At certain times of year, allergies such as runny nose and itchy eyes often arise due to pollen-laden trees, grasses and weeds releasing tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize themselves. When people with an allergy recognize these pollen particles as invaders and release histamine into their bloodstream in response, symptoms often develop quickly.
Spring
Allergies that flare in spring typically result from an overreaction by our immune systems to allergens in the air such as pollen. Common symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and watery eyes – these conditions are known as “hay fever” or allergic rhinitis and they affect adults as well as children alike.
All seasonal allergies begin when an individual inhales airborne allergens and their immune system perceives them as threats, producing antibodies against it that release chemicals called histamines that trigger symptoms of allergy.
Symptoms vary based on what causes them and the season: tree pollen (particularly from Birch trees) is most often an issue in spring; grasses produce allergy-inducing pollen in summer while ragweed pollen can make an appearance later in summer and into fall; mold spores can also present issues throughout the year.
Doctors can diagnose seasonal allergies by reviewing your symptoms and conducting skin or blood tests to see what allergen is triggering them. Immunotherapy, in particular, has proven extremely successful at managing seasonal allergies by gradually injecting small doses of the allergen that triggers symptoms into the system over time to build tolerance and decrease symptoms over time. Your healthcare provider may also recommend nasal sprays, eye drops or prescription medication in order to manage them more effectively.
Summer
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds enters our bodies through airborne pollen particles which bind with certain cells of our immune systems and trigger an allergic response, producing chemicals such as histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which then release chemical messengers that cause symptoms such as an itchy nose and watery eyes (allergic rhinitis) or covering white eyelids with membrane (allergic conjunctivitis).
Seasonal allergy sufferers also often have itchy skin and dark circles under their eyes (known as allergic shiners). Some people with seasonal allergies also have asthma, making breathing difficult and leading to wheezing attacks.
People living with seasonal allergies may find relief from them by avoiding outdoor allergens and taking over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays. Allergic patients suffering from severe reactions may benefit from immunotherapy; doctors inject small doses of an allergen directly into patients to build tolerance and decrease symptoms. Allergists offer treatment for many conditions, from sinusitis and chronic sinus congestion, nasal polyps, hives and rashes to asthma. They perform tests to ascertain your allergies so they can prescribe appropriate medicine to ease your symptoms. Allergists are highly experienced professionals trained in using modern techniques and medications that will alleviate allergy symptoms quickly so you can return to living a normal life again.
Fall
allergies tend to make themselves known in spring, but seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) often make an appearance in fall as well. Some sufferers even report experiencing worsening symptoms in autumn.
Fall is typically the season when trees produce less allergens, while weeds, grasses and shrubs release more pollen than is produced by trees. Ragweed is often responsible for fall allergies in regions with warmer winter temperatures; in such instances it could continue producing pollen even into November in some instances.
Other plants that release pollen in the fall include sorrels, nettles, fat hens and plantains; their allergenic proteins can trigger allergy symptoms in your nose, mouth and throat such as itching, runny/stuffy noses, sneezing and itchy and watery eyes.
Fall allergies may bring with them more than the classic symptoms; people suffering from fall allergies may also experience sore throat, itchy or blocked ears, skin itching and eye itching. People suffering from hay fever may also have difficulties breathing such as wheezing and difficulty with coughing if they also suffer from asthma.
Avoiding allergen exposure is the cornerstone of relieving allergy symptoms. This means staying indoors when it’s cool outside, replacing air filters frequently and taking preventative steps like washing hair and showering before bed to rid yourself of pollen build-up.
Winter
Allergies, or “hay fever”, occur when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. People with allergies react negatively to these tiny pollen particles as invaders and release chemicals such as histamine to protect against them – leading to symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes/ears/sneezing/nasal congestion.
Timing may be a telltale sign of winter allergies: colds typically last several days to one week before going away when their viruses have left your system, while allergy symptoms remain long after any allergen is gone from your system. A physician can help identify whether your symptoms stem from allergies, colds or flu.
Allergies during wintertime tend to be worsened by indoor allergens like dust, mold and pet dander. Warmer temperatures due to climate change may extend pollen season for plants such as ragweed; while dry conditions foster mold growth inside and increase allergens like wood smoke.
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