Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can be a reaction to the growth cycle of plants and molds. During the growth stage, pollen and spores are released into the air. When these materials are inhaled, they can cause unpleasant and sometimes persistent symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy mouth, nose, or throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip (drainage from the nose dripping down to the back of the throat)
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Tiredness
• Headaches

How do you tell if it is seasonal allergies?

Skin Prick test

Skin prick testing is the most common way of testing for allergies. This painless test involves lightly scratching the skin’s surface with an allergen and monitoring for an allergic reaction.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Like other allergies, seasonal allergies are caused by your body’s overreaction to a foreign material it thinks is harmful.

• Pollen: substances produced by trees, grasses, and weeds
• Molds: found on damp, moist areas in addition to outside areas like soil and wet leaves
• Dust mites: Microscopic insects that live in warm, moist areas. These insects can be found in bedding, carpet, and furniture.
• Animal dander: It is not just fur or feathers that can cause allergies. The animal’s skin can cause an allergic response. Animal salvia can also trigger allergies.
• Cockroaches: All parts of the cockroach, alive and dead, can cause an allergic response. This includes what they leave behind (droppings).

Preventing and Treating Allergies

• Avoidance
• Oral antihistamines
• Nasal sprays
• Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a way of treating allergies. Two main methods are injectable and sublingual drops. It involves a gradual increase of allergens that a person is allergic to. Both allergy shots and drops are effective methods of treating allergies. They can reduce symptoms and reliance on medication. Long-term use is to be expected for both the shots and drops for optimal benefit.

SLIT

Sublingual immunotherapy is an alternative way of treating allergies without injections. Drops are taken daily and can be completed in the comfort of your own home. Anaphylaxis is rarely seen with drops.

Allergy drops are off-label in the United States at this time. Insurance does not cover the cost of allergy drops. However, people can use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA). We do offer different payment plan options.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots must be administered in a doctor’s office under medical observation due to the risk of severe adverse reactions. Shots are typically given 1-2 times a week for the first 3 months and may need more than one shot at a time depending on how many allergens that a person is allergic to. Insurance may help cover the cost of shots, though co-pays still may apply per visit.

Where to start

Schedule an appointment with our allergy specialist today.

See what’s blooming around you by visiting Pollen.com