Seasonal Allergies

Overview

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, happen when your immune system reacts to allergens like pollen in the air during certain times of the year (like spring, summer, or fall). Seasonal allergy symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and a scratchy throat. Seasonal allergy treatment options include avoiding allergens when possible, using over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines or nasal sprays, or getting allergy shots for lasting relief.

Types of Seasonal Allergies 

Seasonal allergies can be triggered by different things depending on the time of year. Here are seven common types:

• Pollen Allergy: Pollen from trees (like oak and birch), grasses (such as ryegrass), and weeds (like ragweed) can cause allergies in spring, summer, or fall.

• Mold Allergy: Outdoor mold spores, which grow in warm, humid weather, can cause allergies in late summer and fall.

• Grass Allergy: Some people are allergic to grass pollen, which is common in spring and summer.

• Tree Allergy: Allergies to tree pollen (like oak and cedar) can happen in early spring.

• Ragweed Allergy: Ragweed releases pollen in late summer and early fall, causing allergies for many.

• Fungal Spore Allergy: Certain outdoor molds, especially in warm, damp conditions, can trigger allergies.

• Hay Allergy: Some are allergic to moldy hay or dust from hay, leading to Seasonal allergy symptoms when exposed.

Knowing which type of weather change allergies you have can help manage seasonal allergy symptoms better. If you think you have seasonal allergies, talk to a healthcare provider for the right seasonal allergies diagnosis and treatment options.

• When do allergies start? 

Allergies can start at any age, but they commonly develop in childhood or early adulthood. The onset can vary based on genetics, environmental exposures, and individual immune system development.

• When does allergy season end?

Allergy seasons vary based on location and allergens but typically end in late fall or early winter for seasonal allergens like pollen. Indoor allergens, however, can persist year-round.

Causes

Seasonal allergies happen when certain allergens in the air trigger immune reactions during specific times of the year. The main seasonal allergies causes include:

• Pollen: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can cause spring, summer, or fall allergies, depending on when they release pollen into the air.

• Mold Spores: Outdoor mold spores thrive in damp conditions and can worsen allergies, especially in warm, humid weather.

• Other Outdoor Allergens: Fungal spores and certain tree or flower blossoms can also contribute to seasonal allergies.

When people who are allergic breathe in these allergens, their immune system responds by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion.

Symptoms

Seasonal allergies can cause a range of symptoms when you’re exposed to certain allergens like pollen or mold during specific times of the year. Common Seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing: Often and repeatedly, especially around pollen.
• Runny or Stuffy Nose: Congestion with clear mucus (runny) or feeling blocked (stuffy).
• Itchy, Watery Eyes: Red, itchy, and watery eyes from allergens.
• Nasal Itching: Feeling itchy inside the nose or at the back of the mouth.
• Postnasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the throat, causing throat irritation or cough.
• Sore Throat: Scratchy throat due to postnasal drip.
• Coughing: Persistent cough because of postnasal drip or throat irritation.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired because of poor sleep quality from nasal congestion.
• Facial Pressure or Pain: Pressure or pain around the sinuses in the face.
• Decreased Sense of Smell or Taste: Difficulty smelling or tasting due to nasal congestion.

These Seasonal allergy symptoms can vary in intensity and often worsen during specific seasons when allergens are high. Seasonal allergies can affect daily life, but there are Seasonal allergy treatments like over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, or allergy shots to help manage symptoms.

• How long do allergies last? 

Allergy symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the allergen exposure and individual response. Chronic seasonal allergies may persist for weeks or longer without treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, involves a few steps to understand your symptoms and pinpoint the triggers causing them:

• Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms when they occur, and if they relate to certain seasons or activities outdoors. They’ll also inquire about a family history of allergies.
• Physical Examination: The doctor will check for signs like nasal congestion, redness, or swelling in your nose and look for related conditions like eczema or asthma.
• Skin Prick Test: Small amounts of common allergens are pricked into your skin to see if you react with a raised bump, indicating an allergy.
• Blood Test (Specific IgE test): This checks for specific antibodies in your blood that suggest allergies, useful if skin testing isn’t an option.
• Allergy Symptom Diary: You might be asked to track your symptoms and activities to see patterns of when you feel worse.

Treatment

Here are ways to manage seasonal allergies:

• Avoiding Allergens

   – Stay indoors during peak pollen times like early morning and evening.

   – Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with filters.

   – Avoid activities like lawn mowing during allergy seasons.

• Antihistamines: Block allergic reactions. Examples include Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra.
• Nasal Sprays (Corticosteroids): Reduce nasal inflammation and congestion. Examples include Flonase and Nasonex.
• Decongestants: Temporarily relieve nasal congestion. Use short-term to avoid rebound congestion.
• Nasal Saline Irrigation: Rinsing nasal passages with salt water can help clear allergens.
• Prescription Medications: Stronger medications like oral corticosteroids or immunomodulators may be prescribed for severe allergies.
• Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): Recommended for severe allergies that don’t respond to other Seasonal allergy treatments. Involves regular injections of allergens to build tolerance.
• Alternative Therapies: Some people try acupuncture, certain herbal remedies, or probiotics for allergy relief, but evidence is limited.
• Keep indoor spaces clean and free of dust and pet dander.
• Wear sunglasses and hats outdoors to protect against pollen.

How to deal with allergies? 

To manage allergies, identify triggers, minimize exposure (e.g., using air purifiers), and consider medications like antihistamines or allergy shots for long-term relief.

When To See A Doctor

You should visit a primary care physician for seasonal allergies if over-the-counter medications don’t relieve your symptoms adequately, or if you experience severe allergy symptoms in kids like difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness. Additionally, if you have underlying health conditions such as asthma that worsen with allergies, visit your primary care physician for proper management. Your primary care physician can also help if you’re considering allergy testing or need prescription medications for better symptom control.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about seasonal allergies or any other medical condition, please see a primary care physician for an accurate seasonal allergy diagnosis and personalized Seasonal allergy treatment suggestions.