Seasonal allergies, which are often referred to as Hay Fever or allergic rhinitis, can be identified by several characteristic symptoms, such as itchy eyes and nasal congestion. More generally, they occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen the body has been exposed to. Quite often, this reaction leaves you feeling run down and stuffed up.
The seasonal component of allergic rhinitis is due, in large part, to environmental changes that create elevated levels of common allergens like mold spores and pollen. For this reason, spring and summer are often referred to as the allergy season. During these spring and summer months, temperatures are changing, plants are growing, and allergens are on the move.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Several factors, including genetics and the frequency of allergen contact, can influence a person’s susceptibility to seasonal allergies. Likewise, lifestyle factors like how much time you spend outdoors can have an effect.
Seasonal allergies are typically caused by outdoor culprits, such as pollen or weeds, particularly wind-pollinated plants, such as trees or grass. Because of this, the warm months of spring and summer are more difficult for seasonal allergy sufferers. That said, fall and winter can still be bothersome for people living in warm climates or with indoor allergy triggers.
There are several known indoor and outdoor allergens, many of which are airborne and particularly difficult to avoid. Hay fever is generally attributed to pollen from plants like ragweed, tumbleweed, pigweed, sagebrush, and certain species of trees. In addition, indoor allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold spores can be problematic for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Symptoms
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing seasonal allergies. These symptoms include:
- Runny nose, stuffy nose, or sneezing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Rashes
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
Can Babies Have Seasonal Allergies?
Though seasonal allergies are uncommon in infants, toddlers over 12 months of age can, and often do, experience seasonal allergies. The symptoms are generally the same as those in older children and adults. Nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing are tell-tale signs your baby may be experiencing seasonal allergies. Usually, over-the-counter treatments are best for babies, but discussing your options with one of our healthcare professionals and getting allergy treatment online is a good way to ensure your baby’s safety.
Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Fever?
While seasonal allergies cannot cause a fever by themselves, sometimes symptoms can be so severe they make you vulnerable to bacterial or viral infections. These infections can, and most often do, cause fever, in addition to a multitude of other unpleasant symptoms. This is why it’s so important to get treated for seasonal allergy symptoms online if your primary care physician can’t see you in a timely manner. Left to fester, your allergies can wreak havoc on your health. If you don’t have access to your primary care physician, a visit with our online doctors is the best way to learn about seasonal allergy treatments and prevent future complications.
Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Hives?
The short answer is yes. Most often, hives are caused by ingestion of an allergen, rather than environmental factors, but hives can result from seasonal allergies nonetheless. Likewise, seasonal allergy hives are also often mistaken for allergy-triggered eczema. While the conditions are similar, eczema is not always due to an allergic reaction. That said, an allergic reaction can certainly cause existing eczema to flare up. If this describes your situation, MD Proactive can help you understand your options for seasonal allergy treatment and prescriptions.
How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last?
While the common cold generally doesn’t last longer than two weeks, seasonal allergies can present themselves for several consecutive weeks or intermittently for the entirety of allergy season. If you notice symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion persist longer than a couple of weeks, it’s advised to reach out to a medical professional for assistance. Our online doctors offer seasonal allergy treatment and prescriptions for even the most stubborn seasonal allergies. Because everything is completely online, treatment for allergies has never been easier.
If you feel your cold has lasted longer than it should have, it may be time to seek allergy treatment online. Whether you would simply like to discuss your options for online allergy treatment or you would like to learn about getting allergy prescriptions online, our doctors here at WebDoctors are happy to help so you can get treated for allergies online.
