People suffering from seasonal allergies often exhibit itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) and a runny nose, with potential symptoms including itchy skin patches or itching in their ears (allergic ophthalmia), as well as sneezing or coughing (especially among children who also may have asthma).
Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances known as allergens – such as trees, grasses or weeds.
Pollen
Allergens like pollen can lead to symptoms including sneezing, itching, runny noses, watery eyes and itchy, scratchy throats. Pollen is released into the air by trees, grasses, weeds and flowering plants as part of their reproductive process; tree pollen is especially notorious in causing seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), while weeds such as ragweed and sagebrush may release pollen late summer/early fall causing allergy symptoms as well.
Seasonal allergies vary in intensity depending on where they occur and weather conditions. To limit exposure to outdoor allergens, try keeping windows closed and using air conditioning whenever possible; checking pollen counts beforehand, saving outdoor activities for later when pollen levels usually decline further; using over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal and ocular (eye) sprays and eye drops as appropriate, but if these don’t help alleviate symptoms a trip to an allergist may be recommended instead.
An allergist can conduct skin tests and/or blood work to assess what you’re allergic to. These include skin tests with various allergens applied directly to the skin and blood tests that reveal antibodies present. Based on the results of your allergy test, an allergist may recommend allergy shots to reduce symptoms.
Mold
Molds are fungi that thrive in moist environments and play an essential role in nature by breaking down organic materials. Unfortunately, they can become an invasion in your own home where they cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and postnasal drip.
Mold allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to microscopic mold spores that travel through the air and settle on surfaces where they release their reproductive chemicals, prompting your immune system to produce histamine and leukotrienes that produce symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, sinus headaches and postnasal drip.
Cladosporium herbarum, commonly found in refrigerators, food and window frames; Penicillium notatum – known for creating “blue cheese”-flavored food products; and Alternaria alternata (an outdoor fungus that thrives during warm weather) are among the molds most frequently associated with allergic reactions. While all molds can irritate everyone, their effects are particularly dangerous to people with compromised immune systems or preexisting respiratory issues like asthma or COPD.
If you suspect mold allergies, see an allergist immediately for testing; skin prick and blood tests can provide accurate diagnosis. Also try limiting exposure on high pollen count days when wind spreads the spores further around.
Dust
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as “hay fever,” begin when trees and flowers release pollen particles into the environment, setting off an allergic response that leads to your nose running, watery eyes, scratched throat, sneezing attacks and nonstop sneezing attacks.
Allergies are more prevalent among children, but anyone can have them. Depending on your environment, you could experience allergy symptoms year-round – for instance if you live in a warm climate such as Florida where some plants such as Ashe juniper trees never go dormant!
Pollen is one of the primary allergens, while volatile organic compounds (VOCs), produced from chemicals like paint fumes or perfume, may also contribute to allergy symptoms. An allergic reaction will trigger histamine production; histamine then binds with cells lining nasal passages and sinuses, leading to them swelling up and producing symptoms.
If you suspect seasonal allergies, try taking allergy medication to see if your symptoms improve. If they don’t, speak to your physician about having blood or skin tests done to identify which allergens cause it. Simple over-the-counter remedies like oral antihistamines, nasal sprays with decongestants and decongestants as well as saline rinses may provide temporary relief; alternatively a specialist in allergy can create an individualized treatment plan tailored just for you.
Pets
If your pet’s ear-rubbing or skin itching worsens during certain seasons, they could be allergic to environmental allergens that release pollen such as trees like Birch, Elm, Cedar Ash Oak as well as various grass species like Rye Bluegrass Ragweed that produce pollen.
Mold and weed allergens may also irritate pets. Or your pet could be reacting to substances in his home environment – perhaps new detergents, perfumes or fragrances have been introduced or his bed was recently washed – such as detergents. Many veterinary dermatologists offer skin testing to identify specific allergies; blood allergy tests may also be available.
Environmental allergies can lead to itchy ears and skin conditions for pets. Many suffering from environmental allergies also develop rhinitis – which includes sneezing and nasal discharge – while some veterinarian dermatologists offer immunotherapy – an ongoing therapy program which gradually desensitizes pets to allergens over time.
Although eliminating allergens is impossible, minimizing his or her exposure will help decrease symptoms and severity of reactions. Try keeping your pup indoors during high pollen days in spring and summer as much as possible and using sunglasses or hats when walking outdoors; wiping his paws when coming inside or after walks helps decrease pollen exposure on fur and skin, and dehumidifiers in damp areas help decrease allergen count in your home as well.
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