Seasonal Nasal Allergies and How to Alleviate Their Symptoms
Seasonal nasal allergies are immune responses triggered by airborne substances during certain times of the year. These allergies typically cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes when plants like trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air. Understanding the facts about seasonal nasal allergies can help inform the available options for relief.
What Are Nasal Allergies?
Nasal allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to airborne substances, known as allergens, that are typically harmless to most people. When a person with an allergy breathes in an allergen, the immune system identifies it as a threat and causes the body to react. This reaction causes inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergies are tied to specific times of the year when certain plants pollinate. During spring, tree pollen can be a frequent trigger, while summer brings grass pollens. In the fall, the primary allergens may be weed pollens or mold spores that thrive in damp environments like piles of wet leaves.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of seasonal nasal allergies can range from mild annoyances to severe discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Nasal allergies may cause a range of symptoms. These include nasal congestion, a runny nose, frequent sneezing, and an itchy sensation in the nose, eyes, or throat. Individuals may also experience red, watery, or swollen eyes, as well as postnasal drip. These symptoms can affect a person’s quality of life, leading to fatigue, irritability, and reduced productivity. They may also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to daytime tiredness.
How Are They Treated?
Managing seasonal nasal allergies involves a combination of avoiding allergens and using medications to control symptoms. Minimizing exposure to pollen can help reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms. Common strategies for minimizing exposure to pollen include staying indoors during high-pollen times, keeping windows and doors closed, using air conditioners with efficient filters, showering and changing clothes after outdoor activities, and washing bedding frequently in hot water.
Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can provide relief from allergy symptoms. Medications frequently used for symptom relief include antihistamines, which block the effects of histamine to ease sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages to address congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Decongestants may provide short-term relief from nasal stuffiness, though prolonged use of sprays can worsen congestion.
Speak With an Allergy Specialist
An allergy specialist can perform tests, such as skin prick or blood tests. These specialists may identify specific allergens and recommend a treatment plan based on the results. These may include prescription medications or immunotherapy. Based on the results, the specialist can develop a tailored treatment plan. This plan might include prescription medications or a treatment known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, which may be administered as allergy shots or under-the-tongue tablets, involves exposing the body to small, increasing amounts of an allergen over time. This process helps the immune system become less sensitive to the substance, which can provide long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
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