Allergies cause itchy and watery eyes along with sneezing symptoms, usually noticeable during spring, summer and fall when pollen-releasing plants such as trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the atmosphere.
Skin prick testing can identify allergy triggers, while immunotherapy (allergy shots) may also be beneficial in managing symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops may help relieve these side effects; for best results it is wise to start taking these treatments two weeks prior to when symptoms typically arise.
Spring
As warmer weather arrives with birds chirping and flowers blooming, many also experience itchy eyes and runny noses due to seasonal allergies. Medication prescribed by your allergy specialist may help mitigate these bothersome symptoms and help minimize them altogether.
Allergies occur when an immune system overreacts to a substance considered harmful by the body – an allergen. When exposed to allergens, our bodies release chemicals such as histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which release unpleasant symptom such as runny nose, watery eyes or itching in the nose or throat.
Springtime tree pollen can be a primary trigger of allergies and other spring pollens such as grass (commonly known as “hay fever”) and weeds may also trigger reactions in individuals.
As spring progresses, allergy symptoms can change daily depending on pollen counts in the air. Tracking pollen counts can help identify when symptoms may flare up; antihistamines, decongestants and steroid nasal sprays should also be used as directed to alleviate them. For people suffering from severe or persistent allergy symptoms, allergen immunotherapy or “allergy shots” may be advised; this involves gradually increasing allergen injections into one arm over time until relief occurs.
Summer
Summer can be the harshest season for allergy sufferers. This is because trees emerge from winter hibernation to produce tree pollen, while grasses and hay (hence “hay fever”) begin pollinating in some regions of the country – plus other weeds like ragweed, nettle and mugwort may trigger reactions in certain people.
Allergic reactions caused by outdoor allergens can manifest themselves with runny noses, watery eyes, itchy eyes, sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. Untreated allergy symptoms may lead to ear infections, itchy skin/lips/headaches/fatigue.
Seasonal allergies can usually be managed through over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays or rinses available over-the-counter. For more severe symptoms, doctors can provide more intensive therapy options including allergy shots.
Reducing symptoms can be done by staying indoors on days with high pollen counts, using an air filter in your home and showering after being outdoors to remove outdoor pollen residues from the body. If you don’t know which allergens cause your problems, an allergist can perform tests and create a customized allergy care plan for you – so visit one today – your primary care provider may have referrals!
Fall
As soon as fall arrives, many people’s noses begin running and their eyes water due to seasonal allergies (also known as “hay fever”). These usually begin in late summer/early fall and last up until frost begins falling on them.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies airborne substances like pollen as threats, and responds by secreting histamine, a chemical which leads to symptoms such as runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes/throat and runny/stuffed up nose – non harmful yet annoying and may even result in itchy skin or hives.
Symptoms vary by season and location; for example, tree pollination peaks during spring; grass pollen levels typically reach their highest point during the summer; while in most areas ragweed pollen reaches its pinnacle during autumn.
As soon as you suspect seasonal allergies, make an appointment with your primary doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and may refer you to an allergist for testing. An allergist will perform a skin test by placing liquid containing potential allergy triggers behind either arm or leg and after 15 minutes inspects for red or raised bumps indicating you’re sensitive. Allergists also conduct blood tests to detect specific allergens.
Winter
Allergies often cause symptoms similar to colds; therefore, it is crucial that we distinguish between allergies and common respiratory infections. Allergies are caused by your immune system’s reaction to specific allergens while colds typically come from viruses causing fever, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
Allergies can strike at any age and at any point in life. Allergies can be diagnosed through physical exam and blood testing to measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to identify which allergens you’re reacting to.
Winter allergies often arise from indoor allergens like mold spores, mildew, pet dander and dust mites or wood smoke irritants – substances which become especially likely to trigger symptoms as we spend more time inside during this season.
No matter the source, pollen or indoor allergens, our allergy doctors are ready to provide relief as quickly as possible. Reach out now! Allergy symptoms shouldn’t be neglected as they can greatly impact quality of life. In these instances it is wise to visit an allergy specialist if symptoms become severe or persistent enough that over-the-counter medicines do not provide relief.
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