Seasonal Allergies, also referred to as Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever, are caused by airborne allergens like mold spores and pollen from trees, grass and ragweed that only appear at certain times of year. Common symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
Your doctor can diagnose seasonal allergies based on your symptoms and when they arise. Allergy tests are rarely necessary.
Spring
As soon as the temperature warms up, trees and weeds start pollinating, prompting an outbreak of seasonal allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”, affecting millions of Americans every year. Our immune systems respond by producing histamines and other chemicals which then trigger symptoms in our bodies resulting in itchy eyes, watery eyes and sneezing.
Springtime brings tree pollen with it and causes allergy symptoms in many individuals. Trees and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants; in certain areas ragweed and other summer pollen may also contribute to symptoms as the season advances. People suffering from asthma may notice their condition worsen during this season as pollen irritates lungs making breathing harder than usual.
People suffering from spring allergies can often find relief through over-the-counter or prescription medicines. Immunotherapy treatments (allergy shots) may also offer some help by gradually exposing patients to allergens causing their symptoms so their immune systems become used to them over time.
Summer
Summer heat can exacerbate allergy symptoms by prompting plants to produce more pollen that becomes airborne when carried by wind currents, while high humidity levels foster mold spores and dust mites growth that further exacerbate allergies. Allergies are caused by airborne irritants entering our noses and mouths and stimulating an immune response; those suffering seasonal allergies experience symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses and congestion as well as build-ups of mucus leading to hoarse voices when fighting allergies are activated.
While allergens such as tree pollen (juniper and cottonwood) can trigger symptoms throughout the year, summer tends to be most severe for most New Mexicans. Tree pollen can often be the culprit during early summer, while grasses like ryegrass and sagebrush may linger into late summer and into fall before becoming problematic. Mold spores and pollen from plants such as ragweed also increase symptoms significantly during this season.
Seasonal allergy symptoms may be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and decongestants, with subcutaneous immunotherapy shots administered in a doctor’s office over months or years proving especially helpful in managing allergy symptoms.
Fall
Once school resumes after a long hot summer, temperatures begin to cool off, leaves begin changing colors and school starts back up again – all exciting moments for people without seasonal allergies but an absolute nightmare for those living with them. Ragweed blooming from late summer into early fall is one of the primary culprits, though other trees, weeds and grasses like Elm trees, Wall pellitory goosefoot Kentucky bluegrass and Timothy grass can also trigger symptoms and make you miserable.
While runny nose and itchy eyes are the main symptoms, other possible manifestations may include mouth or throat itching or sneezing or coughing. Exposure to environmental pollutants exacerbates symptoms, while staying indoors on windy nights or when pollen counts increase can also exacerbate them.
Antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroid nasal sprays may help alleviate allergy symptoms; however, for optimal results a doctor who specializes in allergen immunology may recommend subcutaneous (under the skin) injections with customized allergen mixes injected subcutaneously into you – you can find an allergist near you with our allergist locator tool. While this form of therapy may reduce allergy symptoms quickly and effectively, to truly overcome seasonal allergies the only solution lies within avoiding exposure to allergens which cause them.
Winter
Winter allergies often resemble those associated with colds in terms of symptoms; symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy hives-like rashes (allergic dermatitis). However, unlike their cold counterparts, seasonal allergy symptoms typically last much longer – they remain present for at least several days or weeks as long as allergens exist in the environment.
Allergies are caused by our immune systems’ response to airborne allergens that irritate mucous membranes lining our nose and throat (known as allergic rhinitis ) or those surrounding our eyes ( known as allergic conjunctivitis ). When exposed to these allergens, our bodies release chemicals to defend against them causing you to sneeze or become itchy.
Seasonal allergies can often be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and decongestants; for more severe symptoms, a doctor may also prescribe subcutaneous injections of specific allergens to address their source.
Seasonal allergies can lead to significant disruptions for workers and the economy if left untreated, according to Sur. They may lead to decreased work performance as well as higher medical treatment costs; seasonal rhinitis in particular causes lost productivity, absenteeism and medical treatment expenses he adds, so seeking diagnosis and treatment from an allergist board-certified expert is highly advised.
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