Seasonal allergies are also known as "hayfever". Regardless of the name, it is an allergic response to airborne pollen or other microscopic particles that are present only during certain seasons of the year. Allergic rhinitis is also caused by airborne allergens, but can occur year-round if the allergen is always present (dust is a good example)..
Pollinating trees are responsible for spring seasonal allergy symptoms. Grasses and weeds produce the pollens responsible for summer's seasonal allergy symptoms. Come fall, ragweed takes over pollen production. Seasonal allergy symptoms can also be caused by fungi releasing spores (their reproductive cells) from late March until November.
Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by agents that are in the air throughout the year, such as animal dander, feathers, dust mites, and mold. These irritants can be found in bedding, carpeting, down clothing, drapes, pillows, upholstery.
It is estimated that 10% to 20% of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal allergy symptoms, making it the most common allergy. Although allergies are known to be hereditary, nobody knows why some people are allergic and others are not. People with asthma or eczema are more likely to develop seasonal allergies or year-round allergic rhinitis.
People are often allergic to more than one pollen or other allergen.
What Causes Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
A malfunctioning immune system sees various allergens (dander, mold, pollen, etc.) as "invaders" and responds by releasing a chemical called "histamine" into the bloodstream.
Histamine causes sneazing as well as inflammation (swelling and redness) in the nose, mucus membranes, and sinuses. Swelling is nature's way of blocking allergens from entering the body. Likewise, sneezing is supposed to expel the allergens from the body.
Seasonal allergy symptoms / allergic rhinitis can occur at any age, but most people develop these allergies before their 30th birthday.
How Can I Pinpoint the Specific Cause of My Allergy?
A broad assortment of allergens produce similar symptoms, so some detective work is needed to determine your exact culprits. The time of year in which your symptoms occur will narrow the list of suspects. Your doctor may perform a skin test to determine which allergens cause reaction(s).
During your skin test your doctor will place extracts of known allergens in a grid pattern on your arm or back then prick your skin so the allergen can enter the outer layer of skin. Areas that become red and itchy indicate which potential allergens triggered an allergic response by your immune system.
A blood test may also be done to check the levels of certain antibodies produced by your immune system. Elevated levels of specific antibodies can help to identify particular allergies.
Severity of Allergy Symptoms Varies from Day to Day
Weather determinesing how heavy the pollen count will be, both seasonally and daily. In many cities the local weatherman or weather column in the newspaper publishes pollen counts.
How Are Seasonal Allergies / Allergic Rhinitis Treated?
Avoidance of the allergen(s) is the first line of defense. Air conditioner filters and facemasks can significantly reduce the amount of indoor / outdoor pollen you breathe in.
Seasonal allergy symptoms can be mitigated by certain drugs:
- Antihistamines: Over the counter antihistamines such as Chlor-Trimeton or Benadryl are generally effective for treating mild seasonal allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can't prevent the release of histamine, but they do block some of the chain reactions triggered by histamine. Unfortunately, drowsiness is a side effect of many antihistamines. Do not drive a car, drink alcohol, or take other drugs that cause drowsiness while you are taking antihistamines. Certain prescription antihistamines do not cause drowsiness, although each individual can react differently. Consult with your physician to determine the right course of action for you.
- Decongestants: Over the counter decongestants (drops, pills, or sprays), such as Sudafed and Neo-Synephrine, help unblock nasal passages and improve breathing. But be careful with these....over an extended timeframe they must be used more and more frequently to open nasal passages. What starts off as one spray every 12 hours can become once every fifteen minutes if you overuse these.
- Cromolyn: Cromolyn is an inhaled drug that works by acting on certain inflammatory cells in the lungs to prevent them from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms or bronchospasm. The over the counter form of this medication is called "Nasalcrom". Cromolyn takes approximately two weeks to work. It is used for long-term treatment and has few side effects.
- Steroid nasal sprays: Prescription nasal sprays such as Beconase, Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, and Vancenase can effectively limit reactions to allergens.
- Saline nose sprays: Saline (salt water) nose sprays wash out allergens caught in the sinuses and help keep nasal passages moist.
Before using any over the counter drugs, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Just because a drug is available over the counter does not mean it is safe to use in combination with other drugs.
Can Allergy Shots Help Alleviate My Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
Allergy shots (aka "immunotherapy"), is a treatment method designed to increase your tolerance to the allergens that cause your symptoms. These shots are not cures, but they can reduce your sensitivity to certain allergens. The injection of increasingly larger doses of allergens causes your body to build antibodies against these "invaders". Over time, your immune system will no longer consider the allergen as an invader. Shots are generally adminstered 2 to 4 times per month for a period of three to five years, so a long term commitment to this therapy is required.
