Allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose or blocked sinuses; they may also trigger asthma attacks and lead to skin rashes.
Allergies typically appear seasonaly, typically around times when trees, grasses and weeds produce pollen that causes people with allergies to release chemicals that lead to symptoms.
Pollen
Pollen allergies cause people with allergies to experience symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin and nasal congestion. Pollen comes from trees, grass and weeds in the air and causes seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). People are most susceptible to getting it when affected plants bloom in spring, summer or fall.
Pollen can enter our bodies and set off an immune response that produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which then attach themselves to mast cells where they release histamine causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes and an itchy, watery nose.
Pollen allergies can be managed with over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines and nasal sprays, but the best way to prevent symptoms is avoiding exposure. You can do this by staying indoors when pollen counts are high, closing windows tightly, using air conditioner and keeping windows closed when outdoors; wearing sunglasses/hats when out, regularly washing hair and showering before bed to rid body of pollen; all can help alleviate your symptoms and decrease symptoms significantly.
If over-the-counter medication fails to alleviate your symptoms, an allergist may suggest other prescription-only options that will provide relief. Immunotherapy shots (allergy shots) may also provide effective pollen allergy relief by gradually exposing you to small increments of allergen over time until your body adjusts and stops reacting so aggressively.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp places indoors and outdoors, producing spores which may trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to them as well as irritating nose, eyes, sinuses and lungs. Mold spore counts tend to peak overnight or on rainy, foggy days.
Reactions to mold allergies are similar to other allergies, including sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and itchy skin. Some individuals may even experience allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis – with symptoms similar to asthma – at greater risk than those without respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
As with other allergies, treatment for mold allergies varies widely and there are various strategies available to reduce symptoms. Antihistamines can help lower histamine levels to decrease allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching and runny nose; nasal spray decongestants like Flonase or Rhinocort Aqua can relieve congestion; daily nasal rinses using saline solution may help remove irritants while also decreasing inflammation in your nose. If over-the-counter medication doesn’t do the trick then consult with a physician regarding prescription medication or immunotherapy; they will perform tests to diagnose your mold allergy while offering treatments tailored specifically towards you;
Dust
Allergies to dust mites can result in runny noses, itchy, watery eyes and wheezing (especially when combined with asthma). Dust mites feed off dead skin cells found both on humans and animals alike and when digesting these proteins they release proteins which trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This is typically worse at night or morning when dust mite activity peaks – when allergic symptoms usually worsen most dramatically.
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect both the membranes lining the nose and throat (allergic rhinitis) and thin layer of tissue covering whites of eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). Symptoms typically only surface at specific times during the year depending on what triggers them for each individual.
Tree pollen can be an especially major source of allergies during spring; while grass and weed pollen often become problematic in summer and fall. Allergens may also originate indoors from mold spores or animal dander as well as volatile organic compounds present in smoke, perfumes or colognes – creating further issues.
To assess dust allergies, your healthcare provider will use a pen-like tool to lightly prick an area on the surface of your skin (for instance inside of arm). They then watch for red raised bumps that indicate whether your body has produced IgE antibodies against those dust mite proteins and watch whether any have raised.
Animals
People suffering from seasonal allergies typically experience symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchiness; similar reactions also affect pets to various degrees. Dogs suffering from seasonal allergies most commonly develop rhinitis (inflammation of nasal passages), but sniffling and sneezing may occur too; occasionally this leads to labored breathing; itchy skin can often result in severe scratching that leads to open sores and skin lesions which become infected over time.
As is true for humans, dogs and cats alike can also suffer seasonal allergies caused by tree, grass, weed pollens as well as mold spores and pet dander. Itching is one of the main symptoms of these allergies and it may affect any part of the body such as paws, ears, face, neck, abdomen groin armpits tail. Some pets will lick and chew themselves until their raw spots appear due to intense itching!
Your veterinarian will diagnose seasonal allergies by performing physical exam findings and reviewing allergy history during specific seasons of the year. A skin prick test can quickly identify allergic reactions to various allergens. Your vet may perform a blood test to help identify what you’re allergic to; this usually requires more blood and time. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants which suppress immune systems and relieve symptoms; if these do not help, hyposensitization therapy might be recommended – this involves administering shots of an allergen over time to reduce its immune response that causes allergies.
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