Allergic rhinitis that happens only in certain seasons is also called hay fever. There are about 8% that experience it. Hay fever happens when you have an immune system that overreacts to an allergen outdoors, like pollen. An allergen triggers an allergic response. Wind-pollinated allergens are the most common, like grasses, trees, and weeds. The pollens that come from insect-pollinated plans remain airborne for a long time, and they hardly trigger an allergic reaction.
It is called hay fever because the name is derived from the hay-cutting season. Based on history, this activity happened during the summer months, which is about the same time as a lot of people have symptoms.
You might need an allergy specialist to determine if you have hay fever. Read on to learn more.
Treatment of Seasonal Allergies
There are a lot of ways that seasonal allergies can be treated, which depends on how bothersome those symptoms are. A crucial part of treatment is knowing what a person is allergic to. Some kids are relieved by eliminating or reducing allergen exposure that bothers them.
If specific seasons cause symptoms, you should keep your windows closed and use air conditioning instead of fresh air if possible, and remember to stay indoors when there are high pollen counts. It is also a great idea for kids who have seasonal allergies to wash the dirt off of their hands or shower and wear a new set of clothes after they play outside.
Spring
Trees are to be blamed for the majority of allergies in springtime. The most common offender is Birch, which is found in the northern latitudes, where a lot of people with hay fever react to pollen. Other allergenic trees found in North America are aider, cedar, horse chestnut, poplar, and willow.
Fall
Ragweed season is in Autumn. Most of the ragweed grows in North and South America Temperate Regions. They have invasive plants that are hard to control. Their pollen is a common allergen, and ragweed allergy symptoms can be severe.
Other plants which drop their pollen during fall include mugworts, nettles, fat hens, sorrels, and plantains.
Summer
The hay-cutting season is normally in the summer months. But what really causes summertime allergies are the grasses like ryegrass and timothy grass, and even certain weeds. The most common trigger of hay fever in people are grasses.
Winter
During winter, the majority of allergens remain dormant, Therefore, cold weather gives relief to a lot of people who have hay fever. However, this also means that more people are spending time outdoors. If you are prone to getting seasonal allergies, you might react to indoor allergens like pet dander, mold, cockroaches, or dust mites.
Most of the time indoor allergens are easier to get rid of from the environment compared to outdoor pollens. Here are some tips for getting rid of allergens inside your home:
- Make sure to wash your bedding in hot water once every week
- Cover the bedding and pillows with covers that are allergen-proof
- Stop using upholstered furniture and carpets
- Remove stuffed toys
- Fix any water leaks and clean up water damage that helps the mold and pests to grow and multiply
- Clean the moldy surfaces and places where mold can form, which includes swamp coolers, humidifiers, refrigerators, and air conditioners
- Use a dehumidifier to lessen excess moisture
You Should Take the Prescribed Allergy Medication the Entire Season
After you have identified the allergy triggers of your child and the season(s), your doctor might prescribe to minimize the symptoms.
Go to an allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA if you need an allergist before the season starts.