Dealing with Seasonal Allergies Symptoms: Tips and Advice

If, this season, your seasonal allergies are making you miserable, 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 the immune system of their body 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 in the body that results in an allergic reaction. These chemicals generate symptoms typically in the body’s nose, throat, eyes, and other areas.

Identifying allergy triggers, such as seasonal pollen and indoor allergens, can help manage and reduce exposure to these sources, thereby alleviating allergy symptoms. Ragweed, mold, and dust mites can trigger fall allergies, with ragweed pollen peaking in late summer and fall, and mold and dust mites becoming more prevalent during activities like raking leaves or turning on heating systems.

Runny nose, constant sneezing, sinus congestion, itchy and swollen eyes, wheezing, coughing, and fatigue are among the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies.

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen and mold spores released during the growth cycles of plants. When these allergens enter your body, your immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders and releases chemicals like histamine to fight them off. This reaction triggers a range of symptoms, including sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and headaches.

Various allergens can cause seasonal allergies, such as tree pollen, grass, mold, and ragweed. Environmental factors like pollen counts and temperature changes can also play a significant role in triggering allergic reactions. Understanding these triggers can help you better manage your symptoms and enjoy the season with fewer disruptions.

Common Allergens and Triggers

Seasonal allergies are often triggered by various allergens that are 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, trees such as 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 the summer months, 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. When inhaled, these spores can cause allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, and wheezing.

By identifying and minimizing exposure to these common allergens, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your allergic reactions.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergies can cause a range of 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

These symptoms can last for weeks or even months, depending on the specific allergen and your sensitivity to it. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you take the necessary steps to manage them effectively.

Diagnosing Seasonal Allergies

Accurately diagnosing seasonal allergies is crucial for effective management and treatment. Here are some common methods used by healthcare professionals to diagnose seasonal allergies:

• Medical history: Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This information helps determine if your symptoms are consistent with seasonal allergies and identify potential triggers.
• Physical examination: During a physical examination, your doctor will look for signs of allergic reactions, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. This examination helps rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
• Allergy testing: Allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, can identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. In a skin prick test, small amounts of potential allergens are introduced to your skin to observe any reactions. Blood tests measure the presence of specific antibodies related to allergies.
• Elimination diet: In some cases, your doctor may recommend an elimination diet to determine if certain foods are contributing to your symptoms. This involves removing suspected allergens from your diet and gradually reintroducing them to observe any reactions.

By accurately diagnosing your seasonal allergies, you can develop a targeted treatment plan to manage your symptoms 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?

Antihistamines: Try over-the-counter allergy medications such as Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec, and see which one works best for you. These medications are effective in managing symptoms like itching and sneezing.

Nasal sprays: When you find like the symptoms are primarily around your nasal passages, throw in a nasal steroid spray. It takes at least five days for these to kick in, but they will gradually help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and reduce symptoms in your nose, sinuses, and throat.

Eyedrops: When your eyes are impaired, it is recommended that you drop an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop to help prevent watery eyes and redness.

Inhale steam: This easy trick will help relieve a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe. Hold your head above a warm bowl or sink filled with water and put a towel over your head to keep the steam trapped.

Avoid smoking and other smokers: Cigarette smoke can make your runny, itchy, stuffy nose and watery eyes worse. Remove other gasses, such as aerosol sprays and smoke from wood-burning fireplaces, that can make your symptoms worse.

Schedule an appointment with an allergist: If you have tried the above and your symptoms still exist, see a professional. A specialist will help you determine whether your symptoms are allergy-related and their specific causes and devise a strategy to help you handle your symptoms more effectively.

Allergen immunotherapy: For individuals with severe seasonal allergies who do not find relief from standard over-the-counter medications, allergen immunotherapy may be a specialized treatment option. This therapy works by gradually exposing the immune system to the allergen in small doses, helping to develop a tolerance over time. It is particularly necessary when symptoms persist despite other treatments or when specific allergens cannot be avoided.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can provide much-needed relief from seasonal allergy symptoms. Some common OTC options include:

• Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) can help reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose by blocking the action of histamine.
• 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.

It’s essential to read and follow the label instructions and consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take other medications.

Prescription Medications and Immunotherapy

If over-the-counter remedies are not effective in managing your allergy symptoms, prescription medications and immunotherapy may be recommended. Some options include:

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Medications like fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and alleviate symptoms.
• Antihistamine nasal sprays: Azelastine (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase) can provide targeted relief for nasal allergy symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets can help desensitize your immune system to specific allergens over time, reducing the severity of your allergic reactions.

Prescription medications and immunotherapy should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and effective for your specific needs.

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 be an effective way to 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 your nasal passages. Saline rinses can also help reduce inflammation and keep your nasal 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.

By incorporating these tips and treatments into your routine, you can better manage your seasonal allergies and enjoy the season with fewer disruptions.

How Do I Avoid Future Allergic Reactions?

Clean Out the House

Sweeping up the cobwebs gathered over the winter is more than just improving your home look. A deep scrub in the house can help remove existing allergens and clear the air. 

It is particularly important to get rid of mold that builds up in bathrooms and basements. These are a significant allergen-especially in spring months when there is a lot of moisture. 

Because your pets spend a lot of time indoors, they have likely collected loose hair, dirt, and dander. Repeated vacuuming and washing upholstery and pet beds can help.

Get a Quality Air Cleaner

Despite what you may have heard, an ionic air filter isn’t the best way to clean the air in your home. The ionization changes the charge on pollen or dust particles, and the particle sticks to the next thing with which it comes into contact, often a wall or surface. However, there is typically not enough airflow to filter several particles efficiently, so ionic filters don’t offer much benefit to those suffering from allergies. There is also a risk to health that stems from the ozone they produce. 

The best way to clean your indoor air is with a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rated HEPA room air cleaner. Change your air filters every three months for those with central air, and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12.

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 be a sign of 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 be a sign of a severe allergic reaction and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
• Severe itching or hives: If you have intense itching or widespread hives, it 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.

For mild symptoms, over-the-counter allergy medications or home remedies may provide relief. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Enticare

If you’re looking to improve your allergies, we look forward to hearing from you! Our team of experts is here to help you treat your allergies so you can enjoy this season with ease. 

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies can be a nuisance, but there are many ways to manage and treat them. By understanding the common allergens and triggers, diagnosing seasonal allergies, and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can alleviate your symptoms and enjoy the seasons without discomfort. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right approach, you can minimize the impact of seasonal allergies on your daily life and enjoy each season to the fullest.