Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Are Like Clockwork

Seasonal allergies affect millions of people each year. While the majority of reactions happen during the warm summer months, there are other allergens that can cause a reaction at any time of the year. The ones that are classified as seasonal tend to be a certain subset that crop up and cause symptoms on a regular basis. You can almost set a clock based on when they will strike the allergy sufferer.

What Exactly Are Seasonal Allergies?

These types of allergies are triggered by specific items that are only present during various times of the year. The most common seasonal allergy is to pollen, and this occurs during the hot dry months of the late spring and summer. Likewise, perennial allergies are triggered by items that can be found at any time of the year and these can include dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. While you might have a greater chance at having a reaction in the winter when the windows are closed, these allergens can make themselves known really at any time.

What Are Some Of The Symptoms?

Seasonal allergy symptoms are probably what most people will think of when they hear the term 'allergies'. They almost always include nasal congestion and a runny nose but they can also be any of the following: sneezing, red or itchy eyes, and even a skin rash. Some people will experience multiple symptoms at once while others will predominantly have only one. Allergens affect people differently and the mildest reactions might even go undetected.

As it was mentioned above, pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies. Millions of Americans experience this when the weather turns nice, with some people forced to spend time indoors to find relief. It can really be a detriment to living, especially for those people who enjoy spending time outside.

What Exactly Is Pollen?

Pollen is a small powdery grain that gets released from flowers, plants, and some trees when flowering is in full effect. Insects and the wind can carry these grains around to cross-pollinate plants and promote more growth. However, these pollen grains can also land on people to sometimes cause allergic reactions. When they go into the body via the nose, mouth, or skin the body will release antibodies to fight off what it deems to be foreign invaders. When this happens, a person with allergies will start to feel symptoms almost immediately. Each person's body will react differently to these allergens which is why some people will have a mild reaction while others will experience quite the opposite. Pollen can actually travel long distances, especially when they are very dry as any moisture will tend to weigh them down.

Can A Seasonal Allergy Be Prevented?

While it is almost impossible to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms from showing up you can greatly reduce your chances of having a severe reaction by avoiding those allergens during peak times. If you are allergic to pollen or grasses then you can watch the local levels to see when they are at their peak. If you have to spend any extended time outdoors you can wear a dust mask and change your clothes as soon as you get inside. Some mild medications can help but it's best to check with your doctor before you start taking anything. You can also look into getting immunotherapy or allergy shots to manage things. These can, in some cases, reduce the reaction quite a bit. The downside to this is they have to be repeated on an annual basis.