Seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever”, cause itchy noses, runny noses, sneezing, and watery eyes during certain times of the year. Trees, grasses or weeds that release pollen into the air trigger seasonal allergy symptoms that trigger itching in individuals suffering them.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants are the go-to remedies for treating allergy symptoms, while your doctor may also suggest nasal spray or oral medication to ease your discomfort.
Pollen
Pollen allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are one of the primary triggers for seasonal allergies. Allergens released by flowering plants, trees, grasses and weeds travel on wind currents until settling in people’s noses throats and eyes where their immune systems misidentify these microscopic seeds as potential threats that release chemicals that irritate tissues.
Different pollen causes allergy symptoms at various points throughout the year. Tree pollen (like from birch, oak or western red cedar trees) typically releases their pollen in spring while grasses and weeds such as Ragweed, Sagebrush and Russian Thistle produce pollen that releases during summer and fall – though in some instances these grasses and weeds release it even throughout winter time in some locations; mountain cedar and Juniper trees in particular produce their pollen between December to March in some locations!
Allergy medications, including oral and nasal antihistamines and steroid sprays, may help relieve symptoms. Children should keep windows closed and use air conditioning on days with high pollen counts; avoid outdoor activities on those days when pollen counts peak; wash their hands frequently; if over-the-counter medicines don’t seem to help enough, doctor may suggest immunotherapy shots as another solution that builds tolerance of allergens that irritate.
Dust
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances that it mistakingly perceives as threats. Once identified, histamines are released that cause unpleasant symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Although allergies aren’t life-threatening, they can still disrupt daily activities and decrease sleep quality due to nasal obstruction.
People suffering seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes may have dust mite allergies. These allergens are found throughout most homes with carpet and upholstery furniture; carpet is often the source of these mites – however most types are harmless; only the one known as Dermatophagoides farris may pose any harm; commonly found in mattresses, pillows and curtains this variety. People sensitive to this allergen can also develop an adverse reaction when exposed to crustaceans such as shrimp or crab as their proteins contain similar protein chains as seen with mites (Der p 10).
Dust mite allergies typically manifest themselves through itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing; those suffering from asthma or other lung conditions may also wheeze due to these allergens. If your symptoms become bothersome, see your physician, who can test for immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgEs) which respond against various allergens in order to pinpoint which allergen(s) might be triggering an allergy reaction in your blood.
Animals
Sneezing and watery eyes may be hallmark symptoms of allergies in humans; pets experience itchy skin, excessive scratching/chewing behavior and ear infections instead. Histamines released by their immune systems as an immune response against allergens cause itchy skin symptoms in their pets.
Allergens that cause allergic reactions include tree, grass and weed pollens as well as outdoor mold spores. Allergens can also be found in airborne dander produced by your pet’s saliva glandular secretions as well as hair and fur from them; these allergens may track into your home through pets’ feet or be tracked on surfaces like their paws, ears flaps, tail, mouth or armpits if they get tracked into it.
Pets suffering from seasonal allergies experience itchy skin due to histamine release by their immune systems in response to allergens, often in areas like their paws, ears flaps, mouth areas, lower back area, armpits or abdomen. Although often associated with certain seasons, itchy skin may occur year-round regardless.
Before diagnosing seasonal allergies in pets, other conditions that could produce similar symptoms must first be ruled out, such as flea infestation and food sensitivities. A skin prick test is typically used to confirm an allergy; furthermore, immunotherapy treatments designed to desensitize your pet from allergens that provoke their allergic responses may be recommended as treatment options.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in humid environments and produces airborne spores from breaking down cellulosic organic materials, much like pollen or dust spores can. Like pollen and dust spores, mold spores may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals – and those working or living in humid environments, like farmers and loggers, are especially likely to develop allergies to it.
Mold spores can be found both indoors and outdoors throughout the year, and, like other airborne allergens, can trigger symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pressure and wheezing. If these allergy symptoms become persistent and you have asthma history then consulting your physician is highly advised.
Since it can be challenging to pinpoint mold allergies directly, your doctor can conduct either a skin prick test or blood test to measure Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your system. The test involves scratching small patches of your skin with needles soaked with allergen samples for which they’re testing; if positive results emerge from either of these methods, your physician can then create an allergy treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, the key to managing them effectively is avoiding anything that aggravates symptoms. At peak allergy season, try mowing your lawn less and staying indoors when pollen counts are high – these steps may help.
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