Recognizing The Most Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also called “allergic rhinitis” affect around 8% of the population of U.S. adults. If you think that you may have seasonal allergies, you’re in the right place. In this blog from Premier Allergy & Asthma, we’ll discuss a few of the most common seasonal allergy symptoms, and the most common causes of allergies for every season.

6 Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms To Look Out For

Recognizing seasonal allergies is pretty easy. Here’s a quick list of the six most common symptoms that may indicate that you have allergies.

• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat – Allergies typically cause itchy eyes, and may also cause your throat and nose to itch. Itchy eyes, in particular, are a symptom that distinguishes allergies from other things like the common cold. While colds and allergies share a lot of symptoms, itchy eyes are almost never a symptom of the common cold.‍
• Red or watery eyes – Your eyes may also be watery due to allergies. They also can become red, due to the inflammatory response of your immune system to allergens. Redness may be worsened if you rub your eyes due to itching.
• Nasal or chest congestion – Nasal congestion (stuffy nose) is common in allergies. Chest congestion may also occur in some people, which may cause coughing. This is more rare than nasal congestion, though.‍
• Runny nose and post-nasal drip – Instead of a stuffy nose, you may also experience a constantly runny nose and “post-nasal drip.” This is when mucus gathers and drips down the back of your throat, causing a tickling sensation.‍
• Sneezing – Sneezing is another extremely common symptom of allergies. Allergens irritate your nose, which reacts by trying to expel them by sneezing.‍
• Fatigue – In addition to the above symptoms, seasonal allergies may cause you to feel tired and fatigued. This can be worsened if your other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, make it harder for you to sleep at night.

Timing Matters – The Most Common Allergens For Every Season

The season when your seasonal allergies peak can help you understand what allergens you react to. Here’s a quick list of the most common seasonal allergens, and when they're the most likely to cause allergic rhinitis:

• Tree pollen (spring) – Trees release their pollen first, usually in late winter and early spring. If your allergies peak around this time, you are likely allergic to one or more types of tree pollen.
• Grass pollen (summer) – In the late spring and throughout the summer, grass pollen is the most common allergen. ‍
• Ragweed (fall) – Ragweed usually releases its pollen in the late summer and early fall, with levels peaking in September. Ragweed has particularly fine pollen, and a single plant can make up to one billion pollen grains, so this is a very common cause of seasonal allergies.‍
• Mold (fall) – Outdoor mold is a less common allergen. However, it also peaks in the early fall, so if you’re not allergic to ragweed but your allergies get worse in the fall, this may be the cause.

There are also lots of “perennial allergens” that can cause allergy symptoms all year round, even indoors. These include dust mite allergies, allergies to pet hair and dander, indoor mold allergies, and a number of others.

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Need Help With Seasonal Allergies? Contact Premier Allergy & Asthma Today!

If you’re suffering from seasonal allergies and need relief, Premier Allergy & Asthma is here to help. Our team of allergy and asthma specialist in Ohio and can test you for the most common seasonal allergies, identify the allergens that are causing your symptoms, and develop a plan to help you overcome your symptoms. To schedule a consultation at one of our clinics throughout the greater Columbus and Central Ohio area, just give us a call at (614) 328-9927 or contact us online.

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