Whenever the season rolls in, you know what’s coming: hay fever. But hay fever isn’t actually a fever – it’s an allergic reaction and is technically called allergic rhinitis. About 7% of Americans, between the ages of 0-100, suffer from this type of seasonal allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For most people, seasonal allergies do not cause severe complications. However, hay fever can lead to asthma and sinus problems if left untreated. Let’s talk about what causes these allergic reactions, the classic symptoms, and where you can go here in Sarasota to see an expert allergist for a diagnosis and treatment so you can finally enjoy relief.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies manifest differently among different people. Most people’s symptoms of hay fever include:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy nose
- Ear congestion
Like other allergies, hay fever occurs when an airborne substance triggers an overreaction of your immune system. When you come into contact with an allergen, your body will release histamine (to “fight off” the allergen) and cause an allergic reaction. That’s when you get the all-too-familiar symptoms of hay fever.
Hay fever triggers vary by season. During the springtime, trees are usually the culprits of hay fever. Meanwhile, in the summer months, grasses are the most responsible. In the fall, ragweed pollen can cause severe seasonal allergies. During the winter, indoor allergens can cause hay fever, particularly because you do not open the windows and doors as often during the winter season – and this keeps everything inside without being released naturally.
What Can an Allergist Do for Me?
You have likely tried to control your allergies with over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. If those remedies are not working very well for you, consult with an allergist. This doctor can determine your triggers so that you know what to avoid and how to avoid them, and how best to treat a reaction.
If you’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, an allergist can conduct an evaluation and provide a solution that works for you:
- Sinus pain or pressure (in the cheeks beside the nose or in the forehead directly above the nose)
- Headaches
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Snoring
- Difficulty falling asleep due to trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath (lasting briefly)
- Chest tightness (not severe)
If you are experiencing sudden shortness of breath and/or chest tightness, go to the emergency room. These symptoms may indicate something more serious than an allergy.
Experienced Allergist in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL
Seasonal allergies can be very disruptive. Severe or persistent hay fever even puts you at risk of developing more severe complications, such as asthma and sinus infections. Thus, it pays to see an allergist to ward off the issue.
Here at Intercoastal Medical Group, our highly skilled allergist, Dr. Matthew Aresery, can help you control your seasonal allergies. Dr. Matthew Aresery is Board Certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and joined Intercoastal Medical Group in 2013. If you observe any of the signs of seasonal allergies listed above, our allergist in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch can help you efficiently and effectively control your symptoms once and for all.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling our office near you or by filling out our simple appointment request form online now. Let our expert allergist improve your quality of life. We look forward to serving you!
