Seasonal allergies are caused by airborne allergens that change throughout the year. If you have seasonal allergy symptoms, consulting your physician about medications like antihistamines and decongestants could be useful.
Tree pollen, grasses and ragweed pollen can all trigger runny noses, sneezing fits, itchy eyes and nasal congestion symptoms in an individual.
Spring
Spring brings many positive aspects, from flowers blooming and temperatures warming up, to trees sprouting new leaves. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans across the U.S. it also marks allergy season – when their immune systems misidentifies something harmless as harmful and releases chemicals to fight it causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect nearly one out of every four adults and children, often due to airborne pollen from grass, weeds, trees or mold spores. Allergic levels vary widely depending on your location, with peak pollen counts typically occurring from mid to late spring through summer.
Tree pollen such as birch is responsible for most spring allergies in the US; cedar and alder pollen may also trigger allergic reactions. Furthermore, grass and weed pollen can become problematic on days with favorable growing conditions (i.e. wetter than average temperatures combined with winds).
Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and immunotherapy (allergy shots) may provide temporary relief of hay fever’s classic symptoms – including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Immunotherapy provides long-term solutions by gradually exposing you to allergens that trigger responses so as to build tolerance over time and stop trigger reactions altogether.
Summer
Allergies to pollen are often known as seasonal allergies and can lead to symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes and throat itching. Allergies are caused by airborne particles like pollen from trees, grasses and weeds being carried on the wind – usually during spring and summer but sometimes year-round if affected. Mold spores and animal dander are other allergens commonly triggered by pollen allergies.
Allergic symptoms are caused by airborne pollen, a powdery substance released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds during fertilization processes. When people with allergies inhale pollen grains into their body, their immune systems recognizes them as foreign invaders and releases chemicals such as histamine into their bloodstream in an attempt to counteract it; this leads to classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consulting an allergist may be beneficial. Through skin or blood tests, doctors can better identify which allergens you’re sensitive to and the most suitable treatments. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may provide temporary relief while allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) or subcutaneous injections over a longer timeframe may desensitize immune systems to avoid future reactions; additionally, your doctor may advise avoiding certain areas when pollen counts are highest as well as practicing good hygiene – such as showering after leaving home or changing clothes after coming in before leaving home or from outside.
Fall
Allergies are immune reactions to airborne substances like pollen or mold. While they can be extremely annoying at certain times of the year, allergies also pose more serious health risks for millions of people worldwide and cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and itchy skin; with some experiencing only mild forms while others experience more serious forms.
Seasonal allergies are caused by airborne allergens that emerge at certain times of year, usually tree, grass and weed pollen but other sources include dust mites, mold and pet dander. Allergens released into the atmosphere when plants grow or bloom can contribute to seasonal allergies in different ways; their amount depends on where you live and can be detected using weather apps or websites.
Human bodies recognize pollen grains as invaders and release chemicals into their bloodstream to combat them, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and skin itching – these are known as histamines and they serve as primary triggers of allergy symptoms.
Some natural treatments for hay fever symptoms may provide relief, such as extracts from butterbur shrub, spirulina (a type of dried algae), and acupuncture. Unfortunately, clinical trial results of such alternative remedies vary considerably; you should always speak to your physician first before trying anything alternative.
Winter
Allergies can lead to various symptoms, including sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Allergic conditions usually involve membranes lining both noses (allergic rhinitis) and eyes (allergic conjunctivitis).
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, often only appear during certain parts of the year due to pollen being released into the atmosphere. Their severity varies depending on where you live and weather conditions in your region as well as which allergens cause them. Trees tend to produce the most pollen in spring; grasses in summer; and ragweed in fall.
People suffering from seasonal allergies also often have asthma, a breathing condition characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath, because exposure to certain allergens can trigger both allergic rhinitis and asthma attacks.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, the best way to alleviate their symptoms is to limit exposure. That means limiting time outside when pollen counts are high; keeping windows closed; using air conditioning when possible to cool your home; washing hands and face as soon as you return from playing outside so pollen doesn’t rub into eyes and nose; or washing hands after playing outside and using antihistamines/steroids sprays prescribed by your physician if that does not help.
If your allergies continue, contact an allergist about immunotherapy or allergy shots. This involves gradually exposing yourself to allergens until eventually, your body adjusts and no longer reacts with sneezing fits or itchy eyes.
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