If you suffer from allergies that come and go with the seasons, then you understand the struggle that often starts at the beginning of spring and can last all the way till the end of autumn. From sneezing and sniffling to managing congestion, watery eyes, sore throats, and more, patients with seasonal allergies do their fair share of fighting allergies. Or is it actually symptoms of hay fever? What about allergic rhinitis? Is there even a difference between all three, or are they three different names for the same condition?
Let’s dive into seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, and hay fever to determine any similarities or differences and help allergy patients find relief.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are allergy symptoms that arise when exposed to triggers produced during spring, summer, and/or autumn. Many of the plants that Mother Earth produces in the warmer months bring with them airborne allergens that bother patients until their growing season is over.
There are three distinct periods in which seasonal allergy patients can experience allergies:
- Early spring to early summer
- Early summer to late summer
- Late summer to autumn
Some allergy patients may only be affected by allergens produced in the spring, summer, or autumn, while others can feel the effects of their allergies from about March to September or October. It all depends on the pollen or grass types the patient’s immune system is sensitive to.
Common Allergens Produced in Spring and Summer
Various types of:
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
- Mold spores
Common Allergens Produced in Autumn
- Ragweed pollen
- Mold spores
What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergy symptoms can vary from patient to patient, and they vary in severity. Some patients may only experience a mild case of the sniffles; in rare cases, seasonal allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires medical intervention and attention.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include:
- Itchy watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, irritated throat
- Swelling or bruising around the eyes
- Excessive sneezing
- Excessive coughing
What Are Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever?
Allergic rhinitis and hay fever are essentially two names for the same issue: Inflammation of the nasal cavity and related symptoms due to allergies.
A patient with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, has an immune system that is sensitive to specific allergens. When exposed to an allergy trigger, it will respond by causing inflammation in the nasal cavity and parts of the respiratory system.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis/Hay Fever
Patients with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, will often experience the following symptoms after exposure to an allergen:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy, irritated throat
- Excessive sneezing
- Excessive coughing
- Facial swelling, especially around the eyes
- Headaches
- Sinus pain
Although it’s sometimes called hay fever, patients do not run a fever. However, they can feel as if they are suffering from a bad cold that won’t go away with cold and flu medications.
Are Seasonal Allergies and Allergic Rhinitis/Hay Fever Different or the Same?
The answer to this question is both yes and no.
Some patients with allergic rhinitis/hay fever are triggered only by allergens that come and go with the seasons (think grasses and pollens). Others can be triggered all year long with more perennial allergens (think pet dander, indoor mold spores, and dust mites).
In other words, depending on their triggers, patients can have seasonal allergic rhinitis/hay fever or year-round allergic rhinitis/hay fever.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, Langford has the allergy medicine or treatment options you need to find relief.
Dr. Langford and our team understand the pain and frustration of suffering from seasonal allergies or allergies that last all year long. No matter the severity of your symptoms or what your allergy triggers are, we can help you find the right solution to help you breathe easier in every season.
Schedule an allergy test or consultation appointment with our team today: 478-787-4728
Langford Allergy delivers allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency care to patients throughout Middle Georgia, including:
- Bonaire, GA
- Byron, GA
- Forsyth, GA
- Fort Valley, GA
- Gray, GA
- Macon, GA
- Milledgeville, GA
- Perry, GA
- Warner Robins, GA
And other surrounding areas.
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