Seasonal allergies, also referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur at specific times each year due to airborne pollen and mold spores.
Symptoms of allergies include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and postnasal drip. Seasonal allergies tend to worsen in spring, summer and fall when trees, flowers and grasses release pollen into the environment.
Pollen
Pollen allergies–also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever–are caused by inhaling pollen grains released by flowering trees, grasses and weeds. Once inhaled, this pollen enters the nasal passageways, throat and eyes where it causes runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and stuffiness of the nasal passageways.
Before venturing outdoors during pollen season, it’s advisable to check local weather and pollen counts. The National Allergy Bureau offers an easy pollen tracker external link which displays levels of weed, tree, and grass pollen in your region.
Those allergic to specific types of pollen typically react by producing chemicals to combat it – including histamine – which result in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.
Your primary care doctor can diagnose pollen allergy by asking about your symptoms and medical history before conducting a skin test. In this test, small amounts of potential allergens will be injected under the skin in small quantities until red and swollen patches appear indicating IgE antibodies against that specific allergen. Your physician can then recommend treatments; over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays or decongestants may help relieve allergy symptoms; alternatively he or she may prescribe allergy shots or other medication directly targeting it for severe cases.
Dust
Runny nose and watery eyes can be caused by allergies to airborne substances that only exist at certain times of year. Examples include pollen from trees, grass and weeds as well as mold spores, dust mite debris, pet dander and cockroach droppings – these allergens trigger allergic reactions when they come in contact with immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in our bodies that are intended to defend us against harmful organisms; when exposed to allergens like pollens or mold spores they release chemicals such as histamine which cause reactions causing allergy symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Histamine causes blood vessels to expand, leading to itchy or runny nose and itchy, watery eyes as well as sneezing. If symptoms continue, healthcare providers may order a skin prick test in order to identify potential allergy triggers such as mold, pets and pollen.
Seasonal allergies can be controlled using a combination of lifestyle adjustments, medications and immunotherapy treatments. Antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops may provide temporary symptom relief; during high pollen seasons it’s wise to limit outdoor activities on days when pollen counts are highest; shower and change clothes daily to remove pollen from your skin before yard work or chores are performed; wear a mask if doing yard work / chores is involved and use an online pollen count monitor as well.
Animals
The immune system, a network of cells designed to defend against foreign substances like viruses and bacteria, can often overreact to harmless substances and trigger allergic reactions in its victims – this applies equally to pets as people; runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and itchy skin are just some of the symptoms experienced. With some pets (particularly dogs with floppy ears) suffering even worse symptoms.
Step one in treating seasonal allergies for your pet should begin by visiting a veterinary evaluation. Your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam, take skin scrape samples or blood samples from your pet and may perform skin scrape tests or blood analyses in order to identify allergens that cause their allergies. Medication such as shampoos, antihistamines and injections or steroids may be prescribed; the vet can also help you assess whether their allergies are seasonal limited or all year round.
One effective strategy for mitigating allergy symptoms in your pet is keeping them inside on days with high pollen or mold counts, washing their bedding in hot water regularly and vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter. Additional simple measures could include giving them daily fatty acid supplements for healthier skin as well as regularly using an ear cleaner to limit infections in their ears.
Food
Many don’t associate diet and seasonal allergies, but there is an association. What we eat affects our immune systems, with anti-inflammatory foods helping ease allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and scratchy throat. Foods such as turmeric, ginger, kale and other green vegetables as well as fresh fruits such as eggs nuts seeds beans fish have all been known to reduce inflammation in the body.
At peak pollen seasons in spring and fall, eating certain foods can aggravate seasonal allergies by stimulating the body to recognize proteins found in them as pollen grains. This condition is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome, or OAS; symptoms typically resemble other allergic reactions when related to food such as dry mouth, itchy lips, mouth or throat as well as itching in ears/tingling in back of neck/headaches as well as various digestive issues.
At our practice, we utilize skin and blood tests to accurately identify allergy triggers, and can suggest over-the-counter and prescription medicines that may ease symptoms. When necessary, subcutaneous injections containing allergens to which you are allergic may also help alleviate allergy symptoms. Our team will work closely with you to fully comprehend both your allergies and symptoms as we come up with a tailored treatment plan just for you.
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