I. Q: What are seasonal allergies?
A: Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are a group of diseases that can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or runny nose and occur only at specific times of the year.
The common causes of seasonal allergies are as follows.
Pollen produced by trees, grasses and weeds, mold spores that grow when the weather is wet
Normally, people inhaling these substances do not cause any problems. When people with seasonal allergies inhale these substances, the body’s immune system treats the latter as harmful to the body, thus causing symptoms.
Many people’s seasonal allergies first occur in childhood or young adulthood. Seasonal allergies are a lifelong condition, but symptoms may resolve or worsen as time progresses. Sometimes seasonal allergies can be inherited.
Others have symptoms that look like seasonal allergies but are experienced year-round and have the following causes.
Insects, such as dust mites and cockroaches
Animals, such as cats and dogs
Mold spores
Q: What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
A: Symptoms of seasonal allergies include
Nasal congestion, runny nose or lots of sneezing
Itchy or red eyes
Sore throat, or itchy throat or ears
Wakefulness at night or sleep disturbances, which can lead to daytime fatigue
Q: Is there a test that can detect seasonal allergies?
A: Yes, there is. Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and then do a physical exam afterwards. You may also be asked to do other tests, such as a skin allergen test, which can help your doctor find out what you are allergic to. The doctor puts a drop of liquid containing the suspected allergen on your skin, after which he or she pokes a small hole and watches your skin for redness and bumps.
Q: How can I treat seasonal allergies?
A: Those with seasonal allergies can take the following treatments to reduce their symptoms.
Nasal rinses: Rinsing the nose with salt water will cleanse the nasal passages and flush out pollen from the nose. There are different devices that can be used to rinse the nose.
Steroid nasal sprays: Doctors usually prescribe these sprays first, but they take a few days to a few weeks to work (the steroids in steroid nasal sprays are not the same as the steroids athletes use to build muscle). In the United States, steroid nasal sprays (fludrocortisone/deglutethimide) are available without a prescription. If you decide to try this type of medicine, you may need to take a nasal decongestant for a few days first. Steroid nasal sprays work better when used daily. For congestion and postnasal drip (i.e., mucous membrane going backward into the throat), steroidal nasal sprays are more effective than other anti-allergy medications.
Antihistamines: These medications can relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing and runny nose. Some antihistamines can cause fatigue.
Decongestants: These drugs can reduce nasal congestion symptoms. Decongestants should not be used in combination with certain diseases such as hypertension. In addition, continuous use of decongestants for more than three days can make symptoms worse.
Allergy vaccination: Some people with seasonal allergies choose allergy vaccination. Usually weekly or monthly allergy shots are required, the latter containing small amounts of allergens, such as pollen. Many people find that this reduces symptoms, but sometimes it takes several months to take effect.
Allergy medications (sublingual): For some pollen allergies, these medications are more effective than the vaccine. These medications are broken down under the tongue and need to be taken daily during certain months of the year.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about the pros and cons of different treatments and choose the right one for your symptoms and co-morbidities. It is also important to know when and how to use the medication.
V. Q: Can the symptoms of seasonal allergies be prevented?
A: Yes. If you have symptoms at the same time every year, tell your doctor or nurse. Some people can start taking medication 1-2 weeks in advance to prevent the onset of symptoms.
You can also prevent the onset of symptoms by avoiding exposure to allergic substances. For example, people who are allergic to pollen can take the following steps.
Avoid going outside during the time when symptoms flare up
Keep car windows or windows closed and use an air purifier
Take a shower before going to bed to rinse pollen from your hair and skin
Wear a mask when you need to go outside
6. Q: What if I want to get pregnant?
A: If you want to get pregnant, discuss with your doctor which medications are safe for pregnant women. For pregnant women, the symptoms of seasonal allergies may worsen, ease or stay the same.