Seasonal Allergies, also referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis and hay fever, typically affect both the nose (allergic rhinitis) and membranes lining the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). They occur only at certain times of year and can usually be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
Allergies are caused by small pollen particles which your immune system recognizes as invaders and attacks by producing chemicals to neutralize allergens.
Spring
As temperatures heat up and flowers bloom, seasonal allergies become increasingly apparent. Allergens such as tree pollen, weed spores and mold spores released into the air by plants can trigger symptoms in those sensitive to them, including runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing – an effect known as allergic rhinitis.
Timing of spring and summer allergies varies depending on climate conditions and plant pollination cycles in various parts of the country. For instance, trees often release their pollen starting around February/March in cooler states before reaching peak production during spring. Meanwhile, grass pollen appears later during the spring until early summer; weed pollen, such as ragweed pollen is usually highest during late summer/early fall months.
Allergies occur when our immune systems mistake harmless particles as potential threats and react by producing chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Visits to an allergist can help identify what triggers allergies in individuals. An allergist may conduct a skin test, which involves pricking the skin with small amounts of liquid containing allergens and waiting 15 minutes to see if there is an immediate reaction (wheal or bump). Blood tests can also detect allergies; depending on these tests’ findings, an allergist may recommend antihistamines, decongestants, or steroid nose sprays as effective treatment options.
Summer
Allergies occur when your body reacts to something it shouldn’t, usually manifested through symptoms like sneezing or running nose; eyes that itch and watery; or itchy/watery eyes. While most may dismiss allergy symptoms as unimportant, they can interfere with daily life and make you tired.
Allergy season begins each spring as trees bloom and release pollen into the air, leading to allergic rhinitis or “hay fever.” Most seasonal allergies are caused by tree pollen; however, some people can also be sensitive to grass pollen (hence its name “hay fever”) as well as certain weeds like clover, sheep sorrel and ragweed which contribute.
Summer allergies may also be caused by outdoor mold and dust mite allergens that become especially troublesome late summer/fall.
Many people experience seasonal allergies each year, and climate change could be to blame. Scientists speculate that pollen levels have increased, lengthening allergy seasons further due to warmer temperatures allowing plants to begin pollinating earlier and higher winds carrying pollen further distances. Allergy testing can help identify what you’re allergic to so your doctor can prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medication that relieve symptoms; some doctors also offer skin prick tests which assess a reaction upon pricking your skin and seeing what reaction arises in response from underneath!
Fall
No doubt spring is allergy season, but many people with allergies also find relief during late summer and fall. The reason may be related to warmer temperatures causing plants like ragweed to produce pollen for an extended period. Warmer temperatures also raise carbon dioxide levels which make ragweed and other plant allergens even more potency than usual.
Ragweed isn’t the only plant releasing pollen during fall; other pollen-releasing species include burning bush, cocklebur, sagebrush, tumbleweed and mugwort. Indoor allergies in fall can include dust mites, pet dander and cockroaches – these become active as the weather cools down.
As temperatures cool, ragweed pollen begins to dissipate; however, other outdoor allergens continue to pose problems for allergy sufferers. Tree pollen typically begins blooming around August in the Northeast region before reaching its peak between September and October – while mold spores also start growing quickly during this timeframe.
Treating seasonal allergies during the fall and winter requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and eye drops and nasal sprays. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nose sprays may help suppress an immune response to airborne allergens; while immunotherapy – administered over months or years by an allergist in their office – provides shots designed to desensitize your body against these allergens when necessary – is another approach worth exploring.
Winter
symptoms of seasonal allergies may mimic those of a cold, but it’s essential that a proper diagnosis be obtained. If symptoms appear only during certain seasons and include itchy, runny or stuffy eyes; runny nose; itching in the nose or throat and sneezing; they could indicate allergies (also called allergic rhinitis).
Seasonal allergies occur due to airborne allergens entering your child’s nose, mouth and throat and causing an allergic response. The type of allergen responsible can vary by season; tree pollen is commonly blamed during spring; grass pollen follows during summer; while mold spores and weeds typically make an appearance in autumn.
Your body’s immune system misinterprets allergens as potentially dangerous, leading to an allergic response by producing chemicals which lead to symptoms. These may include runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, itching of nose or throat, nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
As it’s good news that there are multiple treatments for your child’s allergies, there is a variety of treatment options available. Over-the-counter antihistamine tablets or liquids (like loratadine and cetirizine) as well as decongestants and steroid nasal sprays can help manage symptoms effectively; should symptoms remain, healthcare professionals may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) in order to desensitize them from allergens that bother them the most.
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