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Everything You Need to Know About Seasonal Allergies

18% of teenagers experience seasonal allergies.

Ah, spring at last. You throw open the window, take a deep breath, and . . . achoo! Your eyes are watering, your throat is itchy, and you’re sneezing your head off. Yep, you’ve got seasonal allergies. The bad news is, scientists say that allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer. And more people than ever have seasonal allergies—about 81 million just in the U.S. But the good news is that you don’t have to suffer. Here’s all you need to know about what causes seasonal allergies and how to cope.

Breathe Easy

If you think you have seasonal allergies, your doctor can recommend medication to relieve your symptoms. They might also refer you to an allergist, who can do tests to determine exactly what you’re allergic to. 

You can also reduce your exposure to allergens by staying inside when there’s a lot of pollen in the air, washing your clothes and hair after you’ve been outside, and using air filters in your home. 

ALLERGIES vs. COLDS

Allergies and colds share many of the same symptoms. But unlike colds, allergies aren’t caused by a virus, and they aren’t contagious. It’s OK to be around people if you’re experiencing allergies. If you think you have a cold, on the other hand, stay away from others until your symptoms go away.

Allergies

  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Itchy ears and throat
  • Wheezing
  • Symptoms are long-lasting

Colds

  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Body aches and pains
  • Symptoms clear within 1-2 weeks

Both

  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue

KNOW YOUR ALLERGIES

Allergic reactions occur when your body responds to a trigger (known as an allergen) that it identifies as a threat. In response, your immune system kicks into overdrive, releasing chemicals called histamines. Seasonal allergies usually occur when you breathe in an allergen such as pollen (the dusty substance on many trees, grasses, and weeds). The allergen is absorbed into your bloodstream through your nasal passages. Here are some common seasonal allergens.

SPRING: Tree pollen. Common on trees such as mulberry, pine, and willow.

SUMMER: Grass pollen. Common on grasses such as Bermuda, rye, and oat.

FALL: Pollen from ragweed, a wild plant that is especially common in the Midwest and the Northeast.

WINTER: Mold and dust mites. These may be present in your home year-round, but they increase in cool, damp conditions or if you have a furnace that pushes mold and dust into the air.

QUIZ!

1

True Or False: You are born with seasonal allergies.

FALSE! You can develop allergies at any age. You may also notice that your symptoms get better or worse as you get older.
2

FALSE! You can develop allergies at any age. You may also notice that your symptoms get better or worse as you get older.

TRUE! The type of pollen on grasses, trees, and weeds is small, light, and easily carried by the wind. The type of pollen on flowers is larger and sticky, so it’s less likely to be blown around. People who are allergic to flowers might actually be reacting to the flower’s scent, not the pollen.
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