Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as “hay fever”, occur when trees, grass and weeds produce pollen that causes itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms. Itchy eyes and runny nose are typical indicators.
An allergist is trained to diagnose seasonal allergies through skin or blood tests. Medication such as oral, nasal and eye drops may be prescribed in order to control allergy symptoms.
Pollen
At this time of year when trees bloom and grass grows, millions of people also become allergic to pollen. Pollen is a fine to coarse powder released by plants as part of their reproductive process and it can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes if an allergy develops against it.
As soon as pollen enters your system, your immune system recognizes it as a potentially dangerous invader and mounts an attack against it – leading to classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, itchy eyes/watery eye symptoms and congestion.
Your doctor can diagnose a pollen allergy through either a skin prick or blood test, and may refer you to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist for further assessment. Avoiding outdoor activities when the pollen count is high can help, particularly on windy days; wearing a mask while doing yard work and keeping windows closed at home are other effective means of keeping allergens out; showering before bed can remove pollen that has collected on body or hair and thus alleviate night-time allergy symptoms; antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays may help as well as medications like antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Mold
Mold allergies develop when your immune system overreacts to tiny mold seeds known as spores that float freely in the air, similar to pollen in hay fever cases. When breathed in, your body recognizes them as invaders and produces antibodies to combat them – leading to itchy eyes, runny noses and congestion that we commonly associate with allergy symptoms.
Spore counts peak in fall due to rainy conditions and decaying leaves and plants; however, you can experience allergic reactions due to molds any time of year if your outdoor activities include damp areas – gardening or working in mulch/dirt, hiking in the woods and playing sports on grass can increase exposure to mold spores.
Mold spores can spread allergens like pollen indoors via clothing and pets, damaging wood products like paper and wood pallets as well as creating musty smells in bathrooms and basements. You can minimize mold exposure by regularly cleaning wet areas while using dehumidifiers and exhaust fans in those places.
Dust
Pollen from trees, flowers and grasses is usually responsible for seasonal allergies; however, dust mites that inhabit upholstery furniture or textiles can also trigger allergy symptoms in some individuals.
As soon as you inhale allergens, your immune system reacts by secreting natural chemicals such as histamine into your bloodstream to protect you. Unfortunately, these chemicals also irritate mucus membranes in your nose and eyes, making them feel itchy and runny.
If you suspect seasonal allergies, your doctor may order a skin or blood test to identify which allergens are triggering your symptoms. Over-the-counter allergy medicines like antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may help alleviate them – if this fails then more powerful drugs such as steroid nose sprays may be prescribed by him/her. Saline (saltwater) nasal washes can also help clear away debris in sinuses that have collected over time as well as tight-woven allergy proof covers for pillows/mattresses/box springs/beds etc.
Animals
Seasonal allergies, more commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, typically affect only the membranes lining the nose and eyes (conjunctivitis), and may include nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose/eyes/sinusitis/post nasal drip/throat irritation – and coughing in those who have asthma.
Anyone experiencing allergy symptoms should visit their physician. He or she will assess symptoms, when they occur and any potential allergens that could be the source of irritation. He or she may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines or steroid nose sprays to provide relief for symptoms.
Skin prick testing can quickly identify allergic reactions to various triggers, including mold spores and pollen from trees, grasses, flowers and weeds. A blood test can also confirm which allergens are causing symptoms in you. Allergy testing can be completed at your doctor’s office or through laboratories such as ImmunoCAP; such tests typically involve scratching or pricking the skin and infiltrating it with liquid that contains samples of suspected allergens – 15 minutes later when this means an red or raised bump indicates sensitivity towards that allergen!
Other Allergens
Symptoms of seasonal allergies or itchy, watery eyes should be discussed with their physician who may suggest skin prick testing or blood testing to ascertain what allergens might be present in your system.
Step one in treating allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens that exacerbate them, including showering on high pollen days and closing windows when possible; using saline nose rinses; as well as taking antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays if necessary to control symptoms.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis or “hay fever” refers to seasonal allergies that only appear at certain times of year, when your immune system overreacts to airborne substances it perceives as threats and produces antibodies which travel directly to cells and release chemicals which ultimately result in symptoms.
Your doctor will likely prescribe medication to relieve your symptoms, such as allergy shots or desensitization – gradually increasing exposure to substances you’re allergic to until your body begins to tolerate them – either through injections or sublingual tablets in their office.
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