Allergies caused by pollen and other airborne allergens typically peak during spring, summer or fall; however, warm temperatures caused by climate change can extend this season when trees, grasses and ragweed produce pollen.
As soon as these allergens enter your system, they cause an immune response which results in runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion – symptoms which can be soothed with antihistamines, nasal sprays or decongestants.
Pollen
Allergies to pollen can trigger symptoms including sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes; asthmatics may also experience breathing issues as a result. Pollen is released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds as part of their reproductive process; then becomes airborne through wind currents to be inhaled; this process results in seasonal allergies known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
Your body recognizes pollen as invaders and launches an assault to combat it, producing antibodies to identify allergens before producing histamine-releasing chemicals to defend itself – eventually leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and runny noses.
Different plants produce various forms of pollen throughout the year. Trees like birches and oaks release pollen in spring, which makes this season a particularly challenging one for people with pollen allergies. Summer brings grasses and weeds bearing pollen while fall brings ragweed that often triggers hay fever symptoms for many people. Understanding your allergy triggers and monitoring pollen counts will enable you to be better prepared when symptoms may strike.
Mold
Mold allergies are caused by exposure to airborne mold spores. Exposure can trigger allergy symptoms in the eyes, nose, throat, sinuses and lungs. They tend to thrive in warm, damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens and basements; but mold has also been known to appear on food that has been compromised with moisture or has been stored improperly.
People suffering from mold allergies may develop skin or lip rashes. Other symptoms could include runny nose/nasal congestion, itchy eyes/skin irritations and persistent coughing. In severe cases, mold allergies can even lead to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis – an allergic response with an inflammatory response in the lungs that could prove fatal for those living with cystic fibrosis or asthma.
Mold allergens vary year by year. Outdoor molds tend to remain dormant during wintertime but become active again come spring and summertime as they feed off plants killed off by cold temperatures2. Indoors, mold may develop any time of year as its presence creates damp environments where it thrives.
There are ways to manage and prevent mold allergies. Cleaning the bathroom, using a dehumidifier in damp areas and keeping windows closed can all help reduce household mold growth. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and intranasal corticosteroids may also provide relief for symptoms like runny nose, nasal congestion or itchy and watery eyes.
Dust
As outdoor allergens tend to recede when temperatures turn cold, indoor allergies tend to flare up more when temperatures decrease. These reactions could be caused by pet dander, mold or dust mites; or by insects that become active more quickly during autumn.
Allergies result from an immune system’s inappropriate reaction to normally harmless substances called allergens – such as pollen, mold spores or pet dander – such as pollen or mold spores. When confronted by an allergen, our immune systems produce antibodies which bind with specific cells within our bodies releasing chemical substances which trigger symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose.
As allergy season arrives, large quantities of binders are released. When these airborne allergens come in contact with air, these binders attach themselves and allow them to be inhaled into the body through breathing or through being passed through bloodstream, eventually reaching sinuses and lungs.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consult your physician. He or she will conduct skin tests by either pricking with a needle containing diluted allergens (prick test) or injecting small doses subcutaneous immunotherapy, otherwise known as SCIT. Once identified as being allergic to certain allergens, steps can be taken to protect yourself. These may include wiping down surfaces frequently with damp cloth or vacuum cleaner equipped with HEPA filter; removing dust traps from furniture and curtains; washing bedding regularly in hot water, etc.
Animals
As we take our pets for walks or visit the dog park, they become exposed to environmental allergens from trees, grasses, weeds and outdoor molds – often times these allergens stick in our dogs’ fur and cause itching. Your veterinarian can recommend different medications which block itching to keep your dog comfortable during allergy season.
An allergy-stricken cat or dog may experience other skin-related symptoms besides itching, including dryness, hot spots and reoccurring ear infections. An itchy skin condition may result in excessive biting or licking – which in turn could lead to open sores, hair loss and potentially secondary skin infections.
Allergy medications for pets may help alleviate their symptoms, including oral medications such as Oclacitinib (Apoquel). Your vet will evaluate your pet’s skin to identify the appropriate solution.
Allergies occur when your pet’s immune system overreacts to particles it perceives as harmful, such as pollen or animal dander, that it views as potentially hazardous. Seasonal allergies are easy to recognize by their seasonality: symptoms usually manifest only during certain times or seasons whereas environmental or food allergies usually won’t produce as intense of symptoms compared to seasonal ones.
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