Seasonal Allergies, more commonly referred to as Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever, are caused by pollen from grasses, weeds and trees. While symptoms typically peak between spring and summer when tree pollen counts are at their highest, they may occur anytime throughout the year.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis may include itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) and runny noses (allergic rhinitis). Doctors usually diagnose seasonal allergies by asking when symptoms appear and conducting an exam.
Spring
19.2 million adults and children annually in the U.S. are diagnosed with seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, often known by its colloquial name of “hay fever.” Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds helps fertilize other plants; its concentration depends on climate conditions as well as which flowers bloom at once and moisture conditions; its amount in the air varies based on climate as well as which blooming flowers release pollen into it – its impact can range from mild to severe symptoms affecting multiple organ systems causing symptoms that range from mild to severe discomfort for sufferers.
Antihistamines and decongestants are among the most popular treatment options for allergies, relieving symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Others may benefit from prescription or desensitization therapy to build tolerance against allergens that trigger their responses.
As part of our allergy services, we can also assist patients in determining the source of their allergies by conducting skin tests. After applying small amounts of allergen-diluted solution onto an arm or back for about 15 minutes, we observe for any raised, itchy bumps indicating any allergies to particular substances. Furthermore, blood tests to measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies may help pinpoint specific substances which cause reactions in your body; combined with your history, this enables us to create an individualized treatment plan to combat your allergy symptoms and return you back into everyday activities without sneezing and itchy eyes! Our aim is to return you back into normal activities without sneezing and itchy eyes!
Summer
Allergies can be more than itchy eyes and runny nose. They can impede daily activities and negatively affect overall health. Luckily, allergies can be managed through preventative measures and medication; if seasonal allergy issues become overwhelming for you, contact a board-certified allergist immediately for help.
Seasonal allergies (also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) occur when your body reacts to pollen spores in the air. Different plants release pollen at different times during the year; your location also plays a part. Mountain cedar pollen levels tend to peak from December through March in southwestern United States while grass pollen causes issues between spring and summer, and late summer into fall.
Pollen levels from trees and flowers tend to peak during the summer season, with grass pollen also contributing significantly. Due to climate change-driven warmer temperatures extending the production period for various plant pollen, children more often than ever experience allergy symptoms during this season.
Mold spores tend to increase during fall as plants die and decompose, but can still pose a significant problem for children with allergies during other seasons, especially as they play in mulch, dirt or damp environments. Over-the-counter and prescription oral, nasal and eye allergy medicines may help alleviate seasonal allergies; if they don’t, however, an allergist is recommended in order to identify what exactly causes your allergies as well as whether immunotherapy could be an option for you.
Fall
Fall allergies often involve inhaling pollen from ragweed or mold spores. When inhaled into the lungs, these allergens cause similar symptoms as spring or summer allergies – runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion are the result. They may also contribute to fatigue, irritability and difficulty sleeping – though unlike colds they tend to come around at similar times every year, making identification simpler for doctors who can look out for signs such as runny or stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes or rashes around nose or mouth as indicators of allergy.
Allergy symptoms in the fall can be worsened by weather changes, particularly unseasonably warm temperatures. Ragweed, one of the primary triggers of fall allergies, will stay bloom longer and produce more pollen due to these mild conditions; additionally mold may grow more actively than expected in soil, compost piles and leaves.
Antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops available over-the-counter may provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms prevalent during autumn. If that doesn’t do it for you, speak to an allergist to determine exactly which allergens you’re sensitive to in order to create an individualized plan for long-term relief.
Winter
Winter allergies often go overlooked compared to their spring and summer counterparts, yet they still can have a substantial negative effect on quality of life for many individuals. Common symptoms can include runny nose, itchy eyes and throat irritation, coughing fits, sinus congestion and fatigue.
Wherever you live, allergens typically peak at different times of year. Tree pollen may peak during spring, grass pollen is present through summer and fall ragweed pollen is prevalent during fall. Allergies occur when your immune system recognizes certain substances as invaders and produces chemicals to fight them off – typically histamine – which then lead to runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes/nose/throat, sore throat congestion or even asthma in some people.
Winter can be especially troublesome for indoor allergens, including dust mites and pet dander. Their effects may also increase due to more time being spent inside where air doesn’t circulate as freely.
If you are suffering from allergy symptoms, consulting an allergist can help identify their source and develop an effective plan to alleviate them. Common allergy signs that should prompt a visit include nasal congestion, recurrent sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and skin reactions like hives or dermatitis. For an accurate diagnosis, allergy testing will be conducted on you to measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels against specific allergens.
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