How to Manage Seasonal Allergies | Know Your Facts

This Article is Updated on – 28/02/2024, Originally posted on – 01/03/2021

Seasonal allergies affect millions of people each year when outdoor allergens like pollen and mold are most prevalent. Allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and itching can make life miserable during allergy season.

While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, there are many ways to manage symptoms and reduce exposure to allergy triggers.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover key facts and tips for minimizing seasonal allergy suffering. You will learn what causes seasonal allergies when they are worst, and eight proven methods for getting relief from bothersome spring, summer, and fall allergy woes.

We will provide in-depth explanations so you can fully understand and implement these seasonal allergy management strategies.

Whether you experience occasional sneezing fits or full-blown allergy attacks every year, you will find useful information in this article to help control your seasonal allergies. Keep reading to learn more about what causes these annual allergy flare-ups and research-backed approaches to managing them.

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Before we dive into how to find relief, let’s look at what exactly causes seasonal allergies in the first place. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, better known as “hay fever,”  is an allergic response to outdoor airborne allergens that circulate at higher levels during certain times of the year.

Common seasonal allergy triggers include:

• Pollen – Trees, grasses, and weeds
• Mold spores
• Dust mites

When a person with a sensitized immune system inhales these allergens, the body releases antibodies that identify the particles as dangerous invaders. This stimulates the release of a chemical called histamine, which causes typical allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Congestion
• Cough
• Sinus pressure
• Itchy throat

For people with seasonal allergies, exposure to pollen and other allergen triggers prompts this immune reaction and causes these unpleasant symptoms. The severity can range from mild to completely debilitating for those with strong sensitivities.

Now that you understand exactly what causes seasonal allergies and how they develop, let’s go over the main seasons and when allergies strike most.

When do Seasonal Allergies Occur?

The time of year when seasonal allergy symptoms flare up depends on the type of outdoor allergens circulating at higher levels during that season.

1. Spring

For many seasonal allergy sufferers, symptoms are worse in spring. This is because trees are blooming and releasing pollen into the air which triggers allergies.

Some of the top spring allergy culprits include:

• Oak
• Birch
• Maple
• Cedar
• Ash
• Poplar

Tree pollen levels peak in early to mid-spring. Levels are often highest in the mornings before 10 a.m. when pollen is freshly released. Rainy or windy days can also increase pollen dispersal and symptoms.

2. Summer

Grass pollen is abundant in summer, causing June through August to be a terrible time for seasonal allergies for many people. Some grasses that produce allergy-causing pollen include:

• Ryegrass
• Timothy
• Bermuda
• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Orchard Grass

Grass pollen counts are highest on dry, hot, and windy days.

3. Fall

Fall allergies occur when ragweed pollen levels spike between August and November, with a peak around mid-September. Ragweed grows almost everywhere in the United States, producing billions of pollen grains that easily spread through the air.

Mold spore levels also increase in the fall due to rain and can trigger symptoms.

Understanding when pollen and mold levels increase allows you to anticipate and prepare for periods of higher seasonal allergy risk during the year.

8 Facts Manage Seasonal Allergies

While seasonal allergies can’t be cured, there are many effective ways to manage symptoms and minimize exposure to allergy triggers. Here are 8 key facts and tips for getting seasonal allergy relief:

Fact 1 – Reduce Exposure

The first line of defense against seasonal allergies is decreasing contact with pollen and other airborne allergens that cause symptoms.

Tips to reduce exposure:

• Stay indoors with windows closed during peak pollen times, especially in the morning and after rain.
• Avoid going outside in the early morning when pollen levels are highest.
• Take a shower after spending time outdoors to wash pollen off your body.
• Start taking preventative medications. 2 weeks before allergy season begins.

Fact 2 – Take Medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can provide powerful seasonal allergy relief by blocking your histamine response.

Effective options include:

• Antihistamines. Reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion.
• Nasal steroid sprays like Flonase and Rhinocort. Reduce inflammation and congestion.
• Decongestants like Sudafed and Afrin provide temporary relief.
• Eye drops like Zaditor help with itchy, watery eyes.
• Immunotherapy allergy shots. Can provide long-term benefits.

Discuss your medication options with your doctor to find the right approach for your symptoms.

Fact 3 – Use a HEPA Air Purifier

Using a high-efficiency air purifier at home traps allergens like pollen and irritants like dust from circulating in the indoor air you breathe.

Look for true HEPA filters that remove 99.97% of particles sized 0.3 microns. Change filters per manufacturer’s instructions.

Regularly cleaning the filter also helps maintain maximum effectiveness in removing allergens. Position yourself in the bedroom for clean air while sleeping.

Fact 4 – Monitor Pollen Counts

Monitoring daily pollen and mold spore levels can help you anticipate increases and plan accordingly. Avoid high outdoor exposure on days with elevated allergen levels.

There are many allergy forecasting resources available:

• The National Allergy Bureau website
• Local weather reports on TV and websites
• Smartphone apps like AccuWeather

Fact 5 – Wear a Mask Outdoors

Wearing a face mask when going outside blocks many pollen particles and allergen droplets from being inhaled through your nose and mouth.

Look for N95, FFP2, KN95, or other high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter masks that are designed to protect against airborne particles.

A mask is especially helpful on high pollen count days if you need to be outdoors.

Fact 6 – Use a Dehumidifier

Using a dehumidifier at home to keep indoor humidity under 50% can significantly reduce mold spores and microscopic dust mite allergens, which get trapped and circulate less in dry air.

Choose a unit appropriate for the room size and empty the reservoir daily to maximize effectiveness. Clean the filters regularly.

Fact 7 – Irrigate Sinuses

Flushing out your nasal passages regularly with a saline rinse can wash away trapped allergens and provide relief, especially before going outside.

Options include saline spray or a neti pot used one to four times per day. Use distilled or boiled water to make your saline solution.

Fact 8 – See an Allergist

Visiting an allergist can help you identify specific allergy triggers through skin or blood testing. This allows you to target prevention and treatment accordingly.

Immunotherapy allergy shots are often prescribed to gradually desensitize your body’s immune response. Several years of treatment can provide long-term relief.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating, but armed with the facts we’ve covered about optimal treatment and prevention methods, you can finally get relief.

Stay vigilant about managing exposure and symptoms during allergy season. See an allergist if over-the-counter approaches don’t provide enough relief.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review are based on the author’s personal experience and research. Individual results may vary. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for proper usage and maintenance of the product.

Lassowond

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