Seasonal Allergy - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment Options
A person is prone to seasonal allergies if his body reacts differently to climate or environment changes. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by mould, pollen, and dust.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies vary from person to person. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, eye itchiness, or scratchy throat. Though these are the common symptoms of seasonal allergies, their timing depends upon geography, climate, pollution, and several other factors.
More details on seasonal allergies have been shared in the below sections!
What are seasonal allergies?
A seasonal allergy(Allergic Rhinitis) is a response that a person’s body generates during specific times in a year due to climate or environmental changes. Though the climate changes throughout the year, some people are overly sensitive. Their body reacts to the allergens that get active due to ecological changes.
For example, in allergy-prone people, the immune system releases histamines, thinking of the allergens as harmful invaders. This causes their throat to become itchy or their nose becomes watery. Though mostly harmless, one must address the seasonal allergies immediately to prevent the symptoms from worsening.
What are the Causes of Seasonal Allergies?
Like the symptoms, the causes of seasonal allergies also vary from one person to another. Weak immunity, illnesses like asthma, genetic conditions, and other causes can trigger seasonal allergies. The leading causes of seasonal allergies are discussed in detail below:
Environmental Allergens
Pollen produced by grass, trees, or weeds can trigger seasonal allergies in some people. When the wind blows, the pollen can travel far and wide, stimulating allergies in people who come into contact with it.
Mould that develops due to moisture or decaying trees or leaves can also trigger seasonal allergies. Mites, dust, and other environmental factors can also trigger allergies in some people, especially when the climate gets humid.
While these environmental allergens trigger seasonal allergies, polluted air due to smoke coming out from vehicles, factories, etc. aggravates the symptoms.
Genetic Reasons
Genetic factors also determine whether a person’s immune system will react to allergens. Therefore, individuals are more prone to seasonal allergies if their parents also have them.
What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?
The common symptoms of seasonal allergies are described below:
Symptoms Related To Eyes
Watery eyes, eye itchiness, or redness are some common symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Symptoms Related To Nose
The symptoms related to the nose include runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, coughing, uncontrollable sneezing, or stuffy nose. Some people also experience the mucus running down their throat.
Symptoms Related To Skin
The symptoms related to skin include skin itching, redness, etc. Some people also suffer from hives due to seasonal allergies.
Common Symptoms
Some common allergy symptoms include a sudden decrease in taste or smell, hay fever, headache, and fatigue.
What is the diagnosis of seasonal allergies?
Before administering medications to treat seasonal allergies, doctors examine a person’s medical history and suggest specific tests. The medical history helps them identify the triggers, severity, and symptoms of illnesses such as eczema or asthma.
The family history helps them determine the causes of seasonal allergies. The doctor examines a person’s nasal passages to identify if there is any swelling or mucus deposition inside the nose.
The eye is examined to check if it is swollen or puffy. Skin inspection helps them determine if the person has skin allergies or hives.
Once the cause and symptoms are identified, the doctor will ask the person to undergo specific blood tests like the IgE test to find the level of antibodies in their body.
What are the Treatment Options for Allergic symptoms?
The doctor will prescribe certain allergy medications, usually antihistamines, to treat the seasonal allergies. Doctors may also ask patients to avoid allergens that trigger or worsen the symptoms.
To treat the runny/stuffy nose, the doctor will prescribe Arzep Nasal Spray. The nasal sprays treat nasal inflammation and support smooth breathing.
Antihistamine is a chemical that soothes allergy symptoms. The most used and effective type of antihistamine is Cetirizine. Also, Cetirizine can help to relieve hay fever symptoms temporarily. If the eye itchiness persists after taking medicines, the patient will be advised to use eye drops. For some people, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) are a good option to relieve any allergic reaction.
The patient will be advised to avoid histamine-rich ingredients like fermented foods, alcohol, processed meat, vinegar, etc. Fried and spicy food items like pickles, onion, french, etc., should also be avoided as they trigger inflammation or worsen the symptoms.
The patients will also be recommended to eat boiled food, avoid consuming farm fruits and vegetables directly as they might contain pollen, and stay away from tree pollen.
Food items that increase a person’s immunity, such as green tea, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc., are to be eaten while suffering from seasonal allergies. We must eat food items that are rich in antioxidants. Herbal teas are also recommended because they clear nasal mucus and congestion.
If the allergic reactions worsen or stay intact, the doctor will prescribe a heavy dose of antihistamine.
FAQs About Seasonal Allergies
Should I visit the doctor immediately after acquiring symptoms of seasonal allergies?
No, if you have suffered from seasonal allergies and know which OTC (Over-the-counter) medicines to take, you don’t have to visit the doctor immediately. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, you must visit the doctor for an advanced treatment.
How to prevent seasonal allergies?
To avoid pollen, we must keep our windows closed while sleeping. Using air purifiers and washing the pillow covers and blankets in warm water also helps you to stay away from pollen and dust mites. Avoid staying outdoors to prevent common seasonal allergy triggers if pollen counts are high. Be more cautious in your allergy season.
Can I acquire symptoms of seasonal allergies later in life?
You may suffer from seasonal allergies even if you have never encountered them. It is mainly due to environmental and lifestyle changes that trigger or develop new sensitivities.
Can cooking be practical in neutralizing pollen-rich food items?
Yes, cooking neutralizes pollen allergies and is safe for individuals who suffer from OAS (Oral Allergy Syndrome).
