Allergies are among the most common cause of chronic illness in the United States. There are different kinds of allergies that occur in different seasons depending on what you are allergic to. In this article, we look at the different types of allergies and the most common triggers. To prevent allergies from becoming chronic make sure you visit the allergy clinic for a checkup and medication
Types of Allergies
There are seasonal allergies, food allergies, and nonseasonal allergies
- Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies occur in certain seasons and they include;
Respiratory allergies
The allergies are mostly triggered by pollen from trees, weed, and grass. Other triggers include dust mites, mold, spores, and dander
Eye Allergies
Eye allergies are mostly caused by dust and pollen.
Insect bites and stings
Wasp and bees, ants, cockroaches will cause an allergic reaction Bees are most active when it’s warm and that makes their allergy seasonal.
Skin allergies
Skin allergies may result from plants oils poison oak and mostly cause allergies during summer
- Non Seasonal Allergies
Food Allergies
The most common cause of allergies include milk, fish, eggs, soy tree nuts, and fish
Drug Allergies
Drugs such as antibiotics, penicillin may cause allergies. Its best to visit the allergist for an allergy test and alternate medication. Some of the drugs don’t have alternatives and the allergy doctor will advise you on how best to take the medication.
Certain metal or materials can cause skin allergies. Latex can result in an allergy
Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
- Sneezing and itching
- Red, watery and swollen eyes
- Running and stuffy nose
- A cough
- Fatigue and sore throat
Spring allergies
During spring pollen is the main cause of allergies because there is too much pollen in the air. It’s best to follow the weather forecast and know when the pollen level is high.
Summer Allergies
Pollen may continue being released from trees after the fall. The main allergen in this season is pollen from weeds and grass. Pollution can also make allergies worse. Most insects are more active in summer and cause allergies. Bees and wasps are more active in summer and that will result in allergies.
Fall allergies
Ragweed is the main cause of allergies in the fall season. Pollen from will cause allergies from August to October. Mold is also a cause of allergies during fall.
Winter Allergies
Dust mites and molds are the main causes of allergy during winter. During winter people spend a lot of time indoors and they are likely to experience allergies due to dust mites.
Treatment of Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can be treated but can be managed. If you experience allergy symptoms visit the allergy specialist for medication.Below medication for treating allergies
- Medication
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block and stop the body from producing histamines. the allergy physician will prescribe the antihistamines after diagnosis. Antihistamines will reduce allergy symptoms and allergies caused by insects. In case the reaction is severe make sure you visit the allergy clinic for further treatment.
Shots
In case of a severe insect bites an epinephrine shot will be administered. The allergy doctor will assess the allergy and give you the medication. For mild insect bite reactions, you can use home remedies to ease the symptoms
Decongestants
Decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels and tissues in the nose. Decongestant open up the nasal passages
Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids treat seasonal allergies symptoms such as sneezing and itching and they are mostly used to treat rhinitis.
Eye drops
They help relieve itchy and watery eyes
Immunotherapy
It’s a periodic treatment that helps the body increase tolerance. Allergens are slowly introduced into the body.
- Home remedies
You can ease allergies by following the below home remedies
Avoid contact with the allergen. One of the easiest home remedies is to avoid the allergens. If you are allergic to certain foods supplement the foods. Avoid pollen and any other allergen that is causing your allergies
- Keep the window and doors closed when the pollen levels are high
- Keep pets out of the living and bedroom.keep the pets clean
- Change clothes if you go outside after when the pollen levels are high.
- When to contact an allergist when You Have Allergies
- Chronic sinuses, congestion, and difficulty in breathing
- Suffering from allergies many times in a year
- If the medication and home remedies are not working
- When allergies inhibit your daily activities
- Asthma attacks. In case your asthma of attacks make sure you visit the asthma doctor for medication immediately
Before you begin taking medication or applying the home remedy make sure that you talk to the allergy-asthma doctor MD. The allergy specialist will guide you the best home remedy to follow to ease your allergies.