The Allergy Program at Rochester Regional Health proudly offers comprehensive and thorough care for seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergies. With the help of our experienced providers, you can find relief from your allergy struggles, overcoming pollens as well as dust mites, dander, molds, and pests. Don’t let seasonal triggers get you down – schedule a consultation, today!
Also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, seasonal allergies are an immune system response to mold and pollen. Your immune system confuses common aspects of the environment for something dangerous, causing you to experience allergies. Your body creates antibodies to fight off the allergens, producing histamines, which cause allergy symptoms, in the process.
Allergy symptoms often last for weeks, months, or years, unlike a cold, COVID-19, or the flu. They can also be an underlying cause of frequent ear, sinus, and respiratory infections and can impact your quality of life.
Seasonal allergies are often most noticeable in the spring, summer, and fall, when tree, grass, and ragweed pollens fill the air.
Some allergens like dust mites, molds, animal danders, (cats, dogs, horses, hamsters, and feathers) can aggravate your immune system and cause symptoms year-round.
Allergies can also impact your asthma and may contribute to worsening symptoms. If you have asthma, speak with your team to discuss if uncontrolled allergies may be contributing to your asthma symptoms.
Allergy symptoms include:
Seasonal allergies will usually cause symptoms to flare around the same time each year. Year-round allergies may affect you at any time throughout the year and are typically caused by allergens found throughout your house, school, or office. Documenting the symptoms you’re having, when they start and when they end can be helpful in a successful diagnosis.
More than 30% of people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies, and there a few easy ways to minimize their symptoms, including:
However, while these extra precautions can help alleviate symptoms and lessen the need for allergy treatments, our team at Rochester Regional Health are committed to helping you return to a full and normal lifestyle, including enjoying time outdoors. If allergy treatments are necessary, our allergy and asthma team will create an individualized treatment plan for you.
We start with a thorough medical history–including a detailed history of your allergies–and a physical examination. From there, your evaluation will may include a skin testing or blood testing. Learn more about allergy testing
Based on your diagnosis, your allergy provider will craft a personalized treatment plan.
Limiting exposure to allergy triggers is the best and most effective way to treat seasonal allergies. If that is impossible, over-the-counter and prescription medications can help treat .
Nasal saline sprays can work to flush out nasal passages and can be used on an as-needed basis. Oral antihistamines are fast-acting and help with itching and sneezing. There are both drowsy and non-drowsy antihistamines, so make sure to speak with your team about which options work best for your lifestyle. Oral decongestants can help with a stuffed nose, but are not suitable for children under four. They should also not be taken for longer than a few days in a row, due to possible side effects.
Allergy shots, also called allergen immunotherapy, involve injecting you or your child with increasing amounts of an allergen over time. This gradual build-up of allergen in the body causes the immune system to react less aggressively if an accidental exposure occurs. If your provider determines that allergy shots are the best course of action, they’ll start with a small amount of the least-concentrated extract of your allergen. Each week, the dose will be increased gradually until the maintenance dose (highest concentration) is reached. For most, that is about 24 injections–taking about 24 weeks to reach the maintenance dose.
The frequency and severity of your seasonal allergy symptoms is the best way to determine which medicine will work best. Talk to your allergy provider about their recommended allergy regimen to ensure you’re treating your symptoms as effectively as possible.
