Sneezing, a stuffy nose, and red eyes are just a few symptoms many people suffer from. 25.7% of adults in the US have seasonal allergies. This occurs when the immune system sometimes overreacts to substances in the air, triggering an unpleasant reaction in the body. Trees, grasses, and weeds are the most common allergens. They appear at specific times of the year. For many people, symptoms worsen in the spring, summer, or fall, when plants release pollen into the air. Let’s discuss seasonal allergy treatment so you can avoid this affliction and enjoy all seasons.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Allergic reactions are the immune system’s response to common allergens, such as pollen, mold spores, or grass. Typically, people experience nasal congestion, an itchy throat, or a runny nose. Patients may also experience a runny nose, cough, watery eyes, itchy, or red eyes. Many doctors observe mucus accumulation in the back of the throat, swelling, or dark circles under the eyes. Allergy sufferers may also sneeze. These symptoms can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue. These symptoms can easily be confused with a cold. However, don’t jump to conclusions. If these symptoms recur around the same time each year, you may have seasonal allergies rather than a cold.
Common Triggers
- Spring allergies typically begin in the United States in early February, when trees pollinate. Ragweed typically causes symptoms in late summer and fall.
- Grass pollen peaks in late spring and summer.
- In warm climates, grasses can pollinate almost year-round. Unfortunately, mild winters and rainy springs can prolong allergy season and increase mold growth.
- Pollen levels are highest on warm, dry, and windy days.
- Mold is mainly active in hot and humid conditions.
- Rain temporarily reduces pollen counts, but then they rise sharply.
- Quiet, calm days usually have fewer allergens in the air.
Moving to another region rarely helps. Since allergens are present almost everywhere, allergies need to be managed effectively.
Treatment and Management
Do you often feel like you’re coming down with a cold or suffer from sinus congestion? If so, it might be time to see an allergist. An allergist can determine the root cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized, effective treatment plan. Before choosing a doctor, read reviews, talk to the specialist, and choose a clinic with a good reputation. Don’t hesitate to ask the specialist any questions you may have. Let the doctor advise you on changes to make in your lifestyle to at least reduce, if not eliminate, your allergy symptoms.
Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies
Monitor pollen and mold levels daily. Information can be found in local weather forecasts. Keep windows and doors closed during periods of high pollen counts. Be sure to find out which pollen types you are sensitive to. Then, limit your time outdoors during periods of high counts. Tree and grass pollen are at their highest concentrations in the evenings during the spring and summer. Ragweed pollen concentrations are highest in the morning, typically in late summer and fall.
What should you do if today is a bad day for your seasonal allergies? Shower, wash your hair, and change clothes after being outdoors. Or better yet, leave all your chores and stay home with the windows closed. Wear a mask with a 95 filter when working in the yard or mowing the lawn.
And of course, consult a doctor. Your doctor will likely recommend allergy immunotherapy. This reduces symptoms and can alter the course of the condition. Over time, combining the proper measures will reduce the allergic reaction. So don’t despair if you notice signs of seasonal allergies. Listen to your doctor and don’t neglect proper self-care daily. And you can enjoy any season without suffering from coughing and sneezing.
How to Diagnose Seasonal Allergies
To begin effective treatment, it’s crucial to correctly identify the cause of your allergies. Fortunately, hay fever is often easier to diagnose than other allergies. If symptoms only appear during certain months, your doctor may suspect seasonal allergies. The specialist will examine your nose and throat to detect inflammation, usually caused by allergies.
Skin Prick Testing
Helps identify reactions to common allergens. The doctor applies a small amount of each allergen to your forearm or back and gently pricks it. If a small red or raised bump appears on the skin within 15 minutes, you may be allergic to that substance.
Blood Test
A blood test will detect specific antibodies associated with allergic reactions. This helps determine your sensitivity to local pollen or other triggers specific to your geographic region.
Allergy testing should only be performed if you have symptoms. A positive test without a history of symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a true allergy.
Risk Factors
People with a tendency toward allergies may simultaneously develop several types of allergic reactions. Approximately 80% of patients with asthma or atopic dermatitis are also diagnosed with pollen allergy. Stress, chronic illnesses, and a weakened immune system increase the risk of developing allergies, making the body more vulnerable to allergens. Therefore, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize stress. The severity of allergies should not be underestimated. Some patients may develop cross-allergies, leading to intolerance to certain plant-based foods. In such cases, swelling of the lips, itching in the mouth, throat, or ears, and digestive upset are possible.
If left untreated, seasonal allergies can lead to the development of eczema, nasal polyps, anaphylactic shock, Quincke’s edema, hemolytic anemia, and blood disorders.
In some cases, seasonal allergies manifest on the skin, which is already a sign of a complication. Chronic inflammation gradually exhausts the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.
Sneezing, coughing, itching, and nasal congestion can cause emotional exhaustion, irritability, and nervousness, significantly reducing quality of life. So, take action as soon as possible and take steps toward a healthier life.
Conclusions
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? We want you to find relief. Spring, summer, and fall should bring you joy, not problems. So contact us for help immediately. For over 30 years, our board-certified specialists have been helping families across the county find long-term relief from allergies, asthma, and related conditions. At Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California, we use only advanced diagnostic tools and create personalized treatment plans. We guarantee that every visit brings you closer to recovery. Call us now!
