If your seasonal allergies are making you miserable this season, then you’re not alone. Allergy season varies based on geographical location and specific allergens, such as pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds. Each year, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. The good news is that there are measures you can take to minimize your seasonal allergy symptoms, including a runny, itchy nose.
Where Do Allergies Come From?
People develop allergies when their body’s immune system responds to a substance as if it is a threat, like an infection, thus creating antibodies to fight it. Those substances are known as allergens.
The next time the body experiences the allergen, more anticipatory antibodies are formed, releasing histamine, the compound that results in an allergic reaction. These chemicals generate symptoms typically in the nose, throat, eyes, and other areas.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a common condition affecting millions worldwide. They occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen and mold spores released during plant growth cycles. When these allergens enter the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders and releases chemicals like histamine to fight them off. This reaction triggers various symptoms, including sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and headaches.
Common Allergens and Triggers
Seasonal allergies are often triggered by various allergens prevalent during different times of the year. Understanding these common allergens can help you take proactive steps to manage your allergy symptoms effectively.
- Tree pollen: In the spring, oak, elm, and birch release pollen into the air. This pollen can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Grass pollen: During summer, grasses such as timothy and Bermuda release pollen that can trigger allergy symptoms. If you find yourself sneezing and experiencing nasal congestion during this time, grass pollen might be the culprit.
- Weed pollen: In the fall, weeds such as ragweed and sagebrush release pollen that can cause allergic reactions. This is a common trigger for hay fever symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat.
- Dust mites: These tiny insects thrive in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their waste products can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals with allergic rhinitis.
- Mold: Mold spores are found in damp environments, such as bathrooms and basements. These spores can cause allergic reactions when inhaled, leading to nasal congestion, coughing, and wheezing.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergies can cause various symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Headaches
- Congestion
- Watery eyes
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Irritability
Depending on the specific allergen and your sensitivity, these symptoms can last weeks or even months. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you take the necessary steps to manage them effectively.
When Do Seasonal Allergies Occur?
Three major types of pollen usually cause seasonal allergies: trees, grass, and weeds. They are called “seasonal allergies” because every pollen type has a season in which they are most potent.
Here’s a general timeline of seasons common to pollen:
- Tree pollen season is from March through June.
- June, July, and August are usually high in grass pollen, sometimes in a warm year in September.
- Weed pollen season is from August through the end of October, and it takes a hard freeze to kill off the weeds.
- In the fall months, some outdoor molds are present.
Usually, November to early February provides some relief for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
How Should I Treat My Allergy Symptoms?
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can provide much-needed relief from seasonal allergy symptoms. Some standard OTC options include:
- Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) block the action of histamine, helping to reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can help relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Nasal sprays: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and fluticasone (Flonase) can help reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.
- Eye drops: Ketotifen (Zaditor) and loteprednol (Lotemax) can help alleviate itchy and watery eyes.
Before taking any medication, it’s essential to read and follow the label instructions and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take other medications.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Some people may find relief from seasonal allergy symptoms using alternative and complementary therapies. These options can be used alongside traditional treatments to help manage symptoms more effectively. Some popular alternative therapies include:
- Nasal irrigation with saline solution: This can help clear out allergens and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Herbal remedies: Supplements like quercetin and stinging nettle may help reduce allergy symptoms.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help alleviate allergy symptoms by targeting specific points on the body.
- Butterbur extracts: Some studies suggest that butterbur may help reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative or complementary therapy, as they may interact with other medications or have side effects.
Nasal Irrigation and Saline Rinses
Nasal irrigation with saline solution can effectively relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure caused by seasonal allergies. This method involves using a neti pot or a squeeze bottle with a nasal spray tip to flush out allergens and mucus from the nasal passages. Saline rinses can also help reduce inflammation and keep the passages clear.
To perform nasal irrigation safely, use sterile or distilled water and rinse the irrigation device after each use to prevent infection. Regular use of saline rinses can help you breathe easier and reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many seasonal allergy symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, there are times when medical attention is necessary. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms such as anaphylaxis, which include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat, require immediate medical attention.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing: If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, it could indicate a severe allergic reaction that needs prompt medical intervention.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat: Significant swelling in these areas can indicate a severe allergic reaction and should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
- Abnormal heartbeat or palpitations: If you experience an irregular or rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention to rule out any serious complications.
- Dizziness or fainting: Feeling dizzy or faint can indicate a severe allergic reaction and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Severe itching or hives: Intense itching or widespread hives may indicate a severe allergic reaction that requires medical attention.
- Fever or chills: These symptoms can sometimes accompany severe allergic reactions and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Over-the-counter allergy medications or home remedies may relieve mild symptoms. However, medical attention is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment if symptoms persist or worsen.
Enticare
We look forward to hearing from you if you want to improve your allergies! Our team of experts is here to help you treat your allergies so you can enjoy this season easily.