Seasonal Allergies: Types, Treatments, Causes, and More
Allergies are difficult for some to deal with and do not even bother others. When they come, they cause symptoms like sneezing and a stuffed nose. In this article, I will write about the types, treatments, causes, and other information about allergies. I hope the information I provide helps anyone struggling with allergies.
Types of Allergens
Many different allergens cause allergies. The following is a list of climate factors that influence seasonal allergies.
- Pollen levels tend to increase after rain
- Pollen levels are highest in the morning hours
- Tree and grass pollens are worst during cool nights and warm days
- Molds grow fastest in high heat and humidity
Summary:
There are many different types of allergens, but the most common are trees, grasses, weeds, and molds.
What Are Allergies Like in Different Seasons?
Allergies are very different in different seasons. They are worst in the late summer to early fall. Here is some information about seasonal allergies in different seasons.
Spring
Spring allergens include grass and tree pollens. Symptoms of seasonal allergies in spring include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Spring allergies are also the most common cause of allergic reactions because dormant trees become active during this season.
Summer
Spring allergens include weeds like ragweed and grasses (like in spring). Summer allergy symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Summer is also the season with the worst air pollution, another cause of worsening allergies for many people.
Fall
Allergens in the fall are ragweed and molds. Symptoms for fall allergies are the same as in the summer, including sneezing, runny nose, and more.
Winter
Common allergens in the wintertime are dust mites, molds, and animals. Most peoples' allergies do not worsen because of animal fur, but instead, a protein found in the animal's dander. Dust mites love mattresses and bedding. When their waste gets into the air, it can cause worsened allergy symptoms. Washing your bedding, carpets, and furniture can go a long way in decreasing the prevalence of dust mites in your household. Winter allergy symptoms are the same as in the fall and summer seasons.
Year-Round Allergies
Some people also have allergy symptoms year-round. It isn't as common as having issues in certain seasons but not a rare occurrence.
Summary:
Allergies change between seasons and can have different causes with similar symptoms.
Treatments for Seasonal Allergies
Treatments vary wildly for seasonal allergies, from washing clothes to prescription medications. Here is a detailed list of types of allergy treatments.
Non-Medication
There are lots of things you can do to help with seasonal allergies, including:
Monitoring pollen and mold counts with an app and avoiding outdoors on days with high levels
Apps for this include:
- The Weather Channel
- My Pollen Forecast
- Allergy Start
- WebMD
- Keep the windows in your house and car shut during days with high allergen levels
- Take a shower and change clothes after doing work outdoors
- Wear a mask while raking leaves or mowing a lawn
Over-The-Counter
There are lots of over-the-counter medications for people suffering from allergies. These usually are plenty for anyone with seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter antihistamine allergy treatments include:
All of these over-the-counter seasonal allergy medications are very similar. They are all non-drowsy with few side effects.
Prescription
If your allergies are severe, you might need a prescription medication for relief. There are many nasal sprays and oral medications available for advanced allergy treatment. Check out this article by the Mayo Clinic to learn about all the options for allergy treatment.
Summary:
Many options are available for seasonal allergies, including monitoring environmental pollens, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.
Conclusion
Allergies can occur in just one season for some and year-round for others. Allergies can also cause a ton of annoying symptoms. Luckily, there are lots of treatments available to treat allergies. I hope this article has helped anyone struggling with seasonal allergies improve their symptoms.
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