Symptoms of allergies in those with asthma include runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itching in the throat and nose (postnasal drip). Allergies may also lead to wheezing episodes.
Seasonal allergies (also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) result from certain trees, grasses and weeds releasing pollen into the atmosphere; its production varies with season and geography.
Spring
Spring brings sunshine, trees and flowers in bloom and seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever). Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes an innocent substance such as pollen for something harmful and produces chemicals which cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus congestion.
As spring progresses, trees and grasses begin pollinating, emitting billions of pollen grains into the air that can then be inhaled by those with allergies, creating an allergic response similar to getting a cold.
Your allergy symptoms depend on what types of plants and where you reside in the country. Birch, cedar and cottonwood trees tend to cause the most trouble during spring; similarly grasses like Timothy ryegrass or certain weeds.
Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms in children. If you are an asthma sufferer, it’s important to pay close attention during peak allergy seasons and work closely with your healthcare provider in managing them. By keeping an environment free of pollen counts and changing furnace and air filter regularly, preventative actions may help lessen asthmatic symptoms and manage them more easily.
Summer
Allergies can disrupt summer fun and activities, often mimicking cold symptoms in their severity and symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion, sore throat or wheezing and shortness of breath for those living with asthma.
Allergies to pollen are especially prevalent during the summer season, when trees and other plants release tiny pollen grains into the air to fertilize other plants and subsequently infiltrate our eyes, nose, sinuses, throats. People with allergies respond by sneezing and experiencing other allergy symptoms due to their immune systems overreacting and producing chemicals like histamine that stimulate their bodies into producing an allergic response.
Ragweed pollen releases its pollen late summer into autumn and can trigger allergic symptoms in various regions across the United States.
Over-the-counter medicines are often the first line of defense against seasonal allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may all help relieve some symptoms; for best results, take these antihistamines two weeks prior to allergy season beginning and continue throughout it – try and stay indoors on warm and windy days when pollen counts are highest!
Fall
Allergies to trees, weeds, grass and mold can make your nose runny, eyes water and skin itchy. Your immune system mistakes these airborne substances for dangerous pathogens and attacks them with symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, itchy eyes or watery eye symptoms, swelling lips/throat or tongue – even life-threatening reactions may trigger asthma attacks!
Allergy symptoms may worsen significantly during the autumn season. Common allergens to trigger fall allergies include ragweed – a widely prevalent weed with light pollen grains that travel far when hit by wind; and outdoor mold spores found most frequently in the South, North and Midwest regions.
At this time of year, you could also be exposed to mold spores from wet soil and leaves that have fallen from trees, as well as spending more time indoors than outdoors where pet dander, dust mites or cockroaches that reside within your home can become activated by turning on the heating. Allergens can be reduced by keeping windows closed, washing bedding regularly and using an air purifier – alternatively over-the-counter allergy medicines may help alleviate symptoms as well.
Winter
Allergies may be more commonly associated with spring and summer seasons, but they can still pose an issue during winter. While trees may be barren and grass dormant, allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander may still cause symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes/throat irritation, coughing and wheezing in some people.
When symptoms occur, it can be hard to differentiate whether or not they’re due to allergies rather than colds and flus. While viral infections cause colds and flus, allergic reactions result in an exaggerated immune response against normally harmless substances – unlike viral infections which result from viral infection.
Many people experience worse allergy symptoms during winter due to spending more time indoors and closing doors and windows to keep out the cold, trapping allergens within them and increasing exposure through heating systems that recirculate air.
Allergens typically found outdoors, such as plants and trees, tend to take a break during winter, but fungi, mice, and rodents remain active – leading to an increase in dust mite dander, urine and mold production in indoor spaces that may trigger allergies in susceptible individuals. Saline solution nasal rinses can be effective in alleviating allergy symptoms; decongestants, antihistamines or inhaled corticosteroids can also provide temporary relief.
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