Seasonal Allergies (commonly referred to as hay fever) occur when trees, grasses and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air that your immune system then reacts against by producing chemicals like histamine that cause symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.
Doctors typically diagnose seasonal allergies based on your symptoms and the time of year in which they manifest. Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may provide effective relief.
Spring
At this time of year, trees and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants, which can trigger allergy symptoms in people sensitive to tree, weed and grass pollen. Mold spores or perennial allergens such as dust mites may also contribute to allergy symptoms in springtime.
Allergens can be a significant source of irritation to both nose and eyes, leading to runny noses, itchy eyes and congestion. Other symptoms may include wheezing, throat itching and general feelings of unwellness. Allergies often prompt an over-reaction from our immune systems which releases chemicals such as histamines that trigger these reactions in the body.
First step to diagnosing seasonal allergies is visiting a physician or specialist, who may refer you for allergy testing. A skin test involves either pricking the surface of your skin with small doses of allergen or injecting small samples directly into it – if allergic, these will produce small red bumps (hives) on its surface that will indicate its reaction.
Avoid contact with allergens and take medication as soon as symptoms appear to minimize allergic reactions. Monitoring pollen counts – often reported by local media outlets – and planning outdoor activities accordingly are also beneficial in managing seasonal allergies.
Summer
Though many believe cold symptoms are limited to springtime, allergies affect one in four adults and one in five children all year long. Their main symptoms are sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes – caused by your immune system mistakenly reacting against foreign substances known as allergens by mistaking them for intruders; your immune system releases chemicals such as histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which trigger these reactions and lead to allergy symptoms.
Pollen that causes allergy symptoms depends on where you reside. Tree pollen levels tend to peak from February through June, grass pollen later in summer and ragweed during fall – however you could also be sensitive to multiple plant species, with symptoms not necessarily appearing all at the same time.
Prevent or reduce allergy symptoms by limiting exposure to allergens that trigger them, such as checking local pollen and mold counts before venturing outdoors. You can also take over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines, decongestants and eye or nasal sprays available over-the-counter; in severe cases you might require stronger remedies like corticosteroid nasal sprays and immunotherapy (allergy shots) from primary care physicians or allergists.
Fall
Seasonal allergies may include symptoms like itchy skin, runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. People suffering from allergies may also experience scratchy throat or cough. Allergies are caused by airborne pollen as well as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and chemicals which circulate throughout the environment; symptoms typically only surface at certain times of year when certain allergens are prevalent in their environment.
Seasonal allergies, more commonly referred to as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, arise when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. When these allergens enter a person who is sensitive to them, their immune systems treats them as invaders and releases chemicals which attack them causing allergy symptoms.
Fall allergies typically manifest themselves with itchy nose, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose and itchy or watery eyes – symptoms which are made worse when weather is windy or dry.
Ragweed is one of the primary culprits of seasonal allergies in the US, blooming from August through November in most regions. Other allergens contributing to fall allergies include burning bush, cocklebur, pigweed and sagebrush. Mold growth may also trigger symptoms in certain environments like basements or bathrooms.
Winter
As leaves fall from trees and flowering plants stop producing pollen, it may seem as though allergy symptoms have passed us by; yet many find their classic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes continue well into winter – this can be frustrating since it can be hard to distinguish between allergies and colds.
Colds are caused by viruses while allergies are an exaggerated immune reaction to normally harmless substances. Allergies can lead to symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and skin reactions such as hives or allergic dermatitis.
While trees, grasses and flowers take a break during winter, indoor allergens still cause symptoms for allergy sufferers. These include dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pet dander and other microscopic debris found in bedding and carpeting; in addition, use of heating systems with recirculated air can bring additional allergens into the environment.
Winter allergies can be managed and diminished to some degree with various methods, from over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants to eye drops available over-the-counter for relief of sneezing, itching and watery eyes to prescription corticosteroids like inhaled fluticasone or leukotriene modifiers for more severe symptoms. IgE blood testing may provide clarity as to what’s triggering your allergy-like symptoms.
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