Allergy Flare Ups According to Season

If you experience seasonal allergies, you may already be aware of how the changing seasons can affect the severity of your condition. If you don't, learning when particular allergy conditions may be at their worst will help you be prepared to deal with your symptoms.

After two years of unexplained problems with watery and irritated eyes, continuous sneezing first thing in the morning, and a stuffy head, it finally dawned on me that I just might have seasonal allergies.

Knowing what time of the year allergies act up can not only help you treat them, it can also narrows down the cause. I'm still not sure what my allergies are, but I know have a pretty good idea when they will act up.

Seasonal allergies are also referred to as �hay fever'. If you aren't sure you are experiencing hay fever, look for the symptoms. The most common symptoms are an itchy nose, throat, and/or eyes. The nose may run, but the mucous will be clear.

Eyes can become red, irritated, and swollen. If you wear contacts, the problem doubles. Probably the most telltale sign of hay fever is sneezing. Sneezes may occur in rapid succession first thing in the morning and when exposed to pollens.

If you have asthma, chances are you have seasonal allergies as well. Quite often the presence of allergens can trigger an asthma attack.

Ragweed

Ragweed is found in most of the US, and one plant can produce millions, and even billions, of pollen particles each year. It is a wild plant that grows in many yards, and along roadsides, rivers, and creeks, and is often found in vacant lots and unattended fields.

In most parts of the United States, ragweed will cause the most problems from June to November.

Mold Spores

Mold spores also account for a great number of allergic reactions. Molds can be found outside in all weather, but tend to thrive in moist, warm weather. It makes sense that mold spores are most active in the summer months. Molds found inside your home may affect you all year if conditions are ripe for molds to grow.

Grass (Various)

As you may have guessed, grasses are most active in the summer months, but the season can go on into the winter. Expect the biggest problems from May to October (roughly) and remember the season may be longer in the southern states.

Tree

The peak time for problems with tree allergies occurs a little earlier in the year than grasses, molds, and ragweed. The most common time for problems is February though June or July.

Final Thoughts

Many weather stations will update you on when pollen counts are high. Keep an ear open so you know when to expect the most problems. Remember to see your doctor if you are having a hard time managing your symptoms. Your doctor will most likely have a better understanding of the common allergies in your locale and how to treat them effectively.