Seasonal allergies can make us miserable. According to CDC’s latest study, over ¼ the American population struggles with seasonal allergies. Know your seasonal allergy symptoms so you can react early on!
Highlights:
- Among the U.S. population, 25.7% of adults have seasonal allergies.
- Hay fever is the most identifiable seasonal allergy symptom.
- Allergies do not cause fevers. Sinus infections will, however.
- Having a good air purifier will largely ease your allergy symptoms.
Read more: 8 Ways to Prevent Fall Seasonal Allergies
What Causes Seasonal Allergies
Tree pollen, grass, mold, and ragweed are the most common triggers for seasonal allergies. Cottonwood and certain flowers can also cause allergic reactions. During warmer weather, more pollens are in the air when trees budge. Similarly, the rainy season makes mold grow more easily. Therefore, seasonal allergies are at their worst in a moist spring or a humid fall.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Some common seasonal allergy symptoms you should watch for are
- Runny nose
- Irritated eyes
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Mucus drip
- Rashes and hives
- Migraine
- Fatigue
Knowing your symptoms allow you to proactively take care of your body, and hopefully remove yourself from allergen exposure before more symptoms kick in.
Runny Nose
A runny nose is often the first sign of seasonal allergies. Others may experience a stuffed nose. Allergic symptoms in the nose are called allergic rhinitis, or, in plain, human language: hay fever. Left unattended, these symptoms can turn into a lingering sinus infection.
Read more: 6 Ways to Prevent Sinus Infections
Irritated Eyes
Red, itchy, or teary eyes are all signs of seasonal allergies. Pollen, animal fur, mold, dust mites, make-up, or some eye drops can cause eye-related allergy symptoms. Cover your eyes with a wet, cold cloth and apply gentle pressure to soothe itchy from allergies. You can also use anti-allergy eye drops, but follow the instructions.
Coughing
Another common seasonal allergy symptom is coughing, usually from breathing in pollens and mold. The allergens then irritate your body’s airways, causing them to swell. An allergy cough is either a dry cough from an irritated and itchy throat or a wet cough with mucus in your lungs.
Sneezing
You know you have allergies if you are sneezing for no reason. The fastest way to stop sneezing from allergies is to remove yourself from the allergens. Put a clean cloth around your nose, or use an allergy nasal spray. Excessive sneezing can damage your nose tissues and lead to sinus infections.
Mucus Down Your Throat
Seasonal allergy can also trigger postnasal drip, which creates extra mucus that drips down your throat from the nasal cavities. Postnasal drip can leave you with a dry and scratchy throat. Also, avoid swallowing the mucus as it could cause other discomfort.
Rashes and Hives
Some allergens can cause rashes and hives on your body. They usually give a burning sensation and sometimes can cause severe swelling. Pollen, grass dust from a lawn mower, and mold exposure can all cause rashes and hives. Rinse affected areas under cold water, then apply some lotion or anti-itch cream if you notice rash development. And please, don’t scratch!
Migraine
Seasonal allergies can cause headaches. Specifically, sinus headaches. These headaches feel like pressure pain in one specific area of your face or head. Sudden head movements often worsen the pain, and your face might tingle or be too sensitive to touch.
Fatigue
Although rare, some people can feel drowsy or fatigued from seasonal allergies, and sleeping doesn’t seem to be helping. Luckily, allergy fatigue tends only to happen when you’re exposed to allergens for a prolonged time or in large amounts.
Managing Seasonal Allergies at Home
You should always monitor your indoor air quality if you have seasonal allergies. This ensures you can recover from seasonal allergy symptoms in your home, instead of worsening them. Getting a HEPA Air Purifier is one of the most efficient ways to improve indoor air quality.
During allergy season, make sure you drink plenty of water, replenish your vitamins throughout the day, and get plenty of rest.
How to distinguish COVID-19 symptoms from seasonal allergies?
Fever is your easiest distinguisher. If you have high fevers alongside allergy-like symptoms and have been exposed to Covid-19 in the past two weeks, it’s time to get a test. Also, allergies won’t lead to taste loss, another key symptom of Covid-19.
Can allergies cause fevers?
Allergies do not cause fevers, according to the American College of Allergy. However, hay fever can develop into sinus infections and lead to immune responses in your body, which often cause a fever.
How sick can seasonal allergies make you feel?
Allergies can be debilitating, but no worse than what a bad cold will make you feel. It is normal to feel slow, heavy, and not motivated when seasonal allergy symptoms are in full swing. On those days, give your body what it needs to rest and try to stay away from allergens as much as you can.
Am I getting sick or is it allergies?
Allergy symptoms should ease up once you are away from the allergens or after you take some OTC allergy medicine. If going outdoors to indoors doesn’t relieve your symptoms, or if the allergy meds aren’t working, you are likely sick.
How long do seasonal allergies last?
Seasonal allergies may last several weeks (2-3 weeks per allergen). You will most likely have lingering allergies throughout the season, however. That said, be prepared to have allergy symptoms on and off throughout spring or fall. Allergy is a long game that requires consistent management.
