Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever, typically manifest during certain times of year when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the environment. People who are susceptible to allergies see this pollen as a threat and their immune systems react by secreting chemicals that irritate nasal passages and eyes.
Warmer temperatures allow allergens to flourish for longer periods, exacerbating symptoms.
Pollen
Pollen allergies can make life miserable in the warm spring and summer months for people suffering from pollen allergies, leading to itchy noses, runny noses, sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes. Triggered by tree, grass or weed pollen released into the air; for some this may also exacerbate asthma symptoms. If this describes you, an allergist can prescribe over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops to relieve your symptoms while for severe cases an immunotherapy program can expose your immune system to small doses of your allergen in order to desensitize it from future exposures – effectively treating seasonal allergies!
Allergy symptoms can be reduced by limiting outdoor pollen exposure. Check local news for daily pollen counts, and limit time spent outdoors when pollen concentration is highest. Avoid lawnmowing or raking leaves when pollen counts are highest; instead wear a hat when outdoors to keep pollen from landing in your hair; taking a shower and washing clothing afterwards will also help get rid of pollen from your body and prevent it from settling on bedding or furniture.
The worst month for allergies depends on where you live; generally speaking, spring marks the peak season for trees and weeds to bloom, summer brings peak grass pollen counts and fall brings on ragweed season – yet indoor allergens such as molds, dust mites and pet dander may cause allergic reactions all year long.
Mold
If you are suffering from congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes or throat or symptoms similar to seasonal allergies (also known as “hay fever”) then mold allergies could be to blame. Your physician can determine this by reviewing allergy test results, family history and activities which expose you to allergens before conducting a physical exam of eyes, ears, nose and throat.
Allergies to mold occur when your immune system becomes sensitive to tiny spores produced by mold and begins to react as though they were harmful invaders. Mold spores can be found both indoors and outdoors and released into the air; when inhaled they can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, postnasal drip and coughing symptoms.
If you’re allergic to outdoor molds, symptoms will likely become most pronounced during spring and summer when mold counts peak. To mitigate symptoms, stay inside during peak mold counts; don’t cut grass or pile up wet leaves; clean gutters regularly. Also use saline solution kits or nasal sprays regularly in order to rinse sinuses of irritating spores that might irritate them further; if symptoms continue contact a physician about allergy shots as an option.
Dust
Allergies to dust mites tend to occur most commonly between winter and spring; however, they may appear at any time of the year. Dust mites are microscopic creatures found living in bedding, furniture, carpeting, drapes and pillows – when disturbed they release proteins which trigger your immune system’s reaction resulting in symptoms like runny nose, eye/throat itchiness and itchy skin.
Researchers discovered that house dust collected by allergy sufferers contained higher concentrations of protein Der p 1 and 2, suggesting an exacerbation of allergy reactions caused by outdoor pollen exposure due to dust mites. They further observed that levels of allergens decreased alongside humidity reduction and an increase in pollen counts. It seems likely that dust mites may have played a part in creating such allergies in some individuals.
Dust mites aren’t the only particles to trigger allergy symptoms in indoor environments; animal dander and mold spores can also play a part.
Allergies are caused by your immune system’s overreaction. When exposed to allergens, this causes it to release histamines into the bloodstream to combat them – leading to runny noses, itchy eyes and throats, wheezing and other symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants nasal sprays and eye drops may provide temporary relief; for more serious reactions doctors can also suggest allergy shots; this involves an ongoing series of injections for months or even years before relief occurs.
Animal dander
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to things it perceives to be foreign to the body, such as airborne pollen from grass and trees, environmental fungus and animal dander in our homes as well as house dust mites. Individual symptoms for allergies vary; symptoms could include skin itchiness, respiratory signs such as sneezing or runny nose as well as watery eyes.
All furry or feathered pets can trigger allergies as they release protein-rich substances called dander that contain allergens. Animal dander is extremely lightweight and stays airborne for hours at a time before sticking to furniture, clothing and personal belongings; or gathering in upholstery furniture or HVAC vents before becoming airborne again.
Even though proteins may seem small, they can still cause severe allergic reactions which manifest themselves as sinus congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes or hives – in extreme cases life-threatening anaphylaxis may even result.
Allergies to pet dander are most frequently caused by cats and dogs, although it’s possible to be allergic to all breeds of pets. Allergic reactions to pet dander can be diagnosed using a skin-prick test in which small amounts of an allergen are applied directly to the skin – if redness, swelling or itchiness develops then that particular allergen is most likely the source. Antihistamines, decongestants and immunotherapy medications may help alleviate symptoms associated with pet dander allergies; antihistamines can reduce symptoms as can antihistamines as can immunotherapy treatments for allergies to pet dander.
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