Seasonal allergies cause itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing at certain times of year, which can be diagnosed using skin and blood tests.
Sometimes known as “hay fever”, symptoms arise when trees, grass and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants, activating our immune systems to release histamine into our bloodstreams to produce allergy symptoms.
Pollen
Pollen, released by trees, grasses and weeds during reproduction cycles to fertilize other plants through wind-blown pollen drift, is often responsible for seasonal allergies. When inhaled by those allergic to pollen these grains trigger immune reactions inducing sneezing and itchy eyes and nose symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Pollen release times depend on where a person resides; for instance, tree pollen typically appears in spring across much of the United States while grass or weed pollens such as ragweed may increase significantly during the fall and cause symptoms associated with hay fever.
Allergies to pollen tend to be mild, yet can still present problems for children such as runny nose and itchy eyes and nose. When these symptoms surface at certain times of year, children should see their healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment; medication or allergy shots may be appropriate treatments depending on what allergens your child may be sensitive to. A skin or blood test will help determine which substance may cause this sensitivity.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that feeds on dead plant and animal material in damp environments, discharging airborne spores which irritate some people’s nose, eyes and sinuses while sometimes even leading to asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Mold spores may even lead to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis – an infection of the lung caused by inhaling mold spores causing severe irritation of respiratory system cells.
Mold allergies exhibit similar symptoms as other allergies: runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and coughing. They tend to worsen during rainy weather as plants decay or when decomposing materials pile up indoors such as gardening or working in compost piles – they may even be set off by something as mundane as working on compost piles in a humid basement environment!
If your symptoms occur year-round or continue after pollen season has concluded, a physician may suspect that you are allergic to mold spores rather than pollen. They will take a detailed history of your symptoms before performing either skin prick tests or blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. They may also offer ways of decreasing exposure such as using dehumidifiers and fixing any water damage repairs.
Dust
Dust mites, tiny creatures that live in bedding, pillows and mattresses, can cause allergies that lead to itchy eyes and runny nose, asthma attacks or hives – unlike their counterpart, hay fever. Allergies to dust mites occur throughout the year rather than seasonal.
As soon as you inhale these particles, your immune system recognizes them as invaders and releases chemicals such as histamine into your bloodstream to fight them off. Unfortunately, histamine irritates mucous membranes that line your nose, throat and eyes and can even lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing in extreme cases.
Limit symptoms by keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, using hot water when washing hair and clothes after being outdoors, and using saline nasal rinses. Your doctor can perform skin prick or blood tests to test for allergies; knowing your allergens helps you avoid them altogether. Medications to relieve sneezing and itching symptoms may include oral antihistamines, eye drops or nasal sprays prescribed by them.
Animals
Just like humans, our furry friends can also suffer from seasonal allergies! When suffering from these allergies, dogs may exhibit runny noses and itchy eyes as well as wheezing and coughing symptoms.
Allergies result from the body overreacting to substances which are typically harmless – known as allergens – such as tree pollens, grass or weed pollens, outdoor molds or house dust mites and storage mites, among others.
Pet skin allergies often stem from a compromised barrier that allows allergens into the body, inflaming its immune system and leading to itchy, red skin patches known as Atopic Dermatitis (atopy).
An itchy skin prompts pets to seek relief through biting or scratching, leading to hair loss, open sores, and scabs that expose underlying tissues to bacteria and parasites. A regular bath with mild soap may provide some relief; antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays may also help. In cases of extreme itching, immunotherapy treatments may desensitize animals to the allergen; your veterinarian can determine whether immunotherapy treatment would be suitable.
Other Allergens
An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system misunderstands something as potentially harmful, leading it to release chemicals that promote inflammation and increase mucus production, leading to symptoms like runny nose, itchy watery eyes and itchy skin – unlike with colds which often result in fever.
Dependent upon your specific allergies and location, allergy symptoms can appear at various points throughout the year due to pollen released by various plants at various times of year.
People with food allergies can also react negatively to allergens like dust and pet dander, leading to itchy eyes and sneezing. Most often these symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter and prescription medications; if these do not provide relief then an allergist can perform skin and blood tests to determine which allergens are triggering your symptoms and then prescribe immunotherapy injections or desensitization which involves administering small doses of an allergen regularly to gradually reduce its adverse response.
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