Seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis) affect more than 60 million children and adults annually, often as the result of having an overly sensitive immune system that reacts strongly to pollen spores that come in daily from outside sources.
Symptoms of allergies typically include runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and sneezing. Allergies can also lead to itchy, itchy throats with postnasal drip (mucus dripping back down throat). Unlike colds, allergies typically do not include fever.
Spring
Spring’s warm temperatures and sunshine often bring with them itchy eyes, watery nose, runny nose and sneezing – symptoms which are commonly experienced due to seasonal allergens such as tree, grass and ragweed pollen as well as mold spores making their annual debut into the air. Your immune system reacts by producing antibodies which cause antibodies that produce symptoms such as sneezing.
Due to 2023’s wet weather, 2023 is projected to be an especially trying season for allergy sufferers. Heavy rainfall stimulates more vegetation growth and releases greater levels of pollen and other allergens that trigger allergies; higher pollen counts could aggravate existing allergies or worsen existing ones; it is crucial that allergy sufferers recognize between spring allergies and COVID-19 symptoms for effective treatment.
As spring allergies can resemble respiratory viruses, you might be confused as to whether you’re experiencing seasonal allergies or something more serious. If this is the case for you, talk with your primary care doctor, who may refer you to an allergist for testing; an allergist will either prick the surface of your skin with small amounts of potential allergens (prick test) or inject small doses of dilute allergen into the skin to assess if you’re allergic.
Your trigger allergens will change from month to month; for instance, if you’re allergic to trees, symptoms could begin in March or April and peak by May or June when they hit their highest point. Grass allergies typically hit their highest peak in summer; ragweed season generally follows shortly afterwards in fall – although indoor allergens like molds and dust mites may present year-round issues as well.
Summer
Summer allergies, which cause itchy eyes and sneezing can wreak havoc with outdoor activities. Pollen from grass, weeds and trees is carried on the wind and may enter your nose, sinuses or throat, leading to itchy, watery eyes and sneezing symptoms.
Pollen can have an enormous effect on allergy symptoms. Tree pollen levels peak from February through June; grass pollen spikes between May and August; while weed pollen peaks between July and October, worsening allergy symptoms for some children during these times.
Air pollution can exacerbate allergies. On hot days, sunlight combined with car exhaust emissions creates ozone in the air which may aggravate asthma and allergies; additionally, allergens like dust mites and mold flourish more readily when temperatures are warm and damp.
Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may help alleviate allergy symptoms. You can purchase them over-the-counter or with a valid valid prescription from your healthcare provider. If these don’t help enough, your physician may suggest corticosteroid spray or subcutaneous injections as another approach; these injections help suppress your immune system to stop reacting against specific allergens; these may take several months or even years until symptoms start improving gradually – typically within a month or so.
Fall
Seasonal allergies (also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) occur at specific times each year – typically spring, summer and fall – causing runny nose, itchy skin and watery eyes; medications like antihistamines and decongestants may provide some relief.
Allergies can be caused by exposure to airborne pollen from trees and grasses, animal dander, mold or certain fruits and vegetables. When exposed, their immune systems release histamines which lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Fall is often associated with allergy symptoms due to weed pollen and mold spores produced from soil or compost piles, spreading via wind gusts to cause respiratory irritation for those outside. Mold spores may even make an appearance when first turning on heating systems for the season.
Allergies can affect people of all ages and at any point in time, from infants to seniors. A doctor can diagnose seasonal allergies by conducting a physical exam of the skin and reviewing its history of symptoms; further testing such as blood or skin tests may also be needed for confirmation. Treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription medication as well as lifestyle modifications like staying indoors during peak pollen times and installing HEPA filters for your home; antihistamines will stop sneezing and itching while decongestants unclog nasal passages for relief from discomfort.
Winter
Allergies are immune system responses to normally harmless substances (called allergens). Allergic reactions typically manifest themselves through unpleasant symptoms like itchy or runny eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing and skin reactions such as hives or allergic dermatitis – symptoms which can impede daily activities, sleep or general well-being of their victims.
Seasonal allergies, more commonly referred to as hay fever, are typically caused by pollen grains released by trees, grasses and weeds that float into the air from springtime tree pollination, summer grass pollination and fall ragweed pollination. Pollen may even remain active throughout winter in mild conditions as early germination takes place.
Winter allergies are no less bothersome for allergy sufferers, with symptoms that range from constant nasal congestion and itchy or watery eyes to persistent sneezing, itchy skin rashes and difficulty breathing to itchy throat irritations despite over-the-counter medication or lifestyle adjustments. Seeking medical assistance sooner rather than later will ensure more effective diagnosis and treatment plans that improve quality of life for individuals suffering from allergies.
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