Say NO To Seasonal Allergies – By #AllergyFree – A Sanofi India Initiative

As the name suggests, an allergy that occurs in a particular season is known as seasonal allergy. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is the most common seasonal allergy. However, there are some other allergies as well like skin & eye infections that you can get throughout the year. Different seasons bring different allergies and we know how you can keep them away with some simple steps. Firstly, let’s look at what causes these allergies.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a harmless substance as harmful, whether it’s general or seasonal allergies. One of the most common allergies- hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by pollen or dust that affects the eyes and nose, causing runny nose and watery eyes.

Common Allergens may Vary from One Season to Another:

1. Spring

Trees are responsible for most springtime seasonal allergies. The pollen from the trees can act as an allergen in some individuals causing spring allergies.

2. Summer

The hay-cutting season is the most common period to cause allergies during summer. But the real triggers of summertime seasonal allergies are grasses as well as certain weeds. According to several studies, grasses are the most common trigger for people with hay fever.

3. Monsoon

Pollen from different plants causes seasonal allergies in some individuals during the rainy season. Mold is infamous during the monsoon because there is more dampness than usual. So, the mold causes allergies like skin allergies, allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma very often. Wet, sticky shoes or clothes can cause itching and lead to infection. A lot of rainwear can cause allergic reactions on the skin as well.

Seasonal allergies and asthma go hand in hand in many people. Some people do outgrow certain allergies — or rather their body doesn’t have as strong of an allergic response. You may believe that your allergic asthma is going away but you might just be in remission. Even after years without symptoms, an allergen exposure can trigger an allergy or an attack of asthma, precaution is always advised.

Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

4. Winter

It’s very likely for people to mistake an allergic reaction for a cold considering it is winter. This is also the time when indoor allergens are lurking around in dust particles. Most outdoor allergens are dormant during winter. So stay alert and observe reactions to indoor allergens like mold, pet dander, dust mites or cockroaches.  

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. The most common include:

• Continuous Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Itchy sinuses, throat or ear canals
• Ear congestion
• Postnasal drainage

Less common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing

Mostly, people suffering from hay fever also suffer from asthma. If an individual suffers from both hay fever and asthma, they are most likely to trigger an asthma attack because of the seasonal allergens.

Sometimes wearing a mask for people allergic to dust, pollutants and pollens when stepping out can be a saviour from serious allergic episodes.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Seasonal Allergies Treatment

The best treatment or management for seasonal allergies is avoiding allergens that trigger your symptoms. It is recommended to seek for proper medications that are available for treatment, rather than trying alternative treatments to help in seasonal allergy relief. Here are a few ways that can help you in seasonal allergy prevention:  

• Keep your windows & doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season
• Wearing a mask during allergy season can also help in keeping the symptoms away
• Change of clothes and taking a shower is of utmost importance if you’ve been working or playing outdoors
• Weather reports can help keep track of pollen and mold counts during allergy seasons

Hay fever is another name for allergic rhinitis, most commonly used to describe a seasonal allergic reaction to pollen such as ragweed. It affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life. Best way to treat them is avoiding allergens.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

What Usually Triggers Seasonal Allergies?

Although “seasonal allergies” generally refer to grass, pollen, and mould, the second group of triggers are also closely associated with particular seasons. These include:

• Smoke (campfires in the summer, fireplaces in the winter)
• Stings and bites of insects (common in spring and summer)
• Swimming pools that contain chlorine
• Candy ingredients (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter)
• Wreaths and pine trees (Thanksgiving to Christmas)

Precautions to Ease Your Allergies:

Keeping an eye on your local weather forecast can help you predict how bad an allergy season will be.    

• Keep outdoor activities for the afternoon.
• When pollen counts are high, stay inside as much as possible
• If you need to work outside, wear a mask.
• If necessary, close the windows and use an air conditioner.
• Protect your eyes with wraparound glasses.
• Make sure the grass is cut short and avoid gardening chores which can stir up allergens.
• After spending time outside, wash your hair and skin to remove pollen.
• Brush your pets off after they have been outside to prevent allergens from getting into your home.

When you can’t avoid your allergens, there are safe medications available in the market. You should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.    

The symptoms of seasonal allergies can make an individual uncomfortable, therefore if you suspect any symptoms, please consult a doctor right away to seek proper medication.

Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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