About 9% of American experience seasonal allergies. Hay fever is a seasonal allergy that occurs in certain seasons. It occurs when the body reacts to an allergen such as pollen causing an allergic reaction. It’s important to see an allergist Manassas if you experience severe allergies. Pollen is the largest cause of seasonal allergies but below other allergens that may cause allergies.

Weed such as ragweed’s, and tumbleweed
Grass-like an orchard, Bermuda

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Runny and watery eyes
Sneezing and coughing
Itchy eyes and noses
Ear congestion.

Less common symptoms of seasonal allergies

Headaches and wheezing
Coughing and shortness of breath

If you have asthma hay fever will make asthma and may lead to an asthma attack. It’s therefore important that you visit the allergy clinic if you experience any severe symptoms

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Hay fever results when the body encounters an allergen and release histamines. Histamines cause allergic reactions. Causes of hay fever depend from one season to another.

Spring

During spring trees are the biggest cause of seasonal allergies. Trees such as birch, cedar, alder, chestnut, and other trees produce pollen and that cause allergy. It’s important to determine when the pollen levels are high and avoid going out when the levels are high.

Summer

Summer is the hay cutting season and that’s when hay fever is most common thus the name hay fever. The main cause of summer allergies is weed and grass such as ryegrass. During summer make sure you know the levels of pollen and avoid having activities when there is a high pollen level.

Autumn

One of the main causes of allergy during fall is ragweed which has more than 40 species. Pollen from ragweed can cause severe allergies and it’s, therefore, important to ensure that avoid the plant. Other plants that may cause allergies include nettles, sorrels and fat hens plants. In case of any severe reactions make sure you visit the allergy doctor immediately for medication. Make sure the garden around your house is free of ragweeds or any other allergen.

Winter

During the winter most allergens are dormant due to the cold. There are minimal chances of getting hay fever because you spend most of the time indoors. Winter season allergies are mostly caused by indoor allergens such as mould, pet dander, dust mites, and cockroaches. Simple home remedies will ensure you get rid of the allergens. Below some tips to follow to get rid of the winter indoor allergens.

Clean your bedding with hot water once a week to keep away allergens such as dust mites
Make sure you cover your bedding in allergen-proof covers
Avoid having carpets and upholstered furniture
Make sure your bedroom is not stuffed with items such toys
Make sure there are no leaks that will cause moulds and other pests that can cause allergies.
Keep your house sparkling clean to avoid moulds. Invest in humidifiers and swamp coolers to keep moulds from forming in your house. Install dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.

How to Diagnose Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can be diagnosed using blood or skin test. The allergist put a small portion of the allergen on the skin and observe. The allergen will cause the skin to turn red and itch.

If the allergy cannot be diagnosed through a skin test the allergy physician will use a more detailed blood test.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can be treated using

Antihistamines and decongestants
Nasal sprays and corticosteroids
Eye drops and nasal irrigation
Immunotherapy

It’s best to visit the allergy clinic and let the allergy doctor diagnose and give you medication. Make sure you follow the prescription given by the allergy specialist to help ease the allergic reaction. If the allergies are mild home remedies may help prevent the allergies. It’s important that you discuss the home remedy to follow with the allergy specialist.

Tips to Ease Seasonal Allergies

Stay indoors when the pollen count is high
Use air purifiers and air conditioners to keep the air in your house clean and fresh. Make sure the air filters are cleaned regularly. Also, ensure any other space that lets in fresh air is clean.
Clean beddings and rugs in hot water often to kill dust mites and other allergens
When cutting grass in your lawn wear a mask to prevent coming into contact with pollen
Change clothes and shower after going outside. Don’t stay in the same clothes after going outdoors as they harbour pollen

Seasonal allergies can be prevented by using simple home remedies. It’s however important that you visit the allergy specialist and consult on how best to avoid the allergen that is causing your allergies. Make sure you follow the home remedy diligently to ease the allergy symptoms