Seasonal Allergies

An allergy to pollen (hay fever) can cause continually streaming eyes and nose in spring, summer, and fall. If you suffer from hay fever, talk to Nana Mireku, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, of Texas AllergyMD in McKinney, Texas. Dr. Mireku specializes in seasonal allergies and uses innovative treatments like sublingual immunotherapy to minimize the effects of hay fever and other allergies. To find out how you could benefit from Dr. Mireku’s expertise, call Texas AllergyMD today. You can also book your telehealth or in-person appointment online.

What are seasonal allergies?   

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect as many as 60 million people across the United States. They result from an allergic response to pollen produced by trees, grass, and flowers. Certain plants, like ragweed, are especially likely to trigger an allergic reaction. 

Allergies like these stem from a flaw in your immune system. Instead of only responding to genuinely harmful microorganisms like viruses, the faulty immune system reacts to other substances, such as food, medications, and pollen. It releases histamine, which causes inflammation and triggers seasonal allergy symptoms.

Seasonal hay fever symptoms only occur in spring, summer, and fall, when the pollen count (the average pollen concentration in the air) is higher. Perennial hay fever symptoms recur throughout the year, probably due to other causes like molds, pet dander, and dust.

What symptoms do seasonal allergies cause?

Most people who suffer from seasonal allergies experience cold-like symptoms, such as:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Red, watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Difficulty sleeping

You can reduce the severity and frequency of seasonal allergy attacks by wearing a mask when there’s a high pollen count. Put sunglasses on when you’re outside and change your clothes when you come in to get rid of any pollen on them.

When you’re indoors, keep your windows and doors shut to stop pollen from coming in. Try to stay inside when the pollen count is high and avoid chores like mowing the grass or raking up leaves.

How are seasonal allergies treated?

Dr. Mireku at Texas AllergyMD offers several treatments for seasonal allergies:

Symptom control

Antihistamine pills or a nasal spray can help reduce your symptoms. These medications suppress the action of histamine, the substance your body produces in response to an allergen like pollen. Decongestants might help you breathe more easily, and eye drops can reduce redness and wateriness.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves Dr. Mireku giving you a series of allergy shots or putting sublingual drops under your tongue. The shots and drops contain tiny amounts of pollen. Immunotherapy exposes your body to these small doses over long periods to give your immune system a chance to get used to the allergen.

You need to persist with immunotherapy for many months, sometimes years, to achieve the best results.

To find out how you can benefit from seasonal allergy treatments, call Texas AllergyMD today or book an appointment online.