Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are caused by airborne allergens such as tree, grass and ragweed pollen.
Allergy symptoms can be managed using antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroid nasal sprays; however, the most effective way to manage allergy symptoms is avoiding exposure to allergens that cause them.
Spring
As winter gives way to spring and temperatures warm up, trees and plants begin to blossom – for millions of people this is also signaled by an increase in allergy symptoms.
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance such as pollen and treats it like an invader, producing chemicals which lead to symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Spring allergy season typically starts in February with tree pollen becoming active, reaching peak levels between March and April1. Outdoor mold spores and grass pollen are also major spring allergens2.
Even though outdoor allergens cannot be completely avoided, there are ways to alleviate symptoms. Antihistamine medications taken orally as well as non-steroidal nasal sprays containing antihistamines may significantly help.
Rather than resorting to over-the-counter medications alone, our team can assess your symptoms and conduct a blood test that measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific allergens to pinpoint allergy triggers and develop an effective treatment plan. With expertise in allergy, sinus, and asthma care we offer various therapies such as oral/nasal desensitization; allergy shots; as well as various nasal sprays.
Summer
Air pollution produced from car exhaust and other sources may exacerbate symptoms during the summer, with elevated ozone levels often contributing to worsening symptoms. High temperatures and lack of wind may promote mold growth that aggravates allergies; insect allergies may worsen with increased bee, wasp, yellow jacket and fire ant bites and stings.
Allergy symptoms typically appear in spring and last throughout summer, depending on which pollen species is to blame. Trees typically release their pollen first before grass and ragweed produce pollen2.
Your immune system misidentifies plant particles as invaders that need protecting from, so your body releases chemicals into your bloodstream to fight off these invaders – which causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist in order to identify which allergens trigger seasonal allergies, using skin tests or blood testing, to measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against specific allergens, so your physician can pinpoint those responsible. He/She may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants and/or steroid nasal sprays in order to alleviate your symptoms and recommend treatment plans accordingly.
Fall
People typically associate allergy symptoms with spring, but sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses can still appear during fall according to the National Allergy Bureau. Ragweed pollen is often the main culprit. Allergies can be difficult to diagnose but doctors can assist patients in diagnosing them through skin testing using liquid containing allergens and watching for any allergic reaction; or by measuring immunoglobulin E antibodies which assist your immune system against allergens via blood testing.
Eliminate allergens that aggravate your symptoms is the best way to manage fall allergies. This means limiting outdoor activities during peak pollen times (particularly windy ones) and keeping windows closed, showering after coming inside from being outside, using a saline nasal rinse after going outdoors, showering post-outside use and using a mask when using power tools as well as installing HEPA air filters at home.
Antihistamines and decongestants may help relieve allergy symptoms; however, if symptoms continue to occur it’s essential to consult a board-certified allergist as soon as possible – an allergist will create a treatment plan to address seasonal allergies more effectively and can even find one near you using our allergist locator tool!
Winter
Seasonal allergies (also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) occur when exposed to pollen spores that trigger your immune system into overreacting, leading to symptoms like congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and coughing.
Allergies are a widespread condition that affects millions of people globally. People living with allergies often feel exhausted from constant congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and running nose. Furthermore, their symptoms often interfere with sleep patterns causing further fatigue during the day.
Winter allergies can be just as debilitating to those living with them as spring allergies are, with many not understanding why their symptoms reappear in wintertime.
Answering this question requires understanding some variables and their interactions; some areas have trees release pollen in winter while in other locations grass and weeds continue to produce it from fall into winter months due to climate change, which allows plants like ragweed to produce longer lasting pollen-bearing blooms than previously. Furthermore, during the winter season you are exposed to molds and dust mites which could further exacerbate allergy symptoms.
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