Allergies are a prevalent health concern, with triggers varying between seasons. Understanding the specific causes of fall and spring allergies is crucial for effective management.
If you're one of the 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. living with allergies, you've probably experienced allergy symptoms that stop you from fully enjoying your life. You may also wonder why you're still suffering when you know what causes allergies and triggers your sensitivities.
The truth is, if you haven't been tested by a professional, you may not be seeing the entire picture. Learn more about allergy seasons and allergy triggers that can put a cramp in your lifestyle — and how to defeat them.
Seasonal Differences
Some people might say they "have allergies" or "experience seasonal allergies" without differentiating between spring and fall allergies. But everyone who has allergies isn't necessarily triggered by all allergens in both seasons. It's best if you work with your healthcare provider or an allergist who can help you identify whether you have indoor or outdoor allergies and what you're actually allergic to. They can also help you learn about which seasons are most likely to cause symptoms for you.
Spring allergy symptoms usually appear shortly after exposure to the allergy triggers. Allergy symptoms, which may seem similar to cold symptoms, often include:
· Itchy, red and swollen or watery eyes
· Sneezing
· Nasal congestion and a runny nose
· Scratchy throat and coughing
· Brain fog
As you may know, Seattle's pollen season lasts from February through September. Tree pollen tends to impact people at the end of winter and during early spring, while grasses and weeds will typically trigger symptoms in the summer months. May is the month when you might experience overlapping symptoms from pollen from oak, cedar, maple and ash trees, as well as from grass and weed pollen.
Fall allergies are likely due to birch pollen, ragweed and mold, according to Axios Seattle. These symptoms may be similar to spring allergy symptoms for many people and may include the following symptoms: headaches, post-nasal drip, rashes and hives, or an itchy nose, ears and mouth.
Pollen Allergies
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are a primary cause of seasonal allergies.
In the Pacific Northwest, pollen season starts early thanks to mild winters and rainy seasons. Tree pollen starts in the spring, grass pollen strikes in the summer while weed pollen rears its ugly head in the fall.
Mold Spores
The rainy climate in this area can be a breeding ground for mold spores and the allergens that follow. While mold allergies tend to show up in the spring through fall months, they may also cause year-round allergies for people who reside in buildings with too much moisture. Beware of high indoor humidity, water damage or poor ventilation as those can all lead to mold spore growth. Rotting leaves that sit can also cause mold spores to thrive, so stay on top of your raking in the fall months.
Indoor Allergens
People who experience indoor allergies are likely allergic to pet dander, dust mites or indoor molds. When you're exposed to more of these allergens during seasons when you're driven inside more — hello rainy seasons and winter — you might notice an uptick in symptoms.
Dust mites live in the dust we find in our homes — and yes, they can cause sneezing and other allergic reactions. They can be found in mattresses, bedding, pillows, carpets, clothes, furniture, stuffed toys and clothes.
Pet dander can cause year-round allergy symptoms. If you discover that you have an allergic reaction to your pet, talk with an allergist about their treatment recommendations. You can also make lifestyle changes, like not letting pets stay in your bed or sleep in your bedroom or on any furniture. Air purifiers can also help, as can staying on top of cleaning, suggests the American Lung Association.
Weather Factors
Ever notice that your pollen allergy symptoms aren't triggered on rainy days? That's because pollen tends to spread more in hot, dry and windy conditions, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
If you're dealing with hay fever and allergic rhinitis, triggered by ragweed pollen, you might notice milder symptoms on days that are rainy, cloudy or windless, as pollen isn't as mobile under these weather conditions.
When rain washes away pollen and allergy irritants, it can help minimize symptoms. That's why the Seattle area was ranked one of the "least challenging U.S. allergy capitals" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in 2023.
Check your local allergy forecast each morning or refer to the AAAAI to learn more about that day's allergens and pollen counts.
Identifying Personal Triggers
Think grass is your nemesis? You may want to think again. When you wonder what causes allergies, your best bet is to see an allergist or immunologist and ask for an allergy test. This way, you can better understand your personal triggers.
According to the AAAAI, the allergy test will probably be a skin prick test (where a diluted allergen is applied with a puncture on the surface of the skin) or an intradermal test (where a diluted allergen is injected immediately below the skin surface with a very thin needle). Your allergist will observe your skin for about 15 minutes to learn which substances your body reacts to.
Finding Allergy Relief
In the end, it's best to get your skin tested by an allergist/immunologist to determine your triggers, so you can get the right management and treatment. Keeping an allergy diary can also help you identify patterns and specific allergens that you can discuss with your doctor.
If you're actively seeking allergy relief, consider the many over-the-counter medication options available and get ahead of symptoms before they start. Then, consider making minor lifestyle changes that can also help, such as showering or changing clothes when you come inside or deep cleaning your home to get rid of dust mites and pet dander. With these tips and guidance from a healthcare professional, people with allergies can venture outdoors at any time — confident that their symptoms won't impact their quality of life.
These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.