November 28th, 2009 by Doctor Mostafa

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen and other allergens affect 40 million Americans and cost more than $1 billion in annual treatment costs.

Seasonal Allergies

Manifestations of Seasonal Allergies

Although it’s usually not a dangerous condition, it can be very uncomfortable and, for some people, can severely interrupt daily activities. The standard reactions of seasonal allergies include sneezing, itchy throat, headache, swollen sinuses, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Differentiate Seasonal Allergies From Common Cold

Symptoms of seasonal allergies occur suddenly and continue as long as the person exposed to the allergen ” cause of allergy”.  Fever is not usually present but sneezing is a prominent feature and more commonly associated with wheezing. Nasal discharge is usually clear, watery  and less viscous than that of common cold.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Airborne pollen from various plants—or, in some cases, spores from mold—find its way into the body through the eyes, nose, or throat, and trigger an allergic reaction. In normal individual, the immune system does not respond to mild substances like pollen and mold. But in sensitive individuals -genetically susceptible-, the body’s defense mechanism views these allergens as it would an infectious agent and mounts an attack. Once the immune system has detected the “invader,” it triggers a cascade of chemicals such as histamine and other compounds causing inflammation that leads to irritation and discomfort.

How to Avoid Seasonal Allergies

Avoiding the allergens is the No.1 measure suggested by allergy experts. There are many steps you can take to eliminate or minimize your exposure to allergens and improve seasonal allergies symptoms. Here are some from WebMD:

• Wear a protective mask when gardening or doing yard work.
• Modify the indoor environment to keep out allergens, says Clifford W. Bassett, MD, vice chairman of the Public Education Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. For instance, use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in air conditioners to better trap pollen spores. “Change air condition filters often,” he says.
• Check pollen counts before you travel to avoid seasonal allergies. “If you are traveling with allergies, consider vacations near the ocean or bays,” Bassett says. “Pollen counts there are typically lower.” To find pollen counts, contact the National Allergy Bureau ( www.aaaai.org/nab), which offers reports to the public.  Or check your local weather report; some provide pollen and mold spore counts.
• Protect your eyes. On vacation and at home, wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen coming into the eyes, Bassett suggests.
• “Wash your hair at the end of the day to wash out pollens,” Bassett suggests. That will help avoid pollen transfer to the pillowcase.
• Exercise in the morning or late in the day, Bassett says, when pollen counts are typically lower than at other hours. Know that pollen counts typically are higher on a hot, windy, sunny day compared with a cool day without much wind.
• Check the dog. “Pets can bring in pollen,” says Pamela Georgeson, DO, member of the AAAAI Public Education committee and an allergist in Chesterfield Township, Mich. You might consider rinsing off the dog if he was outside on a high-pollen day, she says.