Seasonal Allergies

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are your body’s response to substances in the air that don’t cause problems in many other people. Your immune system reacts to such substances because it identifies them as harmful to your body, even though they aren’t. 

Examples of common seasonal allergens include outdoor mold spores and pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. The reaction can cause unpleasant symptoms during certain times of the year.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Common signs and symptoms associated with seasonal allergies include:

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Eye irritation 
• Red eyes
• Swollen eyes 
• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itching nose

You might have a more difficult time breathing when seasonal allergies flare up or feel generally uncomfortable. If you have seasonal allergies, you’re more likely to develop sinus infections, ear infections, or lung infections.

What are the risk factors for seasonal allergies?

Anybody can develop seasonal allergies, but your risk increases if you have a family history of asthma or allergies. If you have other types of allergies or asthma, you’re more likely to experience seasonal allergies. 

How does my doctor diagnose seasonal allergies?

To find out what you’re allergic to, your IAM Healthy specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination and evaluate your eyes, ears, nose, throat, and breathing. 

Diagnostics that can detect seasonal allergies include blood tests and skin prick tests. During a skin prick test, your provider gently punctures your skin and exposes it to small amounts of potential allergens. They watch for signs of an allergic reaction like red, raised bumps that appear on the skin’s surface.

Your IAM Healthy specialist may recommend undergoing asthma testing. During this type of test, you breathe into a special device before and after taking bronchodilator medication. 

What are common seasonal allergy treatments?

Some common seasonal allergy treatments include:

Home remedies

Home remedies can reduce the severity of seasonal allergy symptoms. Examples include saline nasal irrigation (rinsing your sinuses with salt water), reducing dust and dander in your home, replacing air filters often, maintaining low humidity, replacing carpet with hard flooring, and reducing moisture in damp areas of your home.

Medications

Allergy pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops can reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.

Allergy shots or tablets

Immunotherapy uses shots containing purified allergen extracts or tablets placed under your tongue to expose you to small amounts of allergens. Over time, your body can build up a tolerance to these allergens.

Don’t let sneezing, irritated eyes, or nasal congestion wear you down when simple treatments for seasonal allergies are within reach at IAM Healthy. Call the office today and speak with a friendly staff member or schedule an appointment online.