Seasonal Allergies, or Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever, occur when trees, grasses, weeds and other plants release pollen into the air. When you breathe this pollen into your system, your immune system reacts by producing antibodies which cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Allergists can diagnose allergies using skin or blood tests.
Spring
As soon as temperatures warm up, grasses, weeds, trees and molds begin producing pollen that floats through the air and can get into your eyes, nose and throat causing itchy eyes, watery eyes and runny noses as well as itchy and sneezy feelings – your immune system’s response to allergens!
Different plants produce various kinds of pollen that is released into the environment by plants, and depending on which varieties are most prevalent in your region will determine when allergy symptoms emerge. Tree pollen is one of the first major allergy triggers during spring in America; then come weed and grass pollen during summer and ragweed during fall.
Allergies can exacerbate eczema and other skin conditions, while also worsening asthma symptoms in those living with asthma.
Outdoor allergens are impossible to avoid completely; however, you can reduce symptoms by avoiding known allergens – for instance by avoiding outdoor activities on high pollen days, wearing a mask when outdoors and showering after coming indoors with antihistamines or nasal rinses; you could also take preventive medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays; your doctor may perform tests measuring immunoglobulin E antibodies that measure how resistant someone may be against specific allergens, providing your physician with more insight for an effective treatment plan.
Summer
Seasonal Allergies, more commonly referred to as Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever, occur when airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores or environmental pollutants enter the body and provoke an immune response resulting in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes or itching in the nose or throat.
Different pollen types affect people at different times of the year; spring allergies tend to be caused by tree pollen while summer brings grass and hay (hence its name hay fever) pollen as well as various weeds like ragweed, wall pellitory and English plantain that produce pollen grains. Mold spores often thrive during humid and warm conditions in late summer or early fall weather conditions.
Allergies to raw fruits and vegetables, known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome or Oral Allergy Syndrome, can occur during late summer and fall months and lead to itchy eyes, watery mouth and throat conditions, along with dry throat symptoms.
Avoiding allergens that trigger seasonal allergies is the best way to alleviate their symptoms, including washing clothes after spending time outdoors on high pollen days, using a saline nasal rinse and limiting outdoor activities during peak allergy seasons. Also consult an allergist about getting specific IgE blood testing or skin testing performed, which will identify allergens responsible and provide insight into a treatment plan.
Fall
Allergies may be more commonly associated with spring, but those suffering can still experience symptoms in fall. Tree pollen levels begin to diminish in some regions while grasses such as ryegrass and timothy (commonly referred to as “hay fever”) produce significant quantities of pollen that trigger allergies for those sensitive to it. Ragweed, often identified as one of the main sources of autumn allergies, begins growing and releasing its pollen as well.
Fall is full of common allergens such as mugwort, sorrels, fat hens and nettles, while weather changes may increase or decrease allergy triggers in the air.
With cooler temperatures, most outdoor allergens become dormant over the winter and fewer people experience symptoms at this time. If you are suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms, make an appointment with an allergist to identify triggers and receive effective treatments to alleviate them.
Winter
Winter may provide relief from outdoor allergens like pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen that proliferate during spring, summer and fall; however it also brings with it its own set of allergy triggers – mold spores and mildew as well as pet dander are often responsible for cold weather allergy symptoms. Being trapped inside by heating systems also creates the perfect environment for these allergens to flourish and cause discomfort in people suffering from these allergies.
As winter allergy symptoms can mimic cold or flu symptoms, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly what’s causing discomfort. An allergy test is one effective solution. A skin prick test provides a fast way to identify allergic reactions to common triggers like mold, dust mites, pets and pollen.
Our team of allergy experts can offer advice to minimize allergen exposure, relieve symptoms with oral or nasal antihistamines and decongestants, as well as immunotherapy (allergy shots). Early medical treatment may prevent complications like swelling of the face or throat or severe and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions; while providing relief from uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms.
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