Seasonal Allergies, more commonly known as Hay Fever, occur when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen. Symptoms typically affect both the membrane lining the nose (allergic rhinitis) and clear surfaces of eyes (conjunctivitis).
Your doctor may suggest medicines to alleviate symptoms. These could include oral and nasal antihistamines and decongestants as well as immunotherapy shots (allergy shots).
Spring
As spring arrives, air becomes clear and fresher; yet flowers blooming and trees releasing pollen can trigger allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny nose. Millions of people suffer from seasonal allergies (or allergic rhinitis). This condition is often triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, molds or dust mites in the environment.
Allergens are microscopic particles found in the air that, when breathed in by someone with allergies, cause their immune system to misinterpret them as dangerous invaders and release chemicals such as histamine in order to defend against them. Histamine causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes in its wake.
Symptoms vary by region and season in the United States; tree pollen can be especially problematic during springtime; particularly problematic species include birch and pine trees. When temperatures warm, grass and weed pollen increases while ragweed grows as an issue in fall.
Allergy symptoms can be managed using over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroid nasal sprays. Immunotherapy – or allergy shots – gradually introduces people to increasing doses of an allergen over months or years to help build tolerance and stop reacting with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes. If symptoms persist beyond this point, people with severe reactions should consult an allergist about treatment options.
Summer
As trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants during the summer, those allergic to them produce chemicals which cause irritation in their head, eyes, nose, throat or sinuses – common symptoms being runny noses, sneezing fits, nasal congestion/pressure sinus issues as well as itchy watery eyes; unlike colds allergies can also trigger asthma–leading to shortness of breath and wheezing attacks.
Allergies can affect us at any time, but most people experience symptoms during certain seasons of the year. Seasonal allergies are caused by allergens like tree, grass or weed pollen; mold spores; dust mites; or by floral triggers like ragweed and other weeds as well as mold spores.
Allergens can be identified through skin testing or blood tests. Once identified, allergy triggers can be avoided or treated using antihistamine medications that can suppress immune responses and relieve symptoms; nasal sprays containing decongestants may help ease congestion or other symptoms; allergen immunotherapy involves giving small doses of allergens over months or years to decrease sensitivity; for more information about seasonal allergies speak with your physician who can discuss lifestyle changes, medications and allergy testing to pinpoint your allergen triggers.
Fall
Seasonal allergies – more commonly known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever – occur when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. People sensitive to these allergens experience symptoms when breathing in pollen such as itchy and runny eyes, stuffy or runny nose and coughing (particularly among those who also have asthma).
Avoiding exposure to things you are allergic to is the ideal approach to combat seasonal allergies, so close windows and use air conditioning wherever possible – for instance in your house and car – while staying inside during peak pollen counts whenever possible. If avoiding allergens is impossible or doesn’t provide relief, medications such as oral antihistamines combined with decongestants like pseudoephedrine may provide temporary relief, while nasal sprays may also provide help.
However, if over-the-counter medications fail to bring any relief, allergy testing may be necessary to identify which allergens are triggering your symptoms. An allergist can administer skin and blood tests to identify what your immune system is reacting against; depending on these test results they may recommend immunotherapy injections (immunotherapy), oral steroids for severe symptoms and eye drops as treatment options.
Winter
Allergies can produce various symptoms, from itchy eyes and watery mucus discharge to sneezing and wheezing, as well as asthmatic attacks causing wheezing and shortness of breath. To find relief from seasonal allergies it is wise to visit a board-certified allergist.
Allergies arise when an overactive immune system reacts to something it misidentifies as a threat, like pollen or pet dander, with an exaggerated reaction, such as itchy eyes, watery eyes or sneezing; symptoms may range from mild to severe and come and go depending on severity and onset. Allergies differ from colds; typically colds do not result in itchy, watery eyes or sneezing as symptoms.
Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are typically caused by allergens that only manifest at certain times of year. Spring sees trees emerge from winter hibernation and release their pollen; summer brings grasses and weeds that contribute to hay fever; while fall brings an increase in ragweed pollen counts.
Seasonal allergies can be alleviated through medication such as antihistamines and decongestants that can be purchased over-the-counter and come in various potencies. For a longer-term solution, allergists offer skin or blood testing to determine your allergies before offering desensitization therapy to treat them.
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