Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance such as pollen as harmful germs. Common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and congestion.
Seasonal allergies (also known as “hay fever”) typically manifest themselves only during certain seasons when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air. Treatment options for seasonal allergies can include avoiding allergens altogether; using saline nasal rinses; or taking allergy medicine.
Spring
Springtime can be the toughest season for people suffering from allergies. Trees release their pollen, leading to classic symptoms of hay fever including sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Pollen counts vary depending on your region but typically reach their highest levels from April through May.
Allergies cause your immune system to respond incorrectly by mistaking certain substances – like pollen, mold spores or pet dander – as threatening, leading it to react against these allergens over time. Over time this causes you to become sensitive and react adversely when exposed to such allergens.
Of the many symptoms associated with allergies, the most frequently experienced ones include sneezing, runny/stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes are most prominent; however, less-common reactions include fatigue, foggy head syndrome (tinnitus), sore throats, joint aches, abdominal pain and headaches as well.
If you suffer from allergies, consulting your physician for treatment options may include antihistamines and decongestants available over-the-counter as symptom relief measures. Subcutaneous allergy shots that gradually build tolerance against specific allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms are also an option – often called desensitization therapy and typically conducted in their office for maximum effectiveness.
Summer
Allergy symptoms during the summer are caused by pollens from trees, grasses and weeds, in particular high levels of pollen that irritate both the membrane lining the nose (allergic rhinitis) and whites of eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). Common symptoms include runny, itchy or stuffy nose; watery eyes; itching of nose throat skin or elsewhere on body; sneezing; runny or stuffy nose and watery eyes.
Symptoms may not appear until spring when trees release pollen; however, allergy season can begin at any time of the year depending on where you reside. A dermatologist can administer either a skin test or blood test to identify allergens which trigger your symptoms.
Allergy tests can help people avoid their triggers and manage symptoms more effectively, from over-the-counter medicines to prescription drugs that suppress immune systems. Immunotherapy offers another treatment option, providing regular injections of allergens into the body to desensitize over time. If you want more insight into what’s causing your allergies, schedule an appointment with an allergist for a comprehensive examination to identify their source as well as suggest ways to effectively treat them.
Fall
As summer winds down and school opens its doors, fall allergies become more apparent in many people. Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds cause runny noses, sneezing fits, watery eyes and itchy skin in 24 million Americans; known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or “hay fever.”
Ragweed pollen is the primary allergen found throughout all regions during fall months, while other allergens include tree pollen (birch, beech, maple and oak tree); grass (Kentucky bluegrass; redtop; timothy and orchard grass); as well as field ragweed; sorghum; ryegrass and weedy goldenrod being present as potential triggers. Mold spores from soil compost piles or leaves are also frequently responsible for creating symptoms during this season.
Fall allergies share similar symptoms as spring and summer allergies: runny nose, sneezing, watery itchy eyes, itchy nose or throat irritation and congestion accompanied by itchy skin rashes. This reaction occurs when our immune systems recognize allergens as threats and release chemicals to counter them.
Avoiding allergen exposure is the key to effectively managing allergy symptoms. Where possible, limit time spent outdoors during pollen counts that are high (this will vary by region), especially morning and late afternoon hours. When venturing outdoors, wear a mask so as to limit inhaling pollen and other allergens; afterwards shower and wash clothes in order to eliminate residues of pollen left from being outside.
Winter
Winter brings with it similar symptoms as spring and summer: sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing can be experienced by some individuals. Indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites, mold spores and cockroach droppings may trigger these allergies in some people; or airborne pollutants trapped indoors like tobacco smoke and chemical fumes from cleaning products and cleaners could also contribute.
Winter allergies cause an exaggerated immune reaction against normally harmless substances, with your immune system responding by secreting histamines into the bloodstream in order to defend against these allergens and make you sneeze and itch while helping clear them from your tissues.
Allergies can typically be diagnosed by considering your symptoms and the season in which they arise. We may conduct a skin prick test to identify potential triggers; this involves scratching off an area of skin before applying various potential allergens to see how your body reacts. Additionally, immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to specific allergens may help identify which allergens may be triggering your symptoms.
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