What You Need to Know About Seasonal Allergies

If you find you are sneezing, dealing with itchy and watery eyes, congested, and even coughing during a certain time of the year, it is possible seasonal allergies are a culprit.

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies only occur during certain times of the year. Depending on what your allergens are, symptoms may show up or increase at different times. I can't stress enough how important it is to find what your personal triggers are. Although many tend to think of seasonal allergies happening at only one time during the year, that’s not entirely accurate. It all depends on what your body is reacting to.¹

With that said, the majority of people who do struggle with allergies tend to feel their symptoms mostly in the springtime. During springtime, as nature starts to awaken and bloom, trees release pollen. This causes more symptoms in those that are sensitive or allergic to it.

Different seasons, different pollens

During summer, hay fever starts to hit. Even if you don’t know much about allergies, I’m sure you’ve heard that term before! As grasses and hay start to grow, symptoms of hay fever can result.¹

Fall can also be a time of seasonal allergies for some – mainly those that are allergic to ragweed. Ragweed season typically starts in August, lasting until as late as November. As November fades away and winter begins, most outdoor allergens are dormant. So, symptoms should be minimal or nonexistent during that time if you are truly dealing with seasonal allergies.¹

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms year round, you may be dealing with an indoor allergy. Some of these include dust mites, different foods, or mold. This is why it is important to find out exactly what you are allergic to. You can only do this by seeing an allergy specialist.¹

There are different tests available, but the most common is the skin prick test. This is typically done by applying very small amounts of the allergen to your skin. If there is a reaction within a certain amount of time, such as raised red bumps or any irritation, you have found a culprit! I personally hate this test, in all honesty. I have had varied results, and it can be a bit uncomfortable. However, I know it is very necessary. If you do react to anything, it can be temporarily uncomfortable as your body reacts to the allergen. Thankfully though, it does pass fairly quickly.¹

Learning to live with seasonal allergies

Thankfully, I am usually able to manage seasonal allergies using different tips and tricks for pollen season, including over-the-counter medication when necessary. For me, that's usually an antihistamine, such as Benadryl.¹

One of the resources I use is the Asthma and Allergy Forecast. I find it really helpful during the peak times for my allergens, as I can get outside on the days that have less pollen, and schedule accordingly. With allergies and any other chronic health conditions, we often have to get creative and resourceful, and learn to adjust according to what our body needs. And although that can be a challenge, it is possible. We can always find ways to live with our conditions, instead of allowing them to take over our lives and dictate what we do and don’t do.

If you are unable to manage your symptoms with over-the-counter treatments, there are many other treatment options available. You should always discuss these with your healthcare team when necessary.

Many years ago, when I first started dealing with allergy symptoms, I didn’t want to go outside during pollen season. Now, I do my best not to let it stop me. And if you are one of the millions who deal with seasonal allergies, you shouldn’t either! Know you’re not alone and there are treatment options, and healing is always possible.