Seasonal allergies often present with symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and postnasal drip. Doctors can diagnose this condition by observing these symptoms as well as reviewing an individual’s medical history.
Allergies can trigger various symptoms, from allergic rhinitis to allergic conjunctivitis and red eyelids/whites of eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). Allergy testing can identify which allergens may be contributing to these issues.
Pollen
As winter gives way to spring, flowers bloom, trees sprout and pollen levels rise – which is great news for nature, but less so for those suffering seasonal allergies who experience symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Pollen is produced by plants and carried through the air by winds; upon inhaling it triggers our immune systems to recognize it as harmful invaders; antibodies release which lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose or watery eyes resulting in symptoms like sneezing/runny nose/watery eyes/watery eyes etc.
Different pollen species cause seasonal allergy symptoms depending on the plant and region in which you reside. Tree pollen, including cedar (Ashe juniper), birch, maple and oak tree pollen is one of the first major allergens to appear each spring, followed by grass pollen in summer and then weed pollen later on in fall.
Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms. Avoiding outdoor activities when pollen counts are high and using saline nasal rinse can also be effective ways of alleviating symptoms. If over-the-counter medicines don’t do the trick for you, speak to your physician about possible prescription options or allergy shots as alternatives.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungi that produces small seeds known as spores and can be found both indoors and outdoors. If inhaled, the immune system can respond with symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes – similar to pollen allergies. Mold allergy may not be as prevalent but still has the power to be irritating.
Mold spores can be inhaled throughout the year, though allergy symptoms tend to peak during spring and fall when humidity is at its highest. Like pollen, mold spores may also trigger asthma symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
If you suffer from mold allergy symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines like ZYRTEC may help relieve them. For more severe reactions, it’s wise to discuss prescription medication like decongestants and corticosteroids with your physician.
Allergies arise when your immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances. Your body releases histamines to fight the allergen, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, headache and fatigue. Most people only experience allergies during certain seasons while for others they occur year-round; mold and mildew are two common allergens which irritate nose and throats in warm humid environments where mold spores release into the air, irritating sinuses and nose causing runny/blocked nose and itchy eyes among other symptoms.
Dust
Dust mites, tiny particles of dead skin cells that live in carpets and drapes, can trigger allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Other allergens include mold spores, pet dander and cockroach shedding – some people suffer year-round allergies to these substances while others only react during certain seasons.
Allergens are irritating substances that the immune system mistakenly recognizes as invaders, prompting it to produce histamine – a chemical which causes membranes in the nose and throat to swell, leading to runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin symptoms.
Seasonal allergy symptoms typically begin in spring when tree pollen begins to rise, continuing throughout summer when grass pollen such as timothy, rye and redtop increase, with fall bringing ragweed which may trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Climate change-linked warm temperatures are lengthening pollen seasons and worsening allergy symptoms, forcing many more people to endure them for longer. Furthermore, experts believe increased carbon dioxide levels make pollen even more potency than before, prolonging its presence in the air for extended periods.
Over-the-counter allergy medication may offer temporary relief from symptoms; however, if they persist it is best to visit an allergist in Austin who will use a skin prick test to identify allergens which trigger them.
Animals
Pets suffering from seasonal allergies often find itching a source of great discomfort, leading them to scratch or chew excessively, leading to skin conditions like bald patches, hot spots and even ear infections. Their itching may be further compounded by medications like antihistamines or decongestants as well as flea bites; most frequently affected areas include their paws, ears, belly, armpits groins tail. Ear infections tend to occur more frequently among animals with floppy ears.
People tend to experience allergies through symptoms that impact both their nasal passages (allergic rhinitis) and eyelids (allergic conjunctivitis), known as “hay fever”, which are most prevalent during spring and fall when grass and trees begin pollinating. Dogs can also experience this phenomenon, although their symptoms are likely manifest on their skin or ears instead.
Veterinarians can diagnose seasonal allergies in pets based on physical exam findings and history, including symptoms that recur during certain seasons each year, such as infections. Blood or intradermal testing may also be performed to help identify which allergen is causing it, although immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, is typically advised in order to help your pet desensitize himself/herself to allergens that trigger allergic reactions over time; long-term maintenance doses are usually given.
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