With springtime comes warmer weather, longer days, and for many, seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are a type of allergic reaction that occurs at specific times of the year. They are caused when you breathe in tiny particles of pollen from trees, grass and weeds that are released into the air. We asked experts your seasonal allergy questions: what exactly are they? And what role does your immune system play?
How does the immune system cause seasonal allergies?
Like most allergies, the immune system is responsible for seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system responds to otherwise harmless substances like pollen, grass, and/or ragweed. Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, and more.
Are seasonal allergies getting worse?
Every spring people often say allergy season is getting worse, and this turns out to be true. Allergy season is lasting longer than it did in 1990 and trees are producing more pollen due to climate change. These changes result in people experiencing the symptoms of allergy season for longer than they used, increasing their allergy related costs.
Why can adults develop seasonal allergies later in life?
Some people develop seasonal allergies for the first time in their life as adults. Allergies can develop at any time during life. Adults may develop seasonal allergies because they moved to a new part of the country and are exposed to new allergens such as different kinds of pollen. Adults who already have allergies are at an increased risk of developing new allergies, including new seasonal allergies. Researchers are still trying to figure out why some people develop allergies and others do not.
How do antihistamines work?
Antihistamines are a common medication to alleviate allergy symptoms. Histamine is a chemical released by your immune system that sends messages between cells. When your immune system is exposed to an allergen, like pollen, it sets off a series of signals that results in histamine being released and causing allergy symptoms. Antihistamines blocks histamine’s ability to send its signals and induce symptoms. Talk to a doctor to find out if antihistamines are right for you.
How do allergy shots work with the immune system?
If you have seasonal allergies, or any type of allergies, an allergist may recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots contain very small amounts of the allergens that you are allergic to. A patient getting allergy shots goes into their doctor and receives shots over the course of months to years. The goal is to retrain the immune system to respond to the allergens in the shots in a way that does not cause symptoms. If interested, talk to a doctor about whether you could benefit from allergy shots.