Seasonal Allergies: Causes and Symptoms
Allergy season is different for everyone. That’s because different kinds of outdoor allergens — or irritants — get distributed into the air year-round.
All About Seasonal Allergies
Did you know that by 2050, 4 billion people are expected to suffer from allergic disorders including seasonal allergies due to climate change? Additionally, the number of factors that makes us allergic seems to increase with age. Pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, and other irritants can make life difficult for us and our loved ones. We’re here to help you spot those pesky allergy symptoms and give you some tips to get relief - so you can enjoy the outdoors without feeling miserable.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
When you experience an allergy, it’s often a reaction by the body’s immune system to harmless substances that are seen as “threat.”1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four people suffer from seasonal allergies.2 Although some will grow out of these allergies, many will suffer with them for the rest of their lives.
In the case of seasonal allergies, your body's defenses go into overdrive thinking that pollen, which is usually harmless stuff, is actually a dangerous intruder. The immune reaction releases chemicals, such as histamine, which trigger those annoying allergy symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes.
And, because each season ushers in variety of allergens due to climate shifts and air pollution, the presence of airborne pollen and other allergens can lead to allergic reactions all year round. Here are some of the most common causes of allergies by season:
Spring allergies: Tree pollen is predominant, with birch being a common trigger.
Summer seasonal allergies: Grasses such as ryegrass and timothy dominate.
Fall allergies: Ragweed pollen is the main allergen, and it causes severe symptoms of fall allergies.
Seasonal allergies in winter: Indoor allergens such as mold, pet dander, and dust mites are present year round, even when outdoor allergens are dormant, but their numbers tend to increase in winter due to the relative increase of temperatures inside households.
Knowing these triggers can help you get through the seasons with fewer allergic reactions.
Pollen
Pollen, that pesky airborne allergen, can really put a dent in your warm weather plans if you're allergic. Pollen grains, which are tiny seeds from plants, trees, grasses, and weeds, vary in concentration depending on the season and region. Climate change can extend the pollen season and increase pollen concentrations, exacerbating allergic reactions. Exposure to pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion.
Mold spores
Mold spores, the microscopic “seeds” of fungi, thrive in damp environments and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Have you ever noticed a musty smell and felt your allergies flare up? When mold matures, these spores are released into the air and can cause allergies. Mold allergies are most common from July to early fall, but symptoms can occur all year round due to indoor mold growth.
Dust mites
Dust mites, microscopic creatures in your home, are major triggers for year-round allergies and allergic asthma. They thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on human dander found in furniture, carpets, and bedding. Dust mite allergens are the mites’ body parts and feces that cause symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.
Pet dander
For a long time, people thought pet allergies were caused by fur or feathers. With the development of allergy research, this theory has been disproven, and we now know what causes pet allergies in the first place.
It turns out that pet allergy symptoms are actually triggered by proteins contained in animal glands, like those found in a cat or dog’s saliva. These proteins may be tiny, but they can pack a huge allergic punch!
For example, in the case of our feline friends, the proteins in cats that can set off your allergies are called Fel d, with Fel d 1 protein (secretoglobin) being considered the most allergenic. These proteins often spread when cats groom themselves and are released when they shed fur.
Things are similar for dogs, as dog allergens, especially Can f 1, are also found in dander, saliva, urine, and serum. It’s possible for specific allergens to vary between dog breeds, but all breeds produce allergenic proteins (even poodles and hairless dogs), so there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog (or cat, for that matter).
Airborne irritants
Indoor air pollution, which can be five times more concentrated than outdoor air pollution, can pose a significant risk to you if you are prone to allergies. Common indoor pollutants include smoke from cooking and heating, as well as chemicals from cleaning products. These can set off allergic reactions such as headaches and runny noses.
Recognizing Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Although seasonal allergies are usually present with milder, but still bothersome, symptoms, they can also get worse, becoming rather severe, if left untreated. So, it’s important you can recognize the symptoms and treat them effectively.
- Sneezing. Frequent sneezing is a common reaction to allergens, like pollen and dust mites in the air. This is a symptom you’ll find hard to ignore, especially when those endless attacks of achoos just won't quit!
- Coughing and wheezing. You might notice a reaction to allergens in the air that often irritates the airways.
- Runny or blocked nose. A stuffy or blocked nose, typically triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander can make it difficult to breathe normally.
- Itchy, watery eyes. Eye irritation is a common reaction to pollen and other allergens in the air.
- Fatigue. Prolonged allergy symptoms can lead to you feeling tired.
- Skin rashes. Your skin might break out in a rash or hives when it comes into contact with an allergen.
- Pain in the sinuses. Pressure or discomfort in the sinus area is often a result of prolonged contact with allergens.
Taking the right steps: When to consult a doctor
For seasonal allergies, it’s best to consult a doctor who can diagnose and treat allergic conditions,
especially if you experience the following:3
- Persistent symptoms. Consult a doctor if you are constantly suffering from symptoms such as a blocked nose, sinusitis, or breathing difficulties.
- Ineffectiveness of medication. If over-the-counter antihistamines and other medications don’t relieve your allergy symptoms or cause unwanted side effects, you’ll want to check in with your healthcare provider.
- Impact on daily activities. See a doctor if allergies interfere with your daily life, such as work, sleep, or leisure activities.
- Reduced quality of life. If allergies significantly affect your general well-being and ability to enjoy usual activities, it’s time to get checked out.
- Asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms such as frequent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, especially at night or after exercise, require immediate medical attention.4
Navigating the Diagnosis Process
Think you might be dealing with seasonal allergies? Don't worry, getting to the bottom of it doesn't have to be complicated. Here’s a guide to what you can expect during the diagnostic process.
A doctor can help you diagnose and treat your allergies, or can refer you to a specialist, to help you identify the specific triggers causing your symptoms. The diagnostic process begins with a detailed personal and medical history. Expect to talk about your symptoms, their frequency, and any family history of allergies. This discussion will help the doctor understand possible triggers and form a hypothesis about your condition.
This is followed by a physical examination. The doctor will examine your ears, eyes, nose, throat, and chest, paying particular attention to signs that indicate allergic reactions. They may also carry out a lung function test to check the health of your airways, especially if you suffer from asthma symptoms.
Diagnostic tests are important to pinpoint the allergens that are causing your symptoms. Common tests include:
- Skin prick test (SPT). This involves applying a small amount of the potential allergen to your skin and pricking it lightly. A reaction such as redness or swelling indicates that you’re sensitive to the substance.
- Intradermal skin test. This test is used when the results of the SPT are inconclusive. A tiny amount of the allergen is injected under the skin, and the reaction is monitored.
- Blood test (specific IgE). If skin tests aren’t suitable (due to skin conditions or certain medications), blood tests can measure your immune system’s response to certain allergens.
- Patch test. This test is more focused on contact allergens, but can also be useful for diagnosing allergies related to skin reactions.
Remember that a positive test doesn't always confirm an allergy; it's only one piece of the puzzle. The doctor will analyze the test results together with your medical history. Because false positives and negatives can occur, it's a combination of tests and symptoms that will lead to a diagnosis.
Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Allergies
Taking proactive steps to reduce allergen exposure is key for managing seasonal allergies. Here are some simple tips to help you sail through the season with ease.
Cleaning and decluttering tips
Regular cleaning is important to minimize allergens in your home. Focus on the areas where allergens can accumulate, like carpets, upholstered furniture, and bed linens. Clean carpets and floors frequently with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) to capture small particles. Decluttering reduces dust build-up and makes cleaning more effective. Wash your bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites, and consider using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers.
Allergen-proofing living spaces
To protect your home from allergens, keep the windows closed during pollen-rich seasons. Use air conditioners with HEPA filters instead of fans, which can stir up dust and pollen. Remove items in your bedroom that can collect dust, like heavy curtains and unnecessary soft furnishings. Keep the humidity in your room low to prevent the growth of dust mites and mold5. People with pet allergies should set up a pet-free zone, preferably in the bedroom, to reduce exposure to pet dander.
Outdoor precautions: Minimizing pollen exposure
When you're outdoors, especially on days with a high pollen count, you should take some precautions. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen, and consider a dust mask to filter out allergens. Plan outdoor activities after the rain, which can clear the air of pollen. When you get home, change your clothes and shower to rid your hair and skin of pollen. Follow pollen forecasts, and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, especially on dry, windy days.
Utilize allergen count tools like Allegra Airways available online to stay updated on pollen levels in your area.
Exploring Treatment Options for Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergy treatment can be challenging, but several options exist, ranging from natural seasonal allergy remedies to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
The benefits of OTC allergy medications
Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, offer seasonal allergy relief from common symptoms. Allegra is characterized by its non-drowsy properties, making it the ideal choice for those who need to avoid drowsiness from some allergy medicines throughout the day. Unlike some other antihistamines, Allegra is fast-acting in one hour and long-lasting, and it’s particularly effective for hay fever and other seasonal allergy symptoms.
Prescription medications for severe cases
If those over-the-counter meds just aren't cutting it, your doctor may prescribe medications that can be a game-changer, putting those stubborn symptoms in their place.
Immunotherapy – a long-term solution?
Have you heard of immunotherapy? It's like training your body's defenses to shake off allergies through a series of exposure therapy sessions. Although it takes some commitment, your doctor may find it is the long-term solution you've been searching for. Immunotherapy does require regular visits to a doctor, but it can be a very effective approach for people with severe allergies
Allergen immunotherapy is given by subcutaneous injection and requires specialist supervision due to the risk of allergic side effects, including anaphylaxis. Sublingual immunotherapy is an effective and safe alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is usually only recommended if the person has a selective reaction to several allergens.
A combination of these different treatment approaches can provide comprehensive relief so you can enjoy the seasons without the burden of allergy symptoms.
FAQ about seasonal allergies
You might have seasonal allergies if you experience symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and a runny nose, especially during specific seasons each year. Your doctor can help you determine if you have seasonal allergies and what the triggers are.
Yes, remedies such as saline nasal sprays and rinses, as well as staying hydrated, can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies on top of the standard treatment (oral antihistamines).
The duration of seasonal allergies varies, but they typically last as long as the allergen (like pollen) is present, which could be several weeks to months during specific seasons.
Seasonal allergies are getting worse due to climate change, which has increased carbon dioxide levels and temperatures, leading to earlier and longer growing seasons and more pollen production from plants.
Use an allergy forecast from weather apps or websites to monitor pollen counts and allergens. This helps you plan activities and manage symptoms with preventative measures like air purifiers or medications.
Related Articles
.webp/jcr:content/magnifics_upscale-DAwM1vfuOtmLeNztv7GI-lu_luan_molecule_of_fexofenadine_3D_purple_and_orange_--ar_32_-_a25bc34d-a7d0-4c03-92ce-bd0bd9984e74%20(1).webp)
- Dougherty JM, Alsayouri K, Sadowski A. Allergy. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan- Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545237/
- Ng, Amanda, and Peter Boersma. “Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States, 2021,” January 26, 2023. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809.
- ACAAI Public Website. “When To See An Allergist - Treat and Prevent Allergies | ACAAI Patient,” November 7, 2022. https://acaai.org/do-you-need- an-allergist/when-to-see-an-allergist/.
- Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. “Allergy Diagnosis | AAFA.Org,” November 14, 2022. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/.
-
Arlian, Larry G., Jacqueline S. Neal, and DiAnn L. Vyszenski-Moher.
“Reducing Relative Humidity to Control the House Dust Mite DermatophagoidesFarinae.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 104, no. 4 (October 1999): 852–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-6749(99)70298-8.