Seasonal Allergies By: Srivatsa Veera
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also called Hay Fever, affects many people throughout the world. According to the CDC, about 25 million people are affected by seasonal allergies in America. Seasonal allergies are allergic reactions which occur during a season or a specific time of the year. It is less common to get during the winter since people mostly stay at home and don’t go outdoors much. The severity can range from mild until life-threatening. For some people, it only lasts a few years while others experience it lifelong.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are known to occur when the immune system of someone overreacts to something in the environment around them. These allergies transpire when people are exposed to airborne substances which are called allergens. The most common allergen is pollen which comes from wind-pollinated plants such as weeds and grasses. The allergens go into the body and trigger some bodies to react to it causing different symptoms to occur. Different plants release their pollen at a different time in the year. The time of year that their allergy affects them depends on which pollen someone is allergic to and when it releases its pollen. Only those with an immune system which is not functioning properly are the ones who develop seasonal allergies. People with healthy immune systems generally do not get these allergies since they are able to fight it off.
What are some symptoms and treatments?
There are many symptoms that can occur when you develop seasonal allergies along with numerous ways to treat it.
Symptoms
Seasonal allergies can be diagnosed at home without professional help. Some symptoms of seasonal allergies are:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Weezing
Ear congestion
Itchy or watery eyes
Itchy sinus, throat, or ear canal
Postnasal drainage
Headache
Treatments
There are many symptoms of seasonal allergies but there are several ways to treat it or atleast give temporary relief. The best way to treat seasonal allergies is by avoiding the allergens. Keeping windows shut when home, limiting time spent outdoors, and wearing a duct mask when outside are all ways to avoid allergens and relieve your body from allergies. However, doing these things is not always practical. When avoiding the allergens is not possible there are some other ways to treat it. Some of the ways to treat it are:
Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines
Medication prescribed by a doctors
Nasal sprays
Allergy shots
Vitamin C
Nasal washing
Desensitization
These are ways to treat seasonal allergies. Note that the treatment depends on the severity and type of allergy someone has. The best thing to do is to ask a doctor.
Conclusion
Eight percent of America has seasonal allergies and it is important to know if you get it. It can develop during a specific time of the year to those whose immune system isn’t functioning properly and the symptoms are very inconvenient. When it occurs, you should always try to avoid the allergens but when it isn’t possible, there are medications and other ways to treat i