Seasonal allergies (also known as Allergic Rhinitis) often result in runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, making life miserable for sufferers. Antihistamines and decongestants may help minimize body reaction to seasonal allergens.
Different plants release pollen at various points throughout the year. Tree pollen seasons typically span February to June while grass and weed pollen production peaks from late summer through autumn.
Pollen
Pollen is a fine powder released by trees, grasses and weeds during spring, summer and fall as part of their reproductive process. Pollen may cause allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes in some people, while exposure can trigger wheezing and difficulty breathing for those living with asthma.
People with allergies have their immune systems mistakenly detect pollen as an invader and produce chemicals called histamines to combat it, leading to unpleasant symptoms like runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion and breathing difficulty. The severity of symptoms depends on which pollen type a person is allergic to, though seasonal allergies often center around tree, grass and ragweed pollen.
Your allergies’ severity depends on the weather; some seasons may see more symptoms than others. Pollen allergies typically improve when temperatures remain hot and dry as this reduces how much pollen enters the air.
Your best defense against pollen exposure lies in staying indoors when pollen counts are high – whether via online pollen counting apps or directly. Also, avoid lawnmowing or gardening activities while wearing a mask – and try using an air conditioner with pollen filtering capabilities to filter out mold spores in your home.
Dust
Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) occur due to an exaggerated immune response to airborne allergens like mold spores or pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that only present themselves at certain times of year, like mold spores and pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. Exposure can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes as well as runny nose, itchy throat and post-nasal drip. Corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamines may help manage symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.
Dust mites found in carpets, drapes and bedding can also be the source of allergy symptoms. Dust mites thrive in warm and humid conditions and multiply easily; patients sensitive to dust mites may experience itchy eyes, nose, throat or face as well as dark circles under their eyes (known as allergy shiners) caused by dust mites. They may also experience difficulty breathing through their nose as evidenced by whistling noises or coughs caused by these microscopic creatures.
Your doctor may suggest a skin-prick test to assess your dust mite allergy. An allergist pricks a small amount of allergen onto the surface of your skin and waits 15 minutes before seeing if you experience any sort of reaction, at which point they can identify what allergen(s) is/are allergic to. If none, other tools like blood tests and symptoms histories will also help identify what you might be reacting against.
Animals
Just like humans, our pets can also suffer from seasonal allergies; however, unlike us they typically do not display similar symptoms such as sneezing and runny noses. Instead, for many dogs and cats the primary manifestation of allergy season is itchy skin, often severe enough to keep them awake at night or make them wake from sleep to scratch; this constant scratching can result in bald patches, sores, or even ear infections in some pets.
Veterinarians can help determine which allergens are causing skin issues in pets by conducting a skin and coat exam, though more serious symptoms may require an intradermal or blood allergy test to ensure an accurate diagnosis of allergens.
Cleanliness, hypoallergenic shampoos and reduced exposure to allergens are key steps towards helping pets avoid allergic reactions. Wiping their paws after going outside will also limit how much pollen comes into the home.
Although allergies cannot be completely cured, they can be managed effectively with help from your veterinarian. By creating a plan with them prior to each allergy season and administering anti-itch medications (whether topical ointments or pills), allergy symptoms in your dog may be reduced significantly.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that releases tiny spores into the air. Found both indoors and outdoors, mold thrives in damp environments where its spores can irritate nose, eyes, skin or respiratory passageways of some people, with symptoms similar to other allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy nostrils or mouth. Over time some individuals develop reactions to mold spores similar to flu symptoms – some develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). A rare yet serious allergic response induced by mold spores is hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP).
HP can lead to severe lung inflammation and death if inhaled long enough. It is caused by inhaling certain types of mold spores for extended periods.
Anyone suffering from seasonal allergies should take antihistamines to minimize their allergic reaction. Over-the-counter oral and nasal antihistamines may reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or stuffiness and itchy eyes; nasal corticosteroids may help decrease swelling in the nose and sinuses; using Sinus Rinse or Rhinocort Aqua kits with saltwater solution rinse can also help clear mucus away and ease congestion; allergy shots could even strengthen immune systems to tolerate mold spores over time; while your doctor can assist with managing allergy symptoms with lifestyle adjustments, medications and immunotherapy;
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