Seasonal Allergies, or Allergic Rhinitis, affect more than 50 million Americans each year and is often known by its informal name of “Hay Fever”. Allergy symptoms often manifest themselves during certain seasons when airborne pollen levels increase significantly.
Your symptoms depend on both the type of pollen and your location; however, in general they include itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, congestion, stuffy head and postnasal drip.
Spring
Spring can be an amazing time of year, with sunny skies and gorgeous flowers blooming all around us. However, millions of allergy sufferers find the bright yellow weeds and green trees responsible for runny noses, itchy eyes and sinus pressure symptoms.
Allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to environmental irritants such as pollen by treating it as an enemy and secreting chemicals that attack it – including histamines – that trigger runny noses, watery eyes and itchy, sneezing nasal passages – leading to classic allergy symptoms – runny nose, watery eyes and itchy and sneezing nasal passages.
Springtime trees release an explosion of pollen into the atmosphere, with Birch, Spruce and Oak being common culprits in northern latitudes; however, allergenic trees will vary by region. Weeds and grasses also play an integral part in creating springtime allergies.
Warm and wet winter conditions encouraged rapid vegetation growth, leading to an expected higher-than-usual pollen season this spring. Increased carbon dioxide levels as a result of climate change are also believed to extend pollen seasons and intensify them further. Luckily, over-the-counter medications like oral antihistamines and decongestants can provide relief from many allergy symptoms quickly – helping people enjoy life to the fullest and make the most of springtime beauty!
Summer
Allergies are an increasingly prevalent condition wherein our immune systems mistakenly recognize harmless substances as potentially dangerous. When exposed to such allergens, our bodies release chemicals which cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes; more serious reactions such as asthma or anaphylaxis may require immediate medical care.
Even though most people associate seasonal allergies with spring, the actual allergy season actually lasts throughout late summer and early fall as trees and grasses reach their pollen peak, while some individuals suffering from ragweed allergies may notice their symptoms worsen during this period.
Allergic symptoms range from mild to severe and include sneezing, coughing, runny noses, itchy watery eyes and stuffiness in the nasal passages causing stuffiness or blockedness in the head. Some individuals also report fatigue caused by impaired sleep quality as a result of blocked nasal passages.
However, there are a variety of over-the-counter treatments that can provide temporary relief, including antihistamines and decongestants in pill form; nasal spray and eye drop applications; antihistamines/decongestants in pill, spray and eye drop forms as well as some medicines with side effects like drowsiness or high blood pressure – read labels carefully and discuss any adverse reactions with your healthcare team before making a decision about taking medications from this list. If none provide relief you can ask your primary care provider for prescription medications like corticosteroid nasal sprays/allergy shots (if necessary).
Fall
Autumn allergies can put a damper on any autumn plans, from apple picking to taking part in haunted hayrides. Allergies occur when your body reacts excessively to airborne pollen and mold spores from trees, grasses, weeds and animals such as cats and dogs; symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes as well as sinus congestion with postnasal drip. The medical term for this condition is allergic rhinitis.
Ragweed is one of the biggest allergens during fall months, typically beginning blooming and releasing pollen by late August or early September and lasting until frost hits some areas. Other common triggers include elm trees, wall pellitory goosefoot Kentucky bluegrass and Timothy grass.
Late summer and fall allergies may also be caused by trees like birch, oak, maple and beech; weeds such as sagebrush, burning bush, cocklebur and sheep sorrel; as well as plants classified as alternaria such as oregano, thyme, yarrow and wild cherry.
Allergy medications and other treatment options in the fall for allergies include over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays to relieve congestion. For some individuals suffering from allergies, allergy shots may provide additional support by decreasing immune system overreaction to specific allergens; doctors will typically assess which allergens a patient is sensitive to before administering allergy shots over an extended period of time.
Winter
Winter allergies differ from seasonal allergies in that they tend to be caused by indoor allergens rather than outdoor ones, as people spend more time inside during this season and may become exposed to more dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and cockroach droppings than usual.
These allergens can trigger various allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes and nose, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and wheezing; sinus congestion; itchy throat and sinusitis. While allergy symptoms often resemble those associated with colds, they typically develop more gradually without fever or muscle aches being involved.
Allergies may be treated using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and decongestants, saline nasal sprays and subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergen immunotherapy) from doctors to reduce symptoms. For individuals suffering from severe or persistent symptoms, immunotherapy treatments may help decrease body’s response to specific allergens.
Allergy sufferers can take several measures to mitigate their symptoms, including using HEPA filters on household and office appliances, washing bedding in hot water weekly and avoiding carpets and rugs. If over-the-counter remedies fail to alleviate their symptoms, patients should seek medical advice in order to determine whether their symptoms are due to allergies or the common cold.
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