Springtime Allergies
Allergy season will soon peak across Arizona due to the warmer temperatures in spring and summer. Allergies happen when your body reacts to what are normally harmless substances (i.e. foods, plants, animals, etc.). Many people suffer from a condition commonly called “seasonal allergies” when seasonal changes impact their risk of reacting to pollen produced by plants. Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, are the 6th leading cause of long-term illness in the U.S. annually.
Plants produce allergy-inducing pollen year-round, and people with seasonal allergies will have reactions based on what type of pollen they are allergic to. Peak season across much of the country is spring, summer, and fall, but allergy sufferers can experience symptoms as early as January based on their surrounding climate and plant life.
Weather conditions can intensify pollen allergies, such as dry weather and high winds. Seasonal allergies can exasperate conditions like asthma. Be aware of air quality in your area by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) included in most forecasts. Click here to read our article about understanding the AQI.
Common symptoms of seasonal allergies are:
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Runny, stuffy, and/or itchy nose
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Sneezing
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Itchy and/or watery eyes
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Postnasal drip
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Fatigue
Seasonal allergy symptoms can become severe, leading to sinus infections that are best treated with antibiotics by your doctor.
Seasonal allergies are typically managed with medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. Click here to learn more about treatment options for seasonal allergies. Click here to read our article on natural remedies for seasonal allergy symptoms.
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