Recognizing the Symptoms of Seasonal and Perennial Allergies

Have you ever wondered why you have sneezing fits or a runny nose at certain times of the year? Perhaps you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms. Allergies happen when your body's defense system gets a little overexcited and mistakes harmless stuff like pollen or dust for a dangerous invader. This misinterpretation causes your body to produce antibodies, which leads to an allergic reaction.^a

These allergies go straight for your breathing zones. Respiratory allergy conditions include allergic asthma, which affects the airways, and allergy rhinitis, also known as hay fever, which mainly causes nasal symptoms and itchy eyes. Unlike topical allergies, which can lead to skin rashes, or food intolerances, respiratory allergies directly affect your breathing.^b

This reaction is triggered by allergens, which are usually harmless substances naturally occurring in your environment. The most common allergens include pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores.^c

Pollen, which is released by plants during their reproductive cycle, is a prime culprit in spring allergy symptoms. These tiny particles floating in the air can be easily inhaled, and they then trigger an allergic reaction. In the fall, different types of pollen and mold spores, which often thrive in humid environments, predominate, leading to fall allergy symptoms.^d

Those tiny dust mites lurking in your home can also stir up allergy woes. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are often found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Their waste products can trigger allergic reactions that primarily affect the respiratory tract.^e

Animal dander, and more precisely the particles retained in it (such as tiny flakes of the epidermis, the saliva proteins of sebaceous and sweat glands, or urine secreted by cats, dogs, and other furry or feathered pets) is also an important allergen. These allergens can also occur in households without pets. Due to their small size, they spread easily, and can be found in house dust from floors, carpets, and even clothing. When inhaled, they cause an allergic reaction.^f

Mold spores, which are found both indoors and outdoors, can also set off your respiratory allergies. They grow in damp rooms such as bathrooms and basements, and they release spores into the air. Just like animal dander, mold spores can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions.^g