Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes certain substances in the environment as threats and releases histamine to attack them, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip etc.
Seasonal allergies tend to peak during spring, summer, and fall when trees, grasses, and weeds produce pollen. Keep tabs on pollen counts online or watch TV to know when symptoms might strike.
Spring
Spring weather brings joy, but for those suffering from seasonal allergies – more commonly known as hay fever – this season can bring misery. Sneezing, congestion and itchy skin may become daily battles if not prepared properly for. Allergy specialists offer advice about when to expect spring allergy symptoms as well as strategies to overcome them for maximum wellbeing.
Allergies occur when an overactive immune system reacts to certain substances like pollen or mold spores. Trees and grasses release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants; when people breathe this pollen inhaling it causes their bodies to release histamine into their bloodstreams in order to defend against it, leading to symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Some individuals can find relief with over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications, including antihistamines in pill or nasal spray form to suppress immune system response, thus alleviating allergy symptoms. Decongestants and steroid nasal sprays may also provide temporary relief of allergy symptoms. If symptoms continue, seeking medical advice as to the cause should also help in developing an appropriate plan; medications work best when started several weeks prior to experiencing symptoms and immunotherapy (allergy shots) may provide lasting relief; timing varies depending on individual allergies.
Summer
Allergies can ruin the fun of summer fun and leave you suffering from itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat – symptoms which may make sleeping and everyday tasks difficult. If seasonal allergies are an issue for you, planning ahead and being prepared can reduce exposure to allergens.
Allergy shots, commonly known as immunotherapy, can be an effective solution to managing symptoms caused by common allergens like pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Administered regularly or monthly for optimal results, these injections gradually desensitize your immune system to decrease allergic responses.
Symptoms of allergies vary depending on their nature, but all allergic reactions tend to produce unpleasant side effects like runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Allergies are an immune response against antigens–substances which stimulate your body’s defenses to attack it–causing chemicals like histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins – producing unpleasant symptoms in response.
Late summer and early fall are prime seasons for tree, grass and weed pollen to reach their highest levels across the nation. Furthermore, some individuals can experience mild allergic reactions to raw vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini; warm humid conditions encourage mold spore growth; while bee stings/bite from bees/wasps/hornets/yellow jackets may cause allergic reactions in certain people.
Fall
Springtime allergies bring to mind flowering plants and clouds of pollen in the air; but allergies also strike many in autumn. Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the two major allergens responsible for fall allergies; typically this begins sometime between late August or early September and lasts up until the first frost hits depending on where you live. Elm trees, wall pellitory goosefoot grasses are other sources of allergy symptoms that surface during this season.
Allergies can make life miserable, resulting in runny noses, itchy eyes and other symptoms that are both unpleasant and detrimental to quality of life. Allergies arise when your immune system overreacts to something in the environment – most commonly pollinating plants like grass, flowers or trees that produce pollen – which causes an allergic response in which histamines are released that create symptoms like runny noses and itchy eyes resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, can be managed through over-the-counter and prescription medication. To reduce pollen exposure on warm, dry days with high pollen counts, it’s wise to limit outdoor activities on warm and dry days when pollen counts are highest; washing hands and face before eating may help limit how much pollen enters through skin absorption; when venturing outside wear a mask in order to minimize breathing in allergens that could aggravate symptoms.
Winter
Winter brings with it many things to love: sweater weather, snowy outdoor activities and a respite from seasonal allergies that plague many throughout spring, summer and fall. Unfortunately, though, this respite doesn’t necessarily translate to reduced allergy symptoms: for some it actually worsens during this season.
Allergies are caused by allergens – tiny particles that enter the body and stimulate an immune response. When someone reacts to pollen for example, their immune system recognizes it as an invader and releases chemicals such as histamines and leukotrienes into their bloodstream in an attempt to fight it off, leading them to experience symptoms as a result of being allergic.
Seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) typically flare up between spring, summer and fall, though depending on which allergens trigger an individual’s symptoms they could occur at any time of the year – for instance if someone is sensitive to tree pollen such as that found on juniper and cottonwood trees commonly found in Central Texas and northern New Mexico they could experience their worst attacks during winter.
People living with winter allergies must understand the causes of their symptoms to find relief. This includes avoiding contact with allergens that cause reactions, taking antihistamines or decongestants (including pseudoephedrine ) as necessary, and desensitization therapy aimed at building tolerance to allergens that trigger symptoms.
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