Seasonal allergies result from your immune system overreacting to environmental triggers like trees, grasses and weeds, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Your child may require skin or blood testing in order to diagnose seasonal allergies, which differ from “perennial” allergies, which affect children year round.
Pollen
As the weather warms up and trees and flowers blossom and grass grows, pollen begins to be released into the air – an airborne pollen powder which fertilizes plants while simultaneously triggering allergic reactions in people suffering from seasonal allergies like hay fever (runny nose and itchy eyes) or asthma.
Pollen that enters a nonallergenic person’s nasal and throat typically leaves with minimal effect; they will either spit it out or swallow it without issue. But for someone suffering from hay fever, its tiny grains trigger a defensive reaction – when pollen lands on the lining of a nasal or sinus cavity it bonds to special cells called basophils and mast cells which release chemicals like histamine that lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.
To identify whether you have a pollen allergy, your physician will ask questions about your symptoms and review your medical history before referring you to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist for testing. They may perform either a skin prick test or blood test that involves injecting small amounts of pollen onto your skin; your body produces antibodies in response. If there’s a positive result then allergy is confirmed and medications to reduce its symptoms can be prescribed; your allergist may suggest immunotherapy which gradually exposes you to increasing amounts of allergen in order for your body to adjust; your allergist may also recommend immunotherapy which gradually exposes you gradually over time so your immune system becomes familiar with it.
Mold
Mold spores, along with mildew, are one of the main allergens responsible for seasonal allergy symptoms. Molds are microbes found both indoors and outdoors that thrive in damp environments, producing tiny fungi which release their spores into the air causing allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes when inhaled. Mold growth usually takes place most heavily during fall and winter when conditions are ideal for this growth process.
To successfully manage mold allergies, it is recommended that regularly cleaning areas like bathrooms and kitchens that tend to host mold. Dehumidifiers can help remove damp air in damp parts of the home while sinus rinsing with saline can also help. In addition, oral or nasal spray decongestants may be prescribed to ease stuffiness while immunotherapy (allergen shots or sublingual immunotherapy) may be beneficial in desensitizing one’s body to mold spores thus decreasing symptoms.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, occur when an individual’s immune system reacts excessively to allergens present at specific times during the year, such as pollen from trees, grass and ragweed; dust mites; and mold spores. Exposure to such allergens triggers an immune response releasing chemicals like histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which in turn trigger symptoms like sneezing, itching and runny nose.
Animals
Dogs and cats alike can suffer seasonal allergies, although their symptoms differ considerably from ours. Pet allergies typically manifest themselves through itchy skin issues and ear issues rather than sneezing or wheezing; unusual licking and chewing patterns, skin rashes or hot spots on the skin could all indicate potential allergies in pets. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also help support healthier ears by keeping the ears clean year-round to decrease inflammation in these vulnerable spots.
Scratching and licking to relieve itching is often associated with hair loss or open sores on your pet’s skin, leading to severe itching that leads to hair loss or sores in their skin. Anti-itch medications like Apoquel (Cytopoint) can quickly alleviate itching so your pet doesn’t suffer needlessly.
Your pet could experience allergic reactions similar to what humans experience with pollen, mold spores and other outdoor allergens. Your veterinarian can perform a skin-prick test and prescribe allergy shots that desensitize them to whatever allergen is causing their symptoms – often this provides long-term relief! If your pet has itchy skin issues, schedule an appointment with one of Greensboro’s veterinarians immediately!
Dust
Dust can be an allergy trigger. It carries pollen, mold spores and pet dander which cause symptoms; plus it contains spores of fungus and cockroach droppings that can also wreak havoc with your system. When dust reaches its target – your nose or throat – its immune system responds by secreting chemicals into the bloodstream in response, mostly histamine; which then swells mucus membranes within these areas, leading to itchy, watery eyes.
Allergy medication can help alleviate symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays may be purchased over-the-counter or with a valid valid prescription from a pharmacy. In case of more severe symptoms a physician may also prescribe eye drops that reduce inflammation as well as medications which narrow blood vessels in the nose and throat.
Seasonal allergies, commonly known as “hay fever”, occur at specific times throughout the year when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Different climates vary in terms of how much pollen there is in their air at any given moment – weather apps are an easy way to find out about current pollen counts in your region.
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