Allergies can lead to nasal congestion, itchy and runny eyes, sneezing, itchy nose or throat symptoms and other discomforts that require medical intervention. They may be treated using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays.
Allergies tend to flare up at different times throughout the year depending on where you live and which allergens you’re allergic to, and you can learn more about seasonal allergies by scheduling an appointment with an allergist. They’ll provide expert advice as well as relief.
Spring
Spring marks the return of seasonal allergies, commonly known as “hay fever.” Affecting millions of Americans each year, this condition manifests as symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing; potentially leading to sinus infections which interfere with sleep, school work and work performance.
Spring brings warm temperatures that encourage tree, weed and grass pollen to become airborne, floating through your nose and eyes or being breathed into your mouth and throat by breathing it in. Your immune system then responds by producing antibodies against allergens which then causes you to experience classic allergy symptoms: runny nose, itchy eyes or throat and the result are classic allergy symptoms: congestion.
Over-the-counter allergy medicines like oral antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays and decongestants may be effective, however if these don’t alleviate your symptoms speak with your physician about other options that could provide more relief.
If you believe you may have allergies, make an appointment with your physician or ENT specialist immediately. They will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam; then refer you to an allergist for allergy testing which usually consists of skin or blood tests to identify allergy triggers. In severe or chronic cases of allergy symptoms immunotherapy shots may provide another potential solution; gradually building tolerance to substances which cause them.
Summer
Summer brings warm temperatures, flowers and trees as well as outdoor activities; but for many it can also bring on allergy symptoms. Pollen allergies may arise as trees, grasses and weeds release pollen for fertilization purposes; mold spore allergies can also become problematic during this season. Warm and humid conditions allow these spores to flourish and spread through the air causing runny noses, itchy eyes and itching symptoms – often leaving those impacted suffering runny noses, itchy eyes and itching sensations or runny noses among others!
Sur explains that allergies can have a devastating impact on health, productivity and quality of life. A recent study confirmed this by showing how allergic rhinitis (hay fever) led to more sick days, absenteeism and reduced work efficiency than is commonly believed – along with economic costs for medical treatment, lost income and indirect costs such as lost production or reduced quality of life.
Allergies can be an uncomfortable condition, so one way to manage them effectively is to steer clear of allergens whenever possible. Staying up-to-date with local pollen counts via online and mobile apps can help individuals avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen hours. Antihistamines and other medications are effective at alleviating allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat irritation; for longer-term relief immunotherapy offers another solution by helping the body build tolerance towards allergens; ultimately helping reduce or eliminate allergies altogether while enabling people to enjoy summer.
Fall
Fall allergies often increase when pollen from plants like ragweed begins to bloom, as do molds like Aspergillus fumigatus which may trigger allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; and certain fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini.
Seasonal allergies typically only last a few weeks at most, and usually get worse around the same time each year. They don’t tend to cause fevers, body aches or fatigue compared to colds which often linger longer.
Pollen counts are at their peak during late summer and early fall, particularly on warm days following rainfall or thunderstorms. People with allergies should avoid going outdoors between 5 am and 10 am when pollen counts are highest, wearing an NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when working outdoors such as lawn mowing.
People suffering from allergies should check for mold in rotting leaves, bales of hay and damp places such as basements and attics. Raking leaves should also be done instead of jumping in them – this releases millions of mold spores into the air! If symptoms continue, seek help from a board-certified allergist who can develop an allergy management plan using our allergist locator tool – using it will allow you to find one near you!
Winter
Allergies during winter typically manifest themselves with symptoms similar to colds; such as runny nose, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. While their duration and severity differs somewhat, allergies tend to last longer and be more serious than any cold.
Seasonal allergies can often be relieved with over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays/drops available over-the-counter, however if these don’t give relief an allergist may recommend skin or blood testing to determine what you are allergic to – this information will allow your doctor to create an individualized allergy treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
As an example, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) could provide significant benefit. Over time, the injections will gradually lower your body’s reaction to allergens that were once problematic.
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are caused by your immune system reacting negatively to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. When exposed to pollen particles, your immune system recognizes it as dangerous material and releases chemicals to counter it – leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes – creating seasonal allergy episodes.
Allergies are an increasingly prevalent condition that can afflict nearly everyone, with symptoms often manifesting themselves at different points throughout the year. To combat allergy symptoms successfully, identify and avoid triggers; an allergist may evaluate your symptoms and recommend allergy testing in order to devise a tailored management plan; connect Care can arrange this service today!
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