Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever are a very common condition, that affects millions of Americans throughout the year. This is a result of an allergic reaction to the growth cycle for plants and mold. As the plants and mold grow they release pollen and spores into the air and when you breathe in these pollen and spores, it can cause inflammation, irritation and other symptoms.
Common seasonal allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Circles under eyes
- Itchy mouth, nose or throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
- Temporary loss of smell
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Dry cough
- Tiredness (due to difficulty sleeping from other symptoms)
- Scratchy or sore throat (rarely)
- Snoring (due to congestion)
How do you know if you have seasonal allergies?
A primary care doctor or clinician, or an allergy specialist, can provide an official allergy diagnosis. And to do so, they will typically recommend an allergy test.
A skin prick test is the most common way to test for allergies. And while it sounds like it may sting, the test isn’t painful. During the test, your skin is lightly pricked with suspected allergens and then monitored for allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to an allergen, you’ll get a raised welt or hive at the location of the scratch. A variety of allergens can be tested.
If you’re experiencing symptoms but not sure if you have allergies, start by making an appointment with a primary care doctor or clinician. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and connect you to an allergist if needed.
Have questions or concerns? Call Dr. Saska Sookra. Lifestream Family Medicine wants to be your primary care facility. Contact us to schedule an appointment by clicking this link or calling (941) 755-0433
