Seasonal
Allergies Are Essentially Pollen Allergies
Seasonal allergies
may only affect you for a few months per year, but they still can
hinder you from being fully productive and enjoying your life. As
the name implies, seasonal allergies are caused by plants that produce
pollen during certain seasons. This fact makes seasonal allergies
different from perennial allergies, which can affect you all year
long. Therefore, your seasonal allergies are basically pollen allergies
while perennial allergies involve reactions to pet dander, mold,
and dust mites.
Seasonal allergies
are divided into categories of which pollen you are allergic to.
For example, a springtime allergy is caused by pollen from trees,
while a summertime allergy is caused by pollen from grasses, and
a fall allergy comes from weed pollen. In many areas, the winter
brings well-deserved relief to people who have seasonal allergies
because winter is a time when few plants produce pollen.
Seasonal allergies
are also called hay fever, even though running a fever is not one
of the symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you are allergic to pollen,
some or all of the following symptoms will be present immediately
after you are exposed to the pollen:
- Frequent sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Congestion and runny nose
- Itching in the throat, eyes,
nose, and mouth
- Coughing
- Puffy skin under the eyes
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Irritability
Avoiding pollen
exposure is a key factor in treating seasonal allergies. Since pollen
is usually most prevalent in the morning, it’s wise to stay
indoors between 5 and 10 a.m. You also can avert seasonal allergies
all day by staying in buildings and vehicles where windows are closed
and the air conditioner is on. To avoid pollen that may have collected
on your body and clothes, it is recommended that people with seasonal
allergies shower and wash their hair daily as well as wear clean
clothes and sleep on clean bedding materials.
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