Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are typically triggered by airborne allergens during certain times of the year. The most common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Different plants produce pollen at various times of the year, so allergy symptoms can vary depending on the specific plants in your area. The pick of seasonal allergies in Lynn, MA, is in April, May, and September. Mold spores are another common allergen, especially in damp or humid environments. Mold spores can be present in Lynn outdoors in piles of wet leaves, compost piles, and grassy areas.
In the spring, tree pollen is a significant allergen in Lynn, MA. Trees such as oak, maple, birch, and pine release pollen during spring, typically from March to June.
Grass pollen allergies peak during late spring and early summer, usually from May to July. Common grass species in Massachusetts, such as Timothy, Bermuda, and Kentucky bluegrass, can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people. Weeds such as ragweed, plantain, and sagebrush release pollen in the late summer and early fall, typically from August to October. Ragweed is a prevalent allergen in Massachusetts and can cause severe symptoms for allergy sufferers. If you suffer from allergies and encounter these pollen particles, your immune system perceives them as a threat and responds by releasing chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine triggers the body's defense mechanisms, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, headache, decreased sense of smell, etc. These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person and may be intermittent or persistent depending on allergen exposure and individual sensitivity.
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting, and they are another trigger. While dust mites are present year-round, their levels may increase in the spring and summer due to warmer temperatures and higher humidity. Pet dander can also be present year-round, but it may become more problematic in the spring and summer when pets spend more time outdoors and shed more fur. For some people, insect stings from bees, wasps, hornets, and other insects can cause allergic reactions, including seasonal symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
The treatment of seasonal allergies typically involves a combination of allergen avoidance strategies, medications, and, in some cases, allergy immunotherapy.
Here are some common treatment options for seasonal allergies:
Avoid allergens: Limit outdoor activities when allergen levels are high, such as on windy days or during peak pollen seasons. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning, especially during pollen seasons, to reduce exposure to outdoor allergens. Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home's HVAC system, and consider using HEPA air purifiers to remove allergens from indoor air. Remove shoes and outer clothing when entering the house to prevent tracking pollen indoors. Wash bedding regularly in hot water to remove dust mites and allergens.
Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can reduce nasal congestion, but they should be used short-term to avoid rebound congestion. Nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and budesonide (Rhinocort) can reduce inflammation and relieve nasal symptoms.
Prescription medications: If over-the-counter medications cannot control symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe more potent antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, or other drugs. Leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast (Singulair), may be prescribed for individuals with allergic rhinitis who have asthma.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy): Treatment involves regular injections of gradually increasing doses of allergens to desensitize the immune system over time. Immunotherapy can reduce the severity of allergic reactions and may provide long-term relief for seasonal allergies. It is typically reserved for patients with severe allergies who do not respond well to other treatments.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): SLIT involves placing tablets or drops containing allergen extracts under the tongue to desensitize the immune system. This treatment may be an option for some individuals with allergies to specific pollens.
It's essential to identify specific triggers for your seasonal allergies so you can take steps to minimize exposure and manage symptoms effectively. Allergy testing conducted by healthcare professionals at AMA Medical Center can help pinpoint your specific triggers and develop a personalized treatment plan.
For more information about allergies, please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best doctors in Lynn, MA!