Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, are immune system responses to allergens that appear during specific times of the year. These allergies are primarily triggered by airborne substances like pollen from trees, grass, and weeds.

Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers

Many factors can trigger seasonal allergies. The most common ones include tree, grass, and weed pollen. Tree pollen is typically released in the spring, while grass pollen peaks in late spring and summer. Weed pollen, including ragweed, becomes problematic in late summer through fall. Depending on the region, certain allergens may be more prevalent. For example, oak tree pollen is a significant trigger in New York, while willow trees are common allergens in Washington.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are primarily caused by an overactive immune system's response to outdoor airborne substances like pollen. When a person with seasonal allergies breathes in an allergen such as pollen, their immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as foreign and releases antibodies to attack these allergens. This results in an allergic reaction.

Your susceptibility to seasonal allergies is often hereditary, meaning it runs in families. If your parents have allergies, you are more likely to have them. Also, if you are exposed to high levels of allergens, especially early in life, you are more likely to develop allergies.

While everyone is exposed to allergens, not everyone's immune system will react to them. The reasons aren't fully understood. But it's clear that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors can trigger the onset of seasonal allergies. For more in-depth information on what causes seasonal allergies, you can visit this page.

What Are the Signs of Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal Allergies, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, present several symptoms which can often be mistaken for a common cold. These include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and an itchy throat. However, unlike a cold, seasonal allergies don't cause a fever.

Signs Your Child May Have Seasonal Allergies

In children, seasonal allergy symptoms can be similar to those in adults but may also include irritability, ear infections, and asthma symptoms. One distinguishing sign is the "allergic salute" – a child continually rubbing or wiping their nose upwards.

Allergies vs. Colds: A Side-by-Side Look at the Common Signs

While both seasonal allergies and colds can cause a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and fatigue, there are key differences. Seasonal allergies typically last as long as you're exposed to the allergen, often over several weeks, whereas colds usually resolve within 7 to 10 days. Itching and sneezing are more common with allergies, while colds can cause a fever, body aches, and a sore throat. For a more detailed comparison, visit here.

How Do COVID-19 Symptoms Differ from a Cold or Allergies?

COVID-19 symptoms differ significantly from those of a cold or allergies. In addition to respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 can cause fever, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea, or diarrhea. Unlike allergies, COVID-19 is accompanied by systemic symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory illness. It's crucial to get tested if you suspect you have COVID-19.

How Can You Minimize Exposure to Seasonal Allergy Triggers?

Minimizing exposure to seasonal allergy triggers involves understanding your allergens, then taking action to avoid them. This can significantly reduce your seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms, providing relief and improving your quality of life.

To limit exposure to pollen, keep your windows closed during high pollen times and use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the air. Monitor local weather reports for pollen forecasts, and try to stay indoors when counts are high. Showering and changing clothes after coming indoors can also help remove pollen from your skin and hair.

You can also minimize exposure by avoiding certain outdoor activities during high pollen times, typically mid-morning and early evening. Protective measures like wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and face. For those with grass allergies, avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves, as these activities stir up pollen and molds.

Lastly, remember that seasonal allergy triggers can vary across different regions. If you're planning to travel, research the common allergens in your destination. For example, if you're visiting New York, you'll want to prepare for grass pollen, while in Washington, you might encounter allergens from willow trees.

How Do You Treat Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies can be treated through various methods, including medication, environmental control measures, and immunotherapy. The most effective treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your specific allergens. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What Allergy Treatments are Available?

Several treatments are available for seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help control your symptoms. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Decongestants shrink swollen nasal tissues to relieve congestion. Nasal sprays can also reduce inflammation in your nasal passages.

Prescription medications are available for severe or persistent symptoms. These include prescription antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and help control severe allergic reactions.

Allergen immunotherapy is another effective treatment for seasonal allergies. This involves regular injections or tablets containing small amounts of your specific allergens. Over time, these can help your immune system become less sensitive to these allergens, reducing your symptoms.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a form of allergen immunotherapy that involves placing a tablet under your tongue. This tablet contains a small amount of the allergen that triggers your symptoms. The allergen is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, helping your immune system gradually become less sensitive to it.

SLIT can be a more convenient option than allergy shots, as it can be done at home. It has been shown to be effective for treating allergies to grass pollen, ragweed pollen, dust mites, and certain tree pollens. It's important to start SLIT several months before allergy season begins to achieve the best results. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine if SLIT is the right treatment for you.

What Are the Risk Factors and Prevention of Seasonal Allergies?

Risk factors for seasonal allergies include a family history of allergies, having other types of allergies, or having asthma. Preventing seasonal allergies primarily involves reducing your exposure to allergens and managing symptoms with the appropriate treatments.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing seasonal allergies. Being exposed to allergens at a young age, particularly during infancy, can make you more susceptible. A family history of allergies or asthma also increases your risk. Having other allergies, such as food allergies or eczema, is another risk factor. If you have asthma, your symptoms may be triggered or worsened by exposure to seasonal allergens.

You can take steps to prevent seasonal allergies or reduce their severity. These include:

• Monitoring local pollen forecasts and minimizing outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.
• Keeping windows closed during pollen season to prevent pollen from entering your home.
• Using air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens.
• Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• OTC or prescription medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

It's also important to start allergy treatments before your symptoms begin. For example, if you're undergoing sublingual immunotherapy, you should start treatment several months before allergy season.

Ultimately, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to identify your specific allergens and develop a personalized treatment plan. This can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life during allergy season. Here is more information on what causes seasonal allergies and how to prevent them.

Live Allergy-Free with Wyndly

If you want long-term relief from your allergies, Wyndly can help. Our doctors will help you identify your allergy triggers and create a personalized treatment plan to get you the lifelong relief you deserve. Start by taking our quick online allergy assessment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What month is pollen the highest?

Pollen levels are usually highest in the spring months, typically between March and May, when many plants and trees release their pollen. However, this can vary based on geography and the types of vegetation in your area. Always check local pollen forecasts for the most accurate information.

What are the 7 allergy symptoms?

The seven common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat or ears, coughing, fatigue, and headaches. These symptoms may vary in intensity and duration, and they can arise due to a variety of allergens such as dust, pollen, or pet dander.

How do I know if my child has seasonal allergies?

If your child has seasonal allergies, they may exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and coughing. These symptoms might intensify during certain seasons. If you suspect allergies, consult a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of season change allergies?

Season change allergies, often referred to as "seasonal allergies" or "hay fever," manifest various symptoms. These can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and itchy throat or ears. More severe symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing.

Can seasonal allergies make you feel sick?

Yes, seasonal allergies can make you feel sick. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing can mimic those of a common cold. Additionally, fatigue, headache, and even slight fever can accompany these symptoms, contributing to a general feeling of illness.

How do you deal with seasonal allergies?

Dealing with seasonal allergies involves a combination of avoiding exposure to allergens, using over-the-counter or prescription medications, and undergoing immunotherapy. Other measures include using air purifiers, washing hands and clothes frequently, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons. Consult with an allergist for personalized treatment plans.

What are the 3 stages of an allergic reaction?

The three stages of an allergic reaction are sensitization, activation, and effector. Sensitization is when the body first encounters an allergen and creates antibodies. Activation occurs when the body re-encounters the allergen, triggering those antibodies. The effector stage involves the release of histamines, causing symptoms.

What symptoms can seasonal allergies cause?

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, can cause various symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itchy throat or ears. Additional symptoms may include cough, fatigue, and headaches. The intensity of these symptoms can vary among individuals.

How do I know if I have seasonal allergies or a cold?

Distinguishing between seasonal allergies and a cold can be challenging. However, key differences are: colds often include symptoms like body aches and fever, which are not present in allergies. Also, allergies persist as long as exposure to the allergen continues, while colds usually resolve within 1-2 weeks.

How do you know if you are allergic to the cold?

Cold allergy, or cold urticaria, is characterized by redness, itching, hives, or swelling on the skin after exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms can occur after cold weather exposure, cold water immersion, or consuming cold food or beverages. Severe reactions may cause fainting or shock.