About Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are immune reactions to pollens, molds, or other triggers that are present for only one season or part of the year. This type of allergy can affect any person of any age in any location. Generally, pollen from trees, grasses, weeds or molds trigger seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies cause a variety of symptoms, such as itchy eyes and nose, headaches, sore throats and sneezing. Symptoms often disrupt daily life and cause considerable discomfort. Rarely, seasonal allergies may cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Prevention is key, but treatments are available, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy for severe cases.

Significance

• According to NIAID, 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and annual treatment costs are as high as 1 billion dollars. Seasonal allergies affect people of all ages, in all geographical locations, and may result in serious health issues for those with asthma or other health conditions. Seasonal allergy sufferers may experience mild symptoms, or may become so impaired that they are unable to work or take care of their daily responsibilities. Unlike many other allergens, pollen is nearly impossible to avoid without staying indoors. For this reason, research is continuously conducted on improving treatment options and finding new and better means of eliminating pollen exposure for chronic seasonal allergy sufferers.

Geography

• Pollens vary across the United States and differ throughout the seasons. Oak, maple, elm, birch, olive and juniper trees are primarily responsible for causing seasonal allergies in the eastern, southern, and midwestern parts of the country. Grasses, such as timothy and bluegrass, typically pollinate during the early summer months in these parts of the country, with ragweed pollens peaking in the late summer.

  Seasonal allergies in the Western U.S. are often triggered by mountain cedar. Grasses in the Southwestern U.S. pollinate for longer periods, and seasonal allergy sufferers in this region must also contend with sagebrush weed pollen, which peaks in the fall. Some allergy sufferers may find relief by moving to another geographical area, but others find they soon develop reactions to the types of pollens that circulate in the new location.

Time Frame

• Seasonal allergies most often occur during the spring, summer, and fall months when most plants are pollinating and exposure is greatest. Spring allergies result from tree pollen, which generally begins in January and ends in April, depending on location and climate. Some weeds also pollinate during the spring. Grass pollen peaks during the summer, but those with allergies to grass may develop symptoms year-round when working outdoors or mowing lawns.

  During the fall months, the main source of seasonal allergies is weed pollen. Seasonal allergies can also be caused by mold spores, which become airborne and are inhaled. Mold spore reactions may occur throughout the year, but are more common in the summer and fall months. Determining the time frame of seasonal allergy symptoms, when they begin and end, can be a helpful clue when attempting to diagnose the specific pollen responsible for causing symptoms.

Identification

• Symptoms of seasonal allergies and colds are often very similar, and distinguishing between the two can be difficult. However, there are some differences. The most important of which is when and for how long the symptoms occur. Cold symptoms appear over the course of a few days, typically starting with sneezing and then a runny nose, and last for approximately a week. Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to occur all at once and persist until the allergen is removed. Colds often produce a significant amount of mucus, which may be yellow in color, while seasonal allergies generally produce a clear, watery nasal discharge. Sneezing is more common with seasonal allergies, and colds may be accompanied by a fever. Colds, in most parts of the country, are more common during winter months. Seasonal allergies can occur year-round, but are more common when plants are pollinating, during the spring, summer and fall months.

  Seasonal allergies usually result in itching of the throat, eyes, nose and mouth, and may cause watery, red and swollen eyes. Headaches, wheezing, coughing and irritated nasal lining are other common symptoms. Diagnoses are based on symptoms and medical history. Allergy testing is sometimes performed to determine the specific pollen responsible for the symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

• Treatment of seasonal allergies begins with avoiding exposure to the responsible pollens. Seasonal allergy sufferers should remain indoors as much as possible between the hours of 5 AM and 10 AM, when pollen levels tend to be highest. Windows and doors of the home should be kept closed to prevent pollen or mold spores from entering, and air filters used whenever possible. Bedding and laundry should be machine-dried in order to prevent contamination with pollen when drying outside, and seasonal allergy sufferers should avoid mowing their lawns when pollen levels are peaking.

  Once symptoms have developed, the first line of treatment is typically over-the-counter antihistamines. Cromolyn and corticosteroid nasal sprays are usually the next step. When these treatment methods fail, oral corticosteroids are usually prescribed and testing to identify the allergens may be performed. If allergy testing reveals which pollens are responsible, allergen immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be used to reduce the body's sensitivity to the allergen.