2024-09-11 09:49:47
Nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, or even asthma: even if seasonal allergies are often more associated with spring, they extend well beyond that, often until the first frosts that announce the arrival of winter.
Here’s a timeline of the irritants that cause seasonal allergies and some tips for avoiding them so you can ditch the tissue box.
What causes seasonal allergies?
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Seasonal allergies, called “seasonal rhinitis,” are usually caused by airborne pollen, which is a dust made up of tiny seeds that many trees, shrubs, or certain plants release to reproduce.
Except that in about a fifth of the Quebec population, inhaling this powdery substance triggers an allergic reaction, which can cause different symptoms.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, but seasonal allergies can cause repeated sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and in rare cases, headaches.
These symptoms can also cause fatigue, irritability, concentration problems and sleep disorders, we can read on the Quebec government website.
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For those with asthma, seasonal allergies can worsen symptoms, in addition to impacting quality of life by disrupting daily activities.
Allergy Calendar: What to Watch For
While seasonal allergy season usually begins in the spring, it normally occurs in three phases. However, these periods tend to lengthen due to climate change, which stretches the pollen production period of certain species:
1- March to June
The first to release pollen are trees and shrubs, including maple, birch, poplar and oak, which can begin their work as soon as warmer temperatures arrive, even when there is still snow on the ground, according to Hello Hello.
They are sometimes confused with the common cold, given their similar symptoms.
2- May to October
Then, it is the turn of plants in the grass family, that is to say plants with hollow stems such as grass, hay, bluegrass and brome, which often have long leaves and sometimes small flowers, to release their pollen, according to the Quebec government.
The latter are said to be the main cause of seasonal rhinitis across the province, as these types of herbs are particularly widespread in the territory.
3- July until the first frosts
Finally, it is ragweed that extends the seasonal allergy season until the end of October and sometimes until the first frosts, by starting to release its pollen only in August, according to Uniprix.
A single ragweed plant can produce several million very light pollen grains that, carried by the wind, can be deposited as far as 1 kilometer away, according to the website of the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Quebec City
Obviously, the length of seasonal allergy season varies for each person, however, as it will depend on the specific plant or plants that are causing the irritation, and whose pollination period can stretch over several months or even overlap.
Cold or seasonal allergies: the difference
It is not uncommon for cold symptoms to be mixed with those of seasonal rhinitis, and vice versa, given their very close similarity.
However, there are some differences, starting with the color of nasal secretions: in the case of seasonal allergies, nasal discharge will be slightly clear, while it will be more yellowish or greenish in someone suffering from a cold, according to Uniprix.
A cold can also cause fever, aches or headaches and go away after a few days, while an allergy will cause excessive sneezing or itchy eyes for as long as the exposure to the allergen lasts.
Ten tips to protect yourself from allergies
There are a few techniques to avoid being exposed to pollen as much as possible, according to the websites of the Quebec government and Uniprix.
1- Avoid walking outside during periods when the pollen count is at its peak, that is, during the morning, when it is hot and dry and when there is a lot of wind.
2- Along the same lines, avoid places where pollen concentrations are high, such as gardens and arboretums, for example.
3- Keep the windows of your home or vehicle closed, prioritizing an air conditioning system that recycles ambient air or that has a pollen filter.
4- After an outdoor activity, wash yourself and change your clothes to remove pollen that may have settled in your hair, on your body or on fabric.
5- Ask someone else to mow the lawn or rake up dead leaves; these activities particularly promote the dispersion of pollen.
6- Do not dry your clothes or sheets outside, to avoid pollen sticking to them.
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7- Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from irritating your eyes.
8- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA type filter to capture the finest pollen particles that may be found in the house.
9- If you have a garden, learn to identify plants that release pollen, including ragweed, and remove them as soon as they appear.
10- Avoid tobacco smoke or other irritants that increase symptoms.
When to consult for seasonal allergies?
In many cases, seasonal allergy symptoms are not bothersome enough to be investigated further, especially since there are over-the-counter medications to relieve many symptoms, which can be recommended to you by a pharmacist, according to Quebec.
However, if the symptoms interfere with quality of life or cause complications such as repeated sinusitis, asthma symptoms, cough, rapid shortness of breath, wheezing or ear infections, it is best to consult your doctor.
There are various treatments available to relieve severe pollen allergies, which vary from person to person, as well as desensitization therapies that may be offered, it reads.
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Hay fever symptoms
Seasonal Allergies: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Timeline
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect millions of people worldwide, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can disrupt daily life. While often associated with spring, seasonal allergies can occur throughout the year, extending well beyond the spring season and often until the first frosts of winter.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are caused by airborne pollen, a dust made up of tiny seeds that many trees, shrubs, or certain plants release to reproduce [1[1[1[1]. When inhaled, this powdery substance can trigger an allergic reaction in about a fifth of the population, leading to various symptoms.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
The symptoms of seasonal allergies vary greatly from person to person but can include:
Repeated sneezing
Itchy eyes
Stuffy or runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
In rare cases, headaches
Fatigue, irritability, concentration problems, and sleep disorders [2[2[2[2].
For those with asthma, seasonal allergies can worsen symptoms, impact quality of life, and disrupt daily activities.
Allergy Calendar: What to Watch For
Seasonal allergy season typically occurs in three phases, which tend to lengthen due to climate change, stretching the pollen production period of certain species.
- March to June: Trees and shrubs, such as maple, birch, poplar, and oak, release pollen, often confused with the common cold due to similar symptoms.
- May to October: Plants in the grass family, including grass, hay, bluegrass, and brome, release pollen, which is the main cause of seasonal rhinitis across many regions.
- July until the first frosts: Ragweed extends the seasonal allergy season, releasing pollen in August and producing millions of very light pollen grains that can travel far distances, carried by the wind.
Managing Seasonal Allergies
To alleviate symptoms, it’s essential to understand the timeline of seasonal allergies and take steps to avoid exposure to pollen. This includes:
Monitoring pollen counts
Staying indoors during peak pollen hours
Using air purifiers and HEPA filters
Washing hands and clothes regularly
Avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons
Using over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids [3[3[3[3].
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and timeline of seasonal allergies, individuals can take steps to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
