Seasonal Allergies affect millions of people globally and it is essential that people understand the difference between allergies and the common cold.
Symptoms tend to worsen during spring and summer when trees, grass, ragweed and pollen count are at their highest. Other symptoms can include itchy eyes, runny nose and sinus pressure.
Spring
Spring allergy symptoms are caused by trees, weeds and grass producing pollen grains which become airborne via wind currents, then landing in your nose, eyes or throat. Your immune system mistakenly perceives pollen as a threat and produces antibodies against it to fight it – this triggers runny noses, sneezing fits, itchiness and mucus production as typical allergic symptoms.
Symptoms can range from itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, itchy mouth and throat irritations, sneezing, nasal congestion or itchy skin or rashes to more serious reactions like severe reactions in some people when exposed to allergens like ragweed. Ragweed is one common allergen which may provoke reactions in some individuals; severity of spring allergies depends on where and what triggers an individual’s allergic response; this factor should also be taken into consideration when diagnosing allergy attacks.
Visit an allergist if you suffer from seasonal allergies to manage and avoid triggers more effectively. Allergists can prescribe antihistamines and steroid sprays to manage allergy symptoms; desensitization therapy builds tolerance over time; additional methods include closing windows and doors during peak pollen times of the day, changing air filters regularly, keeping windows shut during pollen times of the day, keeping doors and windows shut, keeping windows and doors shut during pollen times of day and maintaining indoor air quality regularly – these simple steps can make all the difference to quality of life!
Summer
Allergies are an all too familiar condition, impacting millions worldwide. Common symptoms of allergies include runny noses, itchy eyes and sinus congestion. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may provide temporary relief while allergy shots may help manage seasonal allergies further.
Tree pollen, grass pollen (commonly referred to as hay fever), mold spores and ragweed are the four main allergens responsible for seasonal allergies. Other potential culprits may include animal dander, insect bites and air pollution.
Seasonal allergies occur when our immune systems mistakenly identify a normal substance like pollen as harmful and produce antibodies to fight it, leading to symptoms like itchy noses and eyes, runny or stuffy noses, and sneezing.
Allergen concentration increases throughout certain seasons, which causes those with seasonal allergies to experience their most intense symptoms at this time of year. Tree pollen counts are typically at their highest during spring, while grass and weed pollens peak during the summer season.
Intranasal corticosteroids can also be very effective at relieving allergy symptoms. Available at many pharmacies and grocery stores, these daily intranasal doses of corticosteroids may reduce symptoms caused by colds or allergic reactions. A blood test measuring immunoglobulin E antibodies against certain allergens may also provide insight into why some individuals experience allergy symptoms.
Fall
As summer ends and fall arrives, many people suffer seasonal allergies. Symptoms often resemble those found during spring and summer; symptoms include itchy nose passages, runny noses, sneezing attacks, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
As with summer allergies, ragweed pollen can be the source of fall allergies, though other plants such as nettles, mugworts, sorrels, fat hens, sedges and grasses may also trigger them. Depending on where you live in North America or Europe, fall allergies could last until the first frost comes along in November.
Symptoms typically begin appearing between late August and early September and can range in severity from mild to severe. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may help alleviate some symptoms; for optimal results it is advised that people begin taking these medications a few weeks ahead of the fall allergy season.
On windy days when pollen counts are at their highest, it is best to stay indoors with air conditioning or use air purification technology to stay comfortable. Washing outdoor clothes and shoes before entering the home may also help remove pollen and allergens from these sources of exposure.
Lifestyle changes, medication and immunotherapy (which involves subcutaneous injections of allergens that trigger your allergies) may help manage hay fever symptoms for some individuals. Talk to your physician about creating an individualized treatment plan; natural remedies like stinging nettle extract, butterbur and spirulina may also provide some relief; however research on them remains limited.
Winter
Opposite of what some may believe, pollen season does not end with winter. Seasonal allergies caused by mold spores, mildew and dust mites can still persist throughout the year in areas like East Tennessee where indoor humidity levels can be particularly high.
Allergies to mold and mildew usually appear earlier in the year than those caused by pollen from trees, grasses or ragweed. Mold spores often arise as plants decompose, release their spores into the air or due to outdoor activities like gardening in mulch or dirt beds, hiking or farming activities, according to the Allergy Institute of America.
At this time of year, cedar tree allergies may also present as allergy symptoms if they’re common in the Southwest United States. This condition, commonly referred to as cedar fever, can lead to symptoms including sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes as well as wheezing in individuals who suffer from asthma.
As it can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and colds, allergy medication may help. Specific IgE blood testing may also provide insight into which allergens may be triggering your symptoms. Immunotherapy treatments – commonly referred to as allergy shots (or immunotherapy injections) – offer long-term relief, by gradually exposing you to small amounts of allergen over time in an attempt to build tolerance over time.
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