Seasonal Allergies, also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are caused by airborne allergens that float in the nasal and throat regions, activating immune systems in those sensitive to them to release chemicals which lead to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
Different plants release pollen at different times of the year, with flowering trees and grasses often being culprits of allergy flare-ups in spring and summer months. Climate change-linked increased temperatures have lengthened pollen seasons further exacerbating allergy symptoms.
Spring
Preventative measures can help manage allergy symptoms in spring and autumn, helping you manage them more easily before they arise. Allergies occur when pollen triggers an immune response in your body resulting in nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes as well as other areas such as skin or the digestive tract.
Allergies typically manifest in spring due to tree pollen such as birch, oak and maple trees; however, symptoms from grasses and weed pollen as well as summer/fall peaking ragweed pollen can also trigger itchy eyes, sneezing and sinus pressure symptoms. Mold spores and dust mites may also play a part.
If you suffer from allergies, make sure you use local weather and app monitoring apps to track pollen counts and stay indoors when pollen levels are high. Antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants are available to reduce symptoms. In addition, air purifiers can filter out pollen from entering your home; for severe allergy sufferers a doctor may suggest allergy shots or immunotherapy treatment as a solution.
Summer
Some individuals experience allergy symptoms even throughout summer due to pollen, mold and insect venom still being in the air. Individuals suffering from such allergies might experience itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, runny nose, swollen sinuses, dark circles under eyes fatigue or difficulty breathing – symptoms which continue to linger even in hot weather.
Allergies due to pollen can become much worse during the summer due to warmer temperatures that allow trees to produce more pollen for longer. Common examples include maple, sycamore and elm trees that produce this pollen while Ragweed, wall pellitory and English plantain are other plants that may trigger summer allergies in some individuals. In addition, some individuals might develop mild reactions against raw fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, zucchini and bell peppers.
Along with reducing exposure to allergenic plants, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol consumption may help lessen allergy symptoms. Furthermore, seasonal allergy sufferers might benefit from taking antihistamines. It’s also wise to see an allergist, particularly if this is your first experience with allergies – IgE blood testing will give more accurate diagnosis that enables more tailored treatments plans and greater relief from allergies. A board-certified allergist may offer valuable tips and strategies that will allow you to enjoy everything summer has to offer while managing allergy symptoms effectively while enjoying all that summer has to offer!
Fall
As summer transitions into fall, allergy symptoms often start or intensify. If you suffer from seasonal allergies (hay fever), symptoms could include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat and pressure in your head or sinuses; you could even develop skin reactions like hives or eczema.
Allergens that are prevalent during fall include ragweed pollen, which starts producing pollen as early as late August and continues through early winter; cocklebur, burning bush, sagebrush and sheep sorrel; as well as trees like Elm Trees, Wall Pellitorys and Goosefoot that release allergens into the fall air; also mold from leaf and grass debris and indoor sources like rotting produce and pet dander can exacerbate allergies.
If you or your child have symptoms of seasonal allergies, seek medical advice immediately. A doctor can identify whether your symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies or viruses and can provide medications and allergy shots that may help ease them. You could also try keeping an eye on local pollen counts to stay indoors when pollen counts rise; installing high-efficiency air filters at home, wearing masks when doing yard work or wearing an air filter with HEPA filters could also be useful in managing them more effectively.
Winter
Winter allergies don’t get the attention that spring, summer and fall allergies do, yet they can significantly decrease quality of life. Common symptoms for winter allergies are sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and skin reactions such as hives or allergic dermatitis.
Allergies that flare during wintertime tend to be due to indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and mold spores. Since people spend more time inside with closed windows than usual, their exposure to these allergens may increase significantly.
Furthermore, in warmer climates certain plants remain dormant throughout winter and produce pollen which causes seasonal allergy symptoms during this season as well.
Allergy flare-ups may often resemble cold symptoms, and it’s essential to differentiate the two. A typical cold should last no more than 10 days while allergy symptoms could linger for weeks or even months.
Those experiencing persistent allergy symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter medication or lifestyle adjustments should visit an allergist for assistance. An allergist will conduct blood testing to identify any allergens triggering symptoms, which will guide treatment and management strategies.
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