What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies develop when your immune system goes into overdrive. It identifies a normally harmless particle in your environment as dangerous to your system.
Instead of ignoring this particle, your immune system creates a response in the form of typical allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergies typically occur when you’re exposed to flowers, trees, and grasses that are in pollination. Usually, this is late spring, summer, or early fall. Some of the most common seasonal allergy triggers include:
Seasonal allergies can be exacerbated by wind and high humidity. Of course, they are also most prevalent in the months that you enjoy being outside, which only means more exposure to potential allergens.
Nasal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, can be seasonal, meaning they only cause symptoms at certain times of the year, or perennial, meaning they cause symptoms all year.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies vary from person to person and according to the presence of particular allergens.
Some of the most common signs include sinus pressure, congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Seasonal allergies are particularly dangerous for asthmatics since severe allergic reactions can lead to dangerous asthma attacks.
Your eyes are also susceptible to allergies. Seasonal allergies may show up in your eyes as:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Watering
You may even experience swelling in your eyelids that make you look puffy or extra tired. Allergies can be exaggerated by wearing contacts or make wearing contact lenses impossible due to irritation.
How can I find relief from seasonal allergies?
Of course, avoiding triggers as much as possible is a way to reduce your allergy symptoms. Keeping your house free of dust and pollen by keeping windows closed and the floor mopped helps. In addition, an air filter helps reduce pollen and molds in your environment.
You may also benefit from over-the-counter saline nasal sprays, which help decrease inflammation and congestion.
Some people may find relief from seasonal allergy symptoms in the sinuses and eyes with the use of oral antihistamines.
To learn more about how you can find relief from seasonal and nasal allergies, call Allergy & Environmental Treatment Center, LLC, or schedule a consultation using the online tool.
