Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, often start at certain times of year and can often be easier to diagnose than other allergies like cat hair or dust mites.
Different regions experience differing allergy seasons; generally speaking, spring tends to bring on severe reactions due to tree and grass pollens.
Pollen
Each spring and summer, trees, grasses, weeds and flowering plants release pollen grains to fertilize other plant cells – but if you are allergic, those same grains can irritate your sinuses, nose and eyes causing you to sneeze and cough – in some cases this can even trigger severe asthma attacks for people living with that condition.
Allergies to pollen can develop at any age, although children tend to develop them more frequently than adults. The symptoms vary depending on which pollen type causes an allergy; tree pollen often triggers symptoms in winter and spring months while ragweed, grasses and flowering plants often trigger them in summer and fall months.
To manage symptoms effectively, review local weather reports for pollen counts. If they’re high, use air conditioning instead of opening windows; wash hair and clothes after going outdoors; wear a hat; and ensure regular vacuuming and dusting. If antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays don’t provide relief, consider immunotherapy treatment with your physician as this long-term strategy can prevent or lessen allergies altogether.
Mold
Allergies to mold can result in runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing. Mold spores may irritate all people; however, those with existing allergies such as pollen or animal dander; asthmatics; those living in damp basements or bathrooms2 may be particularly sensitive.
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives where there are organic materials such as cellulosic fibres and moisture present, both indoors and outdoors. Mold spores may irritate all types of sensitive people. Furthermore, exposure to mold spores may trigger allergy-like symptoms similar to seasonal allergies – runny nose, itchy eyes and scratchy throat are just a few symptoms you could be suffering from!
If you suspect an allergy to mold spores, discuss this matter with your physician immediately. A skin test, in which extracts of different kinds of mold are placed onto your skin and pricked by needle, may help identify which mold type is triggering an adverse reaction in you. If this proves positive, they will refer you to an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Dust
Dust mite symptoms tend to worsen at night when mites become active, unlike pollen allergy which comes and goes. Since dust mites reside in mattresses, pillows and bedding they present year-round as opposed to pollen allergies which only appear periodically. People suffering from dust mite allergies may also experience similar reactions after eating crustaceans such as shrimp or crab as their proteins share similarities with those present in mites.
Histamine-driven allergen reactions produce symptoms similar to a cold or flu, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. But unlike these illnesses, allergies may also cause dark circles under eyes, itchy skin patches and wheezing – just a few additional complications!
Your doctor can diagnose seasonal allergies through a skin prick test that measures reactions to dozens of allergens, while blood tests can more precisely pinpoint your triggers. Each geographic region has specific pollen profiles which help your doctor narrow down which pollen you are sensitive to. They may also suggest nasal or sinus rinses to flush out your system; over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants may help relieve symptoms; additionally they may prescribe nasal steroids if your symptoms continue and worsen over time.
Animals
Most people know that animals, like people, can suffer from allergies. Did you know that animals may also be allergic to other things such as insects?
Pets don’t respond like humans do when exposed to allergens; their reactions tend to manifest themselves through itchy skin that they scratch or excessive lick, leading to open sores and hair loss.
Allergies typically manifest in the spring, summer and fall as plants release pollens into the environment. Tree pollen is usually at its highest during this period; grass may cause hay fever while in autumn it’s time for ragweed season!
Fleas and ticks can also trigger allergy symptoms in dogs, and insect venom may even induce anaphylactic shock in certain cases. Speak to your veterinarian about using a flea and tick repellent collar on your pet; omega-3 fatty acid supplements could also provide year-round skin benefits. The skin tests provided by veterinarians or dermatologists can identify your pet’s allergens; controlling exposure is ultimately the best way to tackle allergies.
Other Allergens
Allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to something that would normally be harmless, such as an allergen. When something triggers it, your immune system recognizes it as dangerous and releases histamines – chemicals used by your body to attack allergens – into the environment causing allergic symptoms in nose, throat, eyes or skin.
Seasonal allergies, more commonly known as “hay fever”, are typically triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds releasing pollen at certain times of year into the air. Mold spores and dust mites may also play a part in this form of allergy; tree pollen in particular often triggers allergy symptoms in spring before grass and weed pollen cause problems later in summer and autumn.
If you suspect hay fever, visit your doctor immediately. Your physician can recommend allergy tests to identify which allergens trigger your symptoms – this may involve prick tests with different allergens or injecting gradually increasing doses over time (allergen immunotherapy or desensitization). There are medications such as mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids available that can help manage symptoms effectively.
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