Seasonal allergies–also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever–usually appear during spring when trees and grasses release pollen into the atmosphere. The pollen can irritate sensitive people’s nasal passages and lead to runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, etc.
Allergies can be managed through over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays; immunotherapy (allergy shots) may also prove effective.
Spring
Seasonal allergies occur when someone becomes sensitive to airborne substances, usually pollens, that only appear at certain times of year. They can cause symptoms including itchy skin, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes; medications like antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays may provide temporary relief; immunotherapy (allergy shots) can also help desensitize an individual to allergens over time, making them less bothersome over time.
While seasonal allergies have many causes, inhaling allergens like tree pollen, grass pollen, weeds or outdoor mold spores is likely the source. Trees usually reemerge during springtime and start producing tree pollen again – for those with severe tree pollen allergies this could be particularly problematic around late spring or early summer; summer brings grass/hay/ragweed allergies (hence hay fever), while indoor allergens like pet dander/dust mites/molds can trigger seasonal allergy attacks at any time of the year.
Allergies can be an unpleasant reality for everyone, but 2023 could be especially tough on allergy sufferers due to climate change causing pollen counts to spike early and remain high, exacerbating allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
Summer
Seasonal allergies, more commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis, affect millions of Americans each year. Plants release pollen containing seeds of trees, grasses, flowers and weeds into the air that is breathed in by people with allergies causing their immune systems to overreact causing symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing; for those suffering with asthma seasonal allergies can even trigger attacks.
Summer means pollen season for many. Pollen allergies vary depending on where you live; tree pollen can trigger symptoms in early spring, grass pollen in summertime and ragweed in late summer/fall – additionally pollen from plants like burning bush, cocklebur, sagebrush and tumbleweed may trigger allergic responses in some people.
Heat and humidity of summer can exacerbate allergy symptoms. High moisture encourages mold growth and other allergens, while warm weather increases their inhalation risk. Furthermore, car emissions increase pollution levels which in turn increases ozone levels further; finally warm weather brings out bees, wasps, hornets which can produce painful reactions if they sting you, so carrying an auto-injector with you at all times is highly recommended to protect yourself.
Fall
As summer winds down and school resumes and leaves turn colors, many people experience temporary relief from allergy symptoms. By mid-to-late August however, fall allergy season sets in and new symptoms emerge that could interfere with daily activities; commonly referred to as hay fever symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes and scratchy throat that could prevent daily activities.
Tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed are the three primary allergens responsible for seasonal allergies in spring and summer. Tree pollen typically peaks during early spring while grass pollen such as Timothy grass or Kentucky bluegrass typically peak later due to climate change-linked warming temperatures; their seasons can even extend through autumn!
Fall is when ragweed pollen starts to rise again and can last until frost arrives, while other allergenic weeds such as tumbleweed, curly dock, lamb’s-quarter and pigweed may also contribute. Mold spores also become more potent due to warmer nights and humid conditions in autumn.
Seasonal allergies can strike any time of year, but there are ways to manage them effectively. By limiting outdoor activities, wearing a mask when performing lawn maintenance and regularly cleaning your home to remove allergens such as pet dander and dust mites, you may help alleviate symptoms. If symptoms continue, consult your healthcare provider regarding IgE blood testing so they can begin the journey toward relief.
Winter
Winter allergies may be more bothersome to some individuals than spring or summer allergies due to outdoor allergens (tree and grass pollen) reaching peak levels during these seasons; however, indoor allergens like molds, dust mites, and pet dander may continue to trigger allergy symptoms throughout the year.
Allergies can cause symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, runny nose and nasal congestion, fatigue, wheezing and difficulty breathing for people living with asthma. Allergens can also trigger skin reactions such as hives or dermatitis causing more uncomfortable reactions than just their initial discomfort.
Even though winter allergy symptoms resemble those of a common cold, it is essential that individuals consult a medical provider in order to obtain accurate diagnosis and effective management of their allergy symptoms. An allergist should be seen if persistent allergy symptoms remain bothersome despite taking over-the-counter medicines and making lifestyle adjustments.
Allergists specialize in diagnosing and treating various allergic conditions. At their medical consultations, allergists conduct an in-depth review of patient history before administering diagnostic tests to pinpoint allergens that trigger allergic responses – this may involve skin prick tests to measure levels of IgE antibodies to pinpoint root cause symptoms – all to develop an individualized plan to minimize allergic reactions that includes short-term and long-term solutions such as prescription antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays.
Comments are closed