Millions of people around the globe have some type of allergy. Some people are allergic to peanuts, others to shellfish, and some are allergic to cats or dogs. At the same time, some people have seasonal allergies and struggle with their symptoms every year. Seasonal allergies aren’t dangerous, but they can be frustrating to deal with. Symptoms of seasonal allergies can affect your daily functioning and prevent you from truly relaxing and enjoying your day. The good news is that seasonal allergies are manageable. Scroll down to learn more about seasonal allergies and what you can do to feel better.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Also called "hay fever," seasonal allergies are the immune system's reaction to exposure to airborne substances that appear at a specific time each year. A good example is pollen. Not all pollen induces symptoms of seasonal allergies. In fact, the allergic reaction usually occurs due to exposure to wind-pollinated plants as opposed to insect-pollinated ones. That happens because the latter is too heavy to be airborne for a long time, which is why it’s less likely to cause allergy.
Allergens, such as pollen, are harmless to most people. However, the immune system in some people overreacts to their presence in the environment. In other words, the body considers these particles as invaders and launches its defenses. That’s why symptoms of allergies appear.
Seasonal allergies are less likely to happen during cold winter months, but some people may have them throughout the year. Symptoms of seasonal allergies last as long as the allergen is in the air. It’s usually two to three weeks per allergen.
How Common Are They?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 50 million people in the United States experience different types of allergies every year. That makes allergies the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the country, with annual costs higher than $18 billion.
The CDC reports that 19.2 million adults have been diagnosed with hay fever in the past 12 months. That means 7.7% of adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with hay fever in the past year.
Allergies are common in children too. In the past 12 months, the number of children and teenagers with hay fever was 5.2 million and respiratory allergies 7.1 million.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of seasonal allergies are listed below:
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Ear congestion
Runny nose/eyes
Watery or itchy eyes
Itchy nose, throat, or ear canals
Coughing
Fatigue
Postnasal drip i.e., drainage in the throat
Besides the above mentioned symptoms, some people may also experience headaches, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Treating Seasonal Allergies
In some people, seasonal allergies come and go. That happens because the immune system stops considering the particles as invaders, or a person has become accustomed to a specific allergen and developed tolerance.
The best treatment approach is to avoid the allergens that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Sometimes this is easier said than done. When your allergy is active, you can keep your windows shut, limit time spent outdoors, and consider wearing a mask when outside. Try to avoid being exposed to cigarette smoke because it can worsen the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
People with seasonal allergies should see an ear, nose and throat doctor who will advise them on medications they can take to alleviate the severity of symptoms. Sometimes over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants are enough. Antihistamines work by suppressing the body’s immune response and thereby relieving symptoms of a seasonal allergy. On the other hand, as their name suggests, decongestants relieve congestion and help you breathe more easily.
In other cases, prescription medications in the form of steroid nasal spray are necessary.
Severe symptoms may require allergy shots, which work by desensitizing the immune system to allergens.
Schedule an Appointment with us Today
Seasonal allergies can be quite bothersome, but there's a lot you can do to conquer them. The most important strategy is to see a professional. That's why you should schedule an appointment at an allergy clinic in Nashville. The otolaryngologist will perform a physical exam, evaluate your symptoms, and recommend the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of seasonal allergies and your needs.
Even if you don't have a seasonal allergy diagnosis but do experience symptoms, scheduling an appointment can help you find out for sure. We can perform allergy tests so you know whether you have a seasonal allergy and what to do about it.
