Your spring and summer can quickly turn into a nightmare if your allergies flare up, leading to runny or stuffy noses, itchy eyes and other symptoms similar to colds or Covid-19.
Allergies tend to be easier than other illnesses to identify, particularly if symptoms appear at certain times of year.
Spring
Seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever”, tend to surface at certain times of year and are caused by airborne pollen released by trees, grasses, and weeds into the atmosphere to fertilize other plants. Your immune system reacts by producing symptoms like itchy eyes and runny noses as a response.
Symptoms typically become most noticeable during spring when tree pollen reaches its highest concentration in the United States. Depending on where you reside, cedar and juniper tree pollen may begin appearing as early as February while March usually sees the birch and oak pollen appear first. As temperatures warm, grass and ragweed pollen also increases with its peak occurring between late summer and early fall.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, an important first step should be talking with your primary physician and getting referred to an allergist for a skin test. An allergist will administer a small sample of potential allergens on your skin and if your body reacts negatively hives or wheals will form around the injection site. Based on these results an allergy specialist can then create a customized plan that may include antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroids as well as subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) over time to reduce allergy responses over time.
Summer
As spring progresses into summer, itching eyes, a runny nose and sneezing become common symptoms. Although many mistake these for being part of an illness like the common cold, they could actually be signs of seasonal allergies.
Summer allergies are typically caused by trees, grasses and weeds that release pollen as part of their reproduction processes, while mold spores thrive in warm and humid conditions and insect venom may also trigger symptoms.
Timing of allergy season will vary depending on which allergens you’re sensitive to2. For instance, tree pollen allergies will often trigger their symptoms during spring; grass pollen allergies could strike in summer or fall.
Birch and sycamore trees often release pollen into the air in early summer in the United States, while ragweed, wall pellitory and English plantain are major triggers of summer allergies. Grass pollen can also be found regularly mowed areas as well as compost and mulch piles.
Antihistamines and decongestants may help alleviate your allergy symptoms; in addition, nasal rinses or sprays may also be helpful for washing away allergens from the nasal lining. If over-the-counter solutions don’t bring relief, speak to your physician about alternative approaches – for instance prescription for nasal steroids or injections of allergen-specific immunotherapy may provide effective solutions.
Fall
As summer winds down, allergies from trees and grass subside. But ragweed pollen remains a powerful trigger throughout fall – leading to persistent sniffles and itchy eyes – as does cooler weather bringing an increase in molds and pet dander indoors.
Allergy symptoms can be made worse by being exposed to environmental irritants like air pollution and vehicle emissions that are higher in urban areas. Furthermore, as temperatures decrease and moisture content in soil and compost piles increases, increasing fungus growth more quickly.
Seasonal allergies can be managed effectively by avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times, wearing a mask while mowing the lawn or working outside, washing hair and clothes after being outdoors, keeping your windows closed with humidifier running, taking over-the-counter medications for allergic reactions as needed and using antihistamine nasal sprays to decrease allergic reactions. Immunotherapy may also help mitigate seasonal allergy severity.
If your allergy symptoms continue, seeking professional medical assistance from a board-certified allergist is recommended. An allergist will perform tests to pinpoint the source of your discomfort, then develop a personalized plan to provide relief. Use our Allergist Locator tool to quickly locate an allergist nearby.
Winter
Winter can be an especially trying season for people living with allergies, as its arrival often brings with it a host of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. While pollen production does decrease during this season, indoor allergens like pet dander and mold still present can wreak havoc by being trapped in ventilation systems and spread throughout your house – only making matters worse!
Indoor allergens may trigger sinus congestion and pressure, fatigue and skin allergy symptoms including itchy eyes or hives – symptoms which may range from mild to severe and interfere with daily activities. Seek medical advice immediately if over-the-counter medications do not alleviate your symptoms.
If you have not undergone IgE blood testing and still do not understand what triggers your allergy symptoms, speaking to a healthcare provider may provide important clarity. IgE testing provides insight into what may be triggering these seasonal allergies while optimizing treatment plans with medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, leukotriene modifiers and corticosteroids which may reduce or eliminate discomfort associated with seasonal allergies; alternatively allergen immunotherapy could be an option in building immunity against allergens that cause problems.
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