Seasonal Allergies

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are allergic reactions that occur during certain times of the year. Allergies are an overreaction of your immune system to a generally-harmless substance (allergen) it considers harmful to you.

The immune system releases chemicals to fight the allergen, triggering allergy symptoms. 

If you have seasonal allergies, your immune system reacts to environmental allergens like pollen from grass, trees, or ragweed. When you breathe in pollen, it gets trapped in the nasal passages, causing inflammation and irritation. 

The timing of your seasonal allergies will vary. 

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergy symptoms are similar to cold symptoms. If you have a chronic cold lasting from February to June, you might have seasonal allergies.

Symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Fatigue

The inflammation that occurs in your nasal passages (allergic rhinitis) blocks the drainage of mucus, leading to inflammation of the sinuses, also called sinusitis. People with allergies are more likely to also suffer from chronic sinusitis.

What can I expect during an evaluation for seasonal allergies?

You can expect a thorough and patient-centered evaluation when you visit Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan for help with your seasonal allergies. The board-certified allergists take an individualized approach to care, creating plans that meet your specific requirements.

They ask detailed questions about your symptoms and when they occur. They review your medical and family history and do a physical exam. The allergists also perform allergy testing to determine what allergens are triggering your symptoms. 

What are some treatment options for seasonal allergies?

Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan spends time talking to you about your seasonal allergies and treatment options. Then, together you create a plan that provides long-term relief.

Treatment options for seasonal allergies include:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications
• Lifestyle changes to limit exposure to your allergen

Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan also provides immunotherapy for seasonal allergies. With immunotherapy, you receive injections that contain small amounts of the allergen causing your symptoms. These injections desensitize your immune system to the allergen, decreasing the allergic reaction. We also offer sublingual immunotherapy, where drops of the allergens are placed under the tongue for absorption.

To find out more about treatment options for seasonal allergies, call Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan or schedule an appointment online today.

We offer fully customizable treatment for food allergies, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) exclusively or in tandem with Xolair. Dr. Mayer has been treating food allergies for over 20 years and was one of the first providers to incorporate Xolair into successful food allergy treatments. Call us to book your appointment today.