As the seasons change, many people look forward to warmer weather, blooming flowers, and spending more time outdoors. However, for millions of individuals, these seasonal shifts also bring something far less welcome: seasonal allergies.
That familiar itchy nose, the watery eyes, and the constant sneezing can turn beautiful days into miserable ones. But what exactly causes this reaction, and more importantly, what can you do about it?
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system reacts to airborne substances that are usually harmless. These substances, known as allergens, trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals. During certain times of the year, specific allergens become more prevalent.
When someone with seasonal allergies inhales these allergens, their immune system responds by treating them as harmful invaders and producing histamines and other inflammatory chemicals. These substances cause inflammation, leading to the classic seasonal allergy symptoms, including itching, swelling, and sneezing.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Pollen is the most common trigger for seasonal allergies. Pollen grains are tiny particles released by trees, grasses, and weeds for fertilization. Different plants release pollen at different times of the year, leading to distinct allergy seasons:
- Spring: Tree pollen is the primary culprit. Depending on your location, this could include pollen from various trees, such as oak, birch, maple, elm, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, and cedar. The season typically begins in late winter or early spring and lasts through May or June.
- Summer: Grass pollen takes over as the dominant allergen. Common allergy-causing grasses include Timothy, Bermuda, Orchard, Red Top, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Johnson grass. Grass pollen season usually peaks from late spring through mid-summer.
- Fall: Weed pollen becomes prominent, with ragweed being the most notorious offender. A single ragweed plant can produce up to a billion pollen grains! Other fall weeds include sagebrush, pigweed, lamb’s quarters, and tumbleweed. This season typically runs from late summer until the first frost.
Mold spores are also a common culprit of your seasonal allergy. While often associated with damp indoor areas, molds also thrive in outdoor environments. Mold spores are released into the air much like pollen.
Outdoor mold counts can peak in the fall, especially in damp, decaying leaves and compost piles. They can also be present during warmer, humid months. Unlike pollen, mold allergies can sometimes persist year-round, depending on the climate and indoor conditions.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies can cause sore throat, runny nose, and watery eyes, just like common colds, which makes diagnosis tricky.
However, allergy symptoms tend to last longer and are triggered by exposure to specific environmental conditions. Typical symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Itchy throat or ears
In some cases, individuals may also experience headaches or sinus pressure, especially when pollen counts are high.
When should you seek medical attention?
While many manage seasonal allergies with OTC remedies, it’s important to consult a doctor or visit an urgent care center like Doctors Plus Urgent Care if:
- Your symptoms are severe or persistent despite using OTC medications.
- You experience side effects from medications.
- Allergies can significantly interfere with your daily life, sleep, and work or school performance.
- You are experiencing seasonal allergies and asthma.
- You suspect complications like a sinus infection (characterized by thick, colored nasal discharge, facial pain/pressure, fever). Seasonal allergies do not cause fever, so if you’re temperature is high, then it’s time to consult your primary care provider.
How are seasonal allergies diagnosed?
If you suspect seasonal allergies, it’s essential to seek a proper diagnosis. Our physician at Doctors Plus Urgent Care can assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and potentially perform allergy testing to determine the cause of your condition. This may involve a skin prick test or a blood test to identify specific allergens causing your symptoms.
What are the best seasonal allergy treatments?
Managing seasonal allergies involves a combination of prevention strategies and symptom relief. Fortunately, several effective treatments are available:
Over-the-counter medications
Antihistamines: Medications such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) block histamine and reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and nasal sprays like oxymetazoline help relieve nasal congestion. However, they should be used with caution and not for more than a few days.
Nasal corticosteroids: Sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex) reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are highly effective for long-term symptom control.
Prescription medications
For more severe cases, a physician may prescribe stronger medications or combination therapies. These might include:
- Prescription-strength antihistamines or corticosteroids
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (like montelukast)
- Allergy eye drops for itchy or watery eyes
Immunotherapy (Allergy shots or tablets)
Immunotherapy gradually exposes your immune system to small amounts of allergens, helping you build tolerance over time. This approach can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms for some people.
Lifestyle and environmental control
Taking steps to reduce your exposure to allergens is a critical part of allergy management. Here are some good practices you can incorporate:
- Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
- Monitor pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activities when counts are high (usually mornings) and on dry, windy days.
- Clean floors with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter for optimal dust removal.
Breathe Easier Through the Seasons with the Help of Doctors Plus Urgent Care
Struggling with seasonal allergies? Don’t let itchy eyes and a congested nose keep you from enjoying the season.
At Doctors Plus Urgent Care, we provide fast and convenient care for allergy symptoms, with no appointment necessary. Our expert medical team can help develop a personalized treatment plan for you or explore advanced therapies if necessary.
Whether you need quick relief, allergy testing, or a personalized treatment plan, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and take the first step toward an allergy-free season!
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
