Seasonal allergies (hay fever) typically strike at certain times each year and involve the membranes lining the nose and covering the whites of the eyes (conjunctivitis). Common symptoms of seasonal allergy attacks include runny nose, itchy, watery or bloodshot eyes and sinus congestion – antihistamines and decongestants can help ease these discomforts.
Spring allergies tend to be caused by tree pollen, while summer allergies include grass and hay pollens and fall brings with it ragweed allergies.
Symptoms
Many children suffering from seasonal allergies have itchy and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). Many also have nasal congestion or sneezing; children experiencing wheezing or difficulty breathing could indicate allergy-related asthma.
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, typically develop at certain times of year when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. People allergic to such pollen react by producing chemicals such as histamine in order to defend against it; histamine produces symptoms like sneezing, runny nose/stuffiness/itchy eyes.
A 2021 study concluded that pollen seasons were growing longer, with some areas now seeing an extra month of high pollen counts. As per CDC recommendations, children who suffer from allergies should keep an eye on local pollen counts and limit outdoor activities when the count reaches high levels.
Children can visit their family doctor for diagnosis, who may then suggest over-the-counter medicines that reduce or alleviate symptoms such as antihistamines and decongestants that can be purchased without needing a valid prescription. If symptoms continue, however, your physician might refer your child to an allergist for skin prick testing or blood testing to better pinpoint allergy triggers than simply reviewing symptoms history alone.
Diagnosis
Allergies occur due to an overreaction by your immune system to airborne substances that trigger symptoms, including runny nose and watery eyes, itchy skin or even hives. Most people experience allergy symptoms during certain times of year depending on what they’re allergic to; the best way to diagnose allergies is by visiting a physician.
Your doctor will gather a history of your symptoms and when they started, as well as conduct a physical exam. They may then refer you to an allergist, healthcare providers who specialize in allergies. An allergist will conduct allergy tests which usually consist of skin or blood testing; skin testing typically involves pricking the surface of your skin with small doses of allergen, to see if a red bump forms where the needle touched; while blood tests measure antibody levels within your body to identify different allergens–even seasonal ones–through blood analysis.
Seasonal allergies typically present with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose and scratchy throat. Seasonal allergies tend to peak during spring when tree pollen levels are highest; summer and fall when grass pollen counts rise and ragweed flourishes; warmer temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating this problem by lengthening pollen seasons and increasing levels of grass and weed pollen in the environment.
Treatment
Antihistamines, available as tablets or nasal sprays, may provide temporary symptom relief by reducing inflammation that causes runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion. Corticosteroid nasal sprays also offer relief. For severe allergy symptoms consult with a healthcare provider about prescription medication.
Seasonal allergies are caused by airborne allergens such as tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen that form fine dust on surfaces or float freely through the air. Tree pollen tends to release during spring and summer in the US while fall brings with it weed pollen such as ragweed which may trigger reactions in many locations.
Physicians can diagnose seasonal allergies by conducting skin tests that look for any signs of allergic reaction. A typical skin test involves applying small amounts of various suspect allergens; if a red, raised bump appears at the site where these allergens were applied, that indicates you may be sensitive to them. Blood tests can also help identify allergies to food, medications and insect stings.
Immunotherapy can be used to build tolerance to allergens and significantly decrease allergy symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy is traditionally administered via weekly shots; however, sublingual immunotherapy offers an alternative non-needle delivery method.
Prevention
Allergies occur when an immune system overreacts to airborne irritants like pollen. Allergies tend to recur at certain times of year and are particularly prevalent during spring, summer, and fall months. Common symptoms of allergies are runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, throat or lung itching, sneezing, fatigue due to blocked airways preventing sleep, sinus pressure headaches as well as having scratchy or nasally sounding voices.
Warmer temperatures attributed to climate change have extended allergy season, helping plants like ragweed produce more pollen for longer. Furthermore, higher carbon dioxide levels make pollen even more potency and produce even more allergy symptoms.
Your doctor can prescribe antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays to alleviate seasonal allergies. Antihistamines should have some impact within several weeks; in other instances, skin or blood tests might also be performed to determine what allergens trigger your symptoms and guide treatment options like over-the-counter antihistamines and prescription steroid sprays.
Alongside medication, one way to avoid high exposure to allergy triggers is keeping doors and windows closed both at home and in your vehicle on days when pollen counts are highest. Also wearing a mask when doing yard work such as mowing the lawn or raking leaves may help. Washing clothing frequently in hot water helps remove pollen from fabrics.
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