Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, are allergic reactions that occur during specific times of the year, typically when certain outdoor allergens are prevalent in the air. The most common culprit is pollen released by trees, grasses, and weeds.
Causes:
Seasonal allergies are triggered by inhaling airborne allergens that are prevalent during particular seasons:
- Spring: Tree pollen is the primary trigger, with different tree species pollinating at various times. Examples include oak, maple, birch, and elm.
- Summer: Grass pollen becomes the main offender, including types like ryegrass, timothy grass, and Kentucky bluegrass.
- Fall: Weed pollen, particularly ragweed, is a significant trigger. Mold spores can also be elevated in the fall due to decaying vegetation.
The timing and duration of these pollen seasons can vary depending on the geographic location and weather patterns.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of seasonal allergies are similar to those of hay fever and can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy nose, throat, mouth, and ears
- Watery, red, or itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of smell
- Pain around the sides of the head and forehead
Symptoms tend to worsen on days when pollen counts are high, which are often warm, dry, and windy days. Rain can temporarily clear pollen from the air, but counts can surge again afterward.
Diagnosis:
A healthcare professional can usually diagnose seasonal allergies based on your symptoms and when they occur during the year. They may also perform:
Physical exam: To check for signs of allergies.
Skin prick test: To identify the specific pollens or molds that trigger your symptoms.
Allergen-specific IgE blood test: To measure the level of specific allergy antibodies in your blood.
Knowing the specific allergens you are sensitive to can help you anticipate and manage your symptoms during their peak seasons.
Treatment:
Management strategies for seasonal allergies focus on relieving symptoms and minimizing exposure to allergens:
- Avoidance:
- Stay indoors on days with high pollen or mold counts.
- Keep windows and doors closed during allergy season.
- Use air conditioning with allergen filters in your home and car.
- Avoid activities that stir up pollen, such as mowing the lawn or raking leaves.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
- Dry clothes in a clothes dryer rather than hanging them outside.
- Medications:
- Antihistamines: Help to relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Non-sedating options are available for daytime use.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Reduce nasal inflammation and are often the most effective treatment for nasal symptoms. Start using them a week or two before your typical allergy season begins for best results.
- Decongestants: Can help clear a stuffy nose. Use nasal decongestant sprays sparingly due to the risk of rebound congestion.
- Cromolyn sodium nasal spray: Can help prevent symptoms if used before exposure to allergens.
- Eye drops: Antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops can relieve itchy, watery eyes.
- Nasal irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution can help to remove pollen and mucus.
- Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets): May be recommended for severe seasonal allergies that don’t respond well to other treatments. This can help build tolerance to specific pollens over time.
Prevention:
While you can’t prevent seasonal allergies from developing, you can take steps to minimize your symptoms during allergy season:
- Start taking medications a few weeks before your typical allergy season begins.
- Monitor pollen and mold forecasts in your area.
- Take precautions to reduce indoor allergens.
- Consider wearing a mask when outdoors during high pollen days.
If your seasonal allergy symptoms are bothersome or interfere with your daily life, schedule an appointment with us and we’ll help you get through allergy season more comfortably.
