Seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis) cause runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and other intermittent symptoms to surface throughout the year. They’re caused by pollen grains released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds in order to fertilize other plants.
Different forms of pollen strike at different times during the year, such as tree pollen in springtime and ragweed pollen during fall. Climate change has extended pollen seasons further and intensified them further, increasing symptoms further.
Spring
Springtime allergies are at their peak during this season as flowers and trees release pollen into the air, prompting an immune response in those suffering from seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as “hay fever”, with symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat and nasal congestion.
Allergens are released by plants as fertilizer to other plants, and when an allergic person inhales these particles they cause their body’s defenses to malfunction, leading to symptoms like itchy eyes and nose, stuffy nose, itchy, watery or runny throat, itching in the mouth or nose, fatigue, headaches and fatigue. Exposure to spring allergens may even worsen asthmatic symptoms.
Spring allergy symptoms are caused by tree pollen, which starts pollinating in March and peaks between April and May. People with asthma should closely monitor local pollen counts through newspapers or radio/TV weather reports; when pollen counts reach high levels they should stay indoors until pollen counts subside.
Medication can be helpful in managing allergy symptoms. Antihistamines and steroid nose sprays may help suppress immune reactions while decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Injections of allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) have also proven successful at managing allergy symptoms over time.
Summer
Summer brings with it seasonal allergies (hay fever or allergic rhinitis), often manifested by symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. An allergy occurs when your immune system mistakes certain airborne particles as invaders and releases chemicals such as histamines to produce its symptoms – leading to runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion as a result.
Climate change-linked temperatures are prompting plants like ragweed, which is a known allergen, to pollinate earlier and for longer, increasing carbon dioxide levels and making allergic reactions worse. Other environmental triggers that could increase allergic responses include insect bites from bees, wasps and hornets as well as mold spores present.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s essential that when symptoms appear – such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose or nasal congestion – medical help should be sought immediately. A primary care provider can help manage these symptoms and suggest over-the-counter or prescription medicines to control them.
Avoiding allergens may provide some relief from allergy symptoms, but this is often impractical. Over-the-counter treatments like antihistamine pills, decongestants and nasal sprays may offer temporary symptom relief; however, certain of these drugs can have side effects including insomnia, elevated blood pressure or drowsiness; to find additional treatment options including immunotherapy and prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays please speak to your primary care provider.
Fall
Ragweed pollen levels reach their peak from late August until frost arrives, making fall allergies equally as noticeable as spring ones. Similar to cold symptoms, seasonal allergies (commonly known as “hay fever”) tend to follow a predictable course and usually clear up within seven days – something colds typically don’t do!
Fall is when pollen-rich plants such as ragweed, goldenrod and sagebrush release large quantities of pollen that can trigger runny noses, itchy eyes and throat irritation for many people. Some individuals also may be allergic to certain raw fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, peaches, tomatoes and zucchini which is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).
Mold spores can also pose a significant problem during the fall months, as they thrive in conditions with cool nights and warm, moist days. Common sources include soil, compost piles and leaves – they could also circulate with your furnace when turned on for winter!
The best way to reduce allergy symptoms is to keep doors and windows closed during windy days when pollen counts are highest. Also, after being outside it is wise to wash hands, face, and take a shower at night before sleeping as this will remove any remaining allergens from your body. If seasonal allergies persist contact your physician about treatment options.
Winter
Some people can experience winter allergies more acutely than usual. Common allergens that cause winter symptoms include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and the weather conditions associated with rainy, windy days – all which contribute to flare-ups of allergy symptoms in this season.
Allergies can cause various symptoms, including itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, fatigue and skin reactions such as hives or dermatitis – symptoms which can greatly disrupt daily routines and quality of life.
Seasonal allergies or “hay fever,” as they’re sometimes known, affect millions of Americans every year. Their presence fluctuates with each season of the year; peaking due to tree pollination cycles in spring. Summer pollen causes grass allergies while fall allergies are caused by various allergens.
Allergies can be an enormously frustrating condition for those affected, so understanding which allergens cause symptoms is critical to effective treatment and management. Individuals suffering recurrent allergies despite using over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments should consult an allergist, who will conduct a comprehensive consultation to identify all allergens that trigger symptoms as well as recommend an appropriate treatment plan – which may include immunotherapy to desensitize them to their trigger.
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