies to pollen are common during spring and summer when grass, trees, and flowers begin blooming, producing pollen that gets carried on the wind to be inhaled by people suffering seasonal allergies. When inhaled, their immune systems mistakenly identify this pollen as harmful substances and produce an allergic response causing symptoms like runny noses or itchy eyes.
Pollen, produced by flowering plants during their reproductive processes, can cause allergy symptoms in some people such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma attacks.
Pollen allergies tend to occur most commonly during spring and summer, though it can affect some people throughout the year. Pollen levels vary by season, geographic region and weather condition – windy days tend to spread pollen further distances.
To minimize your pollen exposure, wear a hat and sunglasses when outside and refrain from mowing or raking the yard. Once indoors, keep all windows shut tight with air conditioning on to keep outside pollen at bay; changing clothes after spending time outdoors as well as showering prior to sleeping can also reduce exposure levels significantly and thus symptoms may be reduced.
Dust
As spring blossoms and summer breezes spread tree pollen spores into the air, your immune system fights back with an assault of cells and chemicals, ultimately leading to runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and more – known as seasonal allergies (sometimes referred to as hay fever).
Allergies occur when harmless substances, known as allergens, come into contact with cells that line your sinuses, nasal passages and eyelids (mucus membranes). Once allergens bind with these cells, your immune system releases antibodies against them which then trigger a chain reaction which releases chemicals such as histamine to inflame and irritate these mucus membranes resulting in symptoms.
Allergy medications are the foundation of treatment for seasonal allergies, including over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays with steroids and subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy – which involves receiving shots in your doctor’s office over months or years to desensitize you to specific allergens. Environmental modifications or lifestyle changes may also help relieve your symptoms.
Animal dander
All warm-blooded animals shed microscopic flakes of skin known as dander. Animal dander (and protein found in pet saliva and urine) can trigger allergies that result in itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing fits, skin rashes, hives, or asthma symptoms in some people. As it’s so light-weight it remains suspended in the air for extended periods and attaches itself to furniture, bedding fabrics or any other object within your home – as well as remaining hidden within walls!
Allergies to cat and dog dander are among the most prevalent, while allergies to rodents like hamsters or gerbils, and feathered animals like birds may also trigger allergic symptoms. When an allergen such as pet dander comes into contact with our nasal passages or skin it triggers our immune systems to produce antibodies to combat it.
An allergy caused by pet dander typically involves antibodies attacking its proteins, leading to runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes and itching – symptoms similar to hay fever that make diagnosing pet allergies challenging. An allergist will use various tools like skin prick tests and blood testing that measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies as ways of diagnosing allergy.
Mold
Molds are fungi that can trigger allergy-like reactions in their victims, including itchy eyes and nose, runny throat, wheezing and congestion. Mold spores that grow and multiply in humid environments such as indoor homes or outdoors release chemicals called mycotoxins into the air which irritate respiratory tracts as well as may set off asthma attacks in those living with this condition.
If you suffer from allergies, a primary care physician can refer you to an allergist for tests to identify if molds are the source. While allergy symptoms tend to remain the same regardless of where their source lies (indoor or outdoor molds), your symptoms may become more prominent during wetter seasons when outdoor molds proliferate more readily.
Physicians can diagnose mold allergies through conducting skin and blood tests. A skin test uses tiny droplets of different kinds of mold extracts on your skin surface; if one causes allergic reactions, your skin may swell and redden around its pricked area. A blood test detects immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that target mold spores specifically.
If you are suffering from seasonal allergies (AKA “hay fever”) and are suffering from symptoms like itchy eyes, mouth and throat that interfere with daily life, Greater Austin Allergy offers guidance and treatment plans that can help manage these symptoms while improving quality of life. Our team can work with you to manage them and enhance quality of life.
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