Are your eyes itchy and watery or do you experience runny nose at certain times of year? These could be symptoms of seasonal allergies (also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever).
To alleviate your allergy symptoms, it’s best to avoid allergens that trigger them. This might mean keeping windows closed during high pollen days, taking antihistamines and using saline nasal sprays.
Spring
Spring allergies typically reach their height during this time of year. It may also be when grass/hay allergies reach their maximum levels in some parts of the country.
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to airborne substances known as allergens. When inhaled, an allergen triggers an immune response which releases chemicals like histamine to fight it – this chemical often results in runny noses, itchy or watery eyes, nose congestion post nasal drip sinus pressure or coughing in asthmatic individuals.
Step one in getting help for seasonal allergies or something else should be to visit an allergy specialist and conduct allergy testing.
Seasonal allergies, commonly known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, often affect both the membrane lining the nose (allergic rhinitis) and clear fluid covering the whites of eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). They appear only during certain seasons because proteins found in allergens change according to weather changes; during spring pollen from trees is released; grasses or hay release their pollen; in summer grasses or hay appear; while fall brings ragweed. While trees pollen from trees are primary triggers for symptoms; indoor allergens like pet dander or mold can also trigger them.
Summer
Allergies affect people of all ages, though babies are less likely to develop them prior to age 2. Seasonal allergies (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are hypersensitivity reactions caused by environmental substances like pollen that flare up at certain times each year and trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes and an itchy or itchy, scaly rash on the skin – among many others. Some children suffering from seasonal allergies also may also have asthma which causes wheezing.
Allergy symptoms typically begin in spring when tree pollen is released first, then grass and weed pollen later that summer, then finally ragweed pollen in autumn. But because everyone reacts differently to allergens, allergy season could start anytime during the year.
Allergies can be caused by foods, medications and environmental irritants; tree pollen is among the most frequently allergenic plants; grass allergies are another major trigger as is mold spores and pet dander. A simple blood or skin test will reveal which allergens a person is allergic to; avoidance measures should then be implemented during high allergy season – including remaining indoors on days with high pollen counts; showering after coming indoors to wash off outdoor allergens before entering; using saline nasal rinse; keeping air conditioning running continuously – which will ensure optimal conditions during high allergy season!
Fall
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you know how distressing it can be to experience symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin itching and congestion. Thankfully, many can find relief using over-the-counter or prescription medicines like nasal steroids and eye drops; those suffering more severe reactions may benefit from immunotherapy, which involves gradual exposure of allergens so your body learns not to react in response.
Allergy symptoms usually start recurring at around the same time each year, usually as pollen is released by certain plants and triggered by pollen grains released into the environment by pollen mites and trees1. Seasonal allergies (commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis and hay fever) differ from perennial ones which remain all year round and are caused by environmental allergens like pet dander or dust mites1.
Timing of allergy symptoms depends on which plants are responsible; typically in most parts of the United States, tree pollen can be especially problematic during spring, with summertime being full of grass (timothy, rye, orchard, redtop) and weed pollens as well. Autumn brings with it ragweed season and molds along with indoor allergens like dust mites or cockroach sheddings being more severe sources of discomfort than anything else.
Seasonal allergies tend to be easier to diagnose than perennial ones because symptoms appear during specific times of year. Your doctor will usually conduct an exam on your ears, nose and throat in order to make a diagnosis, though further testing with skin or blood tests may be required to ascertain which allergens you’re sensitive to.
Winter
Allergies can cause itchy eyes and runny nose, giving the impression you have a cold. But allergies differ significantly; if you experience runny nose, itchy eyes or any other allergy symptoms it is important to contact an allergist immediately for advice.
Allergies occur when our immune system overreacts to something it comes across in the environment, usually food or pollen. Symptoms depend on both season and allergen(s); seasonal allergies (also known as “hay fever”) can affect both mucus membranes of the nose resulting in allergic rhinitis as well as covering eyelids with conjunctivitis covering white parts of eyes (conjunctivitis).
These symptoms often interfere with daily activities and sleep and can be extremely frustrating to patients. Common examples are itchy eyes and throats, sinus pressure, runny noses, sneezing, wheezing, hives, itchy skin, fatigue and difficulty sleeping – making these conditions worse than ever for many individuals.
As climate change extends pollen seasons, many are suffering year-round from allergy symptoms. Understanding which triggers are responsible is essential in order to successfully treating or avoiding winter allergies; talk to your allergist about specific IgE blood testing for insight into your allergy-like symptoms; use our allergen encyclopedia as well to gain more knowledge. Your allergist will then devise an appropriate treatment plan that best addresses them.
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