Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, can lead to itchy eyes and sneezing when airborne allergens such as pollen or mold spores are at their highest levels.
Symptoms are caused by an immune system’s overreacting to normally harmless substances called allergens; triggers can vary based on climate conditions.
Pollen
If your allergy symptoms flare only during certain times of year, seasonal allergies could be to blame. They’re caused by airborne allergens like pollen, mold or dust mites which come into contact with airway passageways and trigger reactions in sensitive people.
Allergens stimulate an overreaction in the immune system that produces histamine, stimulating cells to produce mucus and other substances which trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching in the nose or throat, roof of mouth or eyes irritation and runny noses. A board-certified allergist/immunologist can conduct skin or blood tests to confirm seasonal allergies.
Tree, grass and weed pollens are the primary allergens to trigger symptoms in those suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. These microscopic egg-shaped male pollen grains are released by plants as part of their reproduction process; oak, western red cedar and birch trees produce large concentrations; as do grasses such as timothy rye orchard grass and even some varieties of weeds like ragweed sagebrush tumbleweed cockleweed and lamb’s quarters plants.
Staying indoors during times when pollen and mold counts are at their highest is an effective way to combat allergy symptoms related to pollen, such as from dusk till dawn. A well-functioning central air conditioning system which cleans, cools and dries air can help mitigate allergy symptoms by keeping contaminants at bay; over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops may also provide temporary relief until allergen season has ended.
Dust
Dust is filled with allergens like pet dander, mold spores and chemicals from paint, cleaning products and perfumes that may cause respiratory symptoms in people with allergies who touch or breathe in dust, such as coughing and wheezing. People suffering both seasonal allergies and asthma may find their symptoms are intensified when exposed to common allergens like dust.
The allergy season typically starts in early spring when trees release pollen and continues through summer with grass, weeds and then fall with ragweed. Indoor allergens such as cockroaches, mold, dust mites or pet dander may also exacerbate allergies.
Allergies arise when your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as germs or viruses and responds by producing natural chemicals like histamine as a defense mechanism against these foreign invaders – leading to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and stuffiness in your nose.
Mistaking seasonal allergies for colds is an all too common error, yet one which should never happen. The primary difference between them lies in thick and discolored mucous that is produced during a cold versus clear and itchy mucous from allergic reactions. Over-the-counter allergy medicines, such as nasal sprays and eye drops can relieve most symptoms; allergy immunotherapy offers another approach by gradually introducing small amounts of an allergen slowly over time; this allows your body to become used to it and eventually overcome it.
Animals
Just like people, animals can also become allergic to airborne allergens and suffer symptoms such as itchy skin, sneezing and watery eyes when exposed to such allergens – usually during spring through fall when pollinators like trees pollinate, grass grows and flowers blossom. Dog allergy symptoms usually manifest themselves on their feet and ears with itchy feet and ears as well as an itching or chewing behavior that leads to skin lesions and hair loss in what’s known as Atopic Dermatitis or “atopy”.
Blood tests and intradermal testing may help us pinpoint allergens responsible for your dog’s allergies; however, for an accurate diagnosis your vet may recommend visiting a veterinary dermatologist to conduct skin testing. Here, your pet will be exposed to microdoses of different allergens and monitored for reactions; this allows us to pinpoint exactly which allergens they’re sensitive to so we can devise an immunotherapy treatment plan designed to desensitize them over time.
Allergy medications such as oral antihistamines and the recently developed fast-acting anti-itch drug Oclacitinib (Apoquel) can help your pet control his or her itchy skin. By blocking histamine receptors to stop itching, these pills provide long-term comfort to ensure your dog remains at ease throughout each season. We may also prescribe topical ointments to soothe skin irritation and decrease inflammation.
Mold
Molds are fungi that produce airborne spores called mold spores that float freely in the atmosphere and may trigger allergic reactions. While spores may be found throughout the year, their production tends to peak during autumn when plant debris such as leaves and grass begin to decompose. Gardening, disrupting soil or compost heaps, hiking in wooded areas are all activities which increase exposure to mold spores during this season.
Mold allergy symptoms are similar to hay fever symptoms. These may include runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, wheezing, as well as runny nose. For some individuals inhaling mold spores may cause serious sinus inflammation called Allergic Fungal Sinitis or allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis which also affects those living with cystic Fibrosis and asthma.
If you suffer from mold allergies, utilize a dehumidifier in damp areas of the house, clean regularly with bleach or other household cleaners and consider intranasal sprays such as Flonase or Rhinocort Aqua intranasal sprays as a means to reducing histamine reactions to mold spores; antihistamine medications and intranasal sprays such as Flonase/Rhinocort Aqua nasal sprays as antihistamines; for severe symptoms consult an allergist regarding prescription antifungals/eyedrops/or nasal sprays/intranasal sprays
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