What months are allergy seasons?

The negative reaction of your body and immune system to a substance results in an allergy and is known as an allergen. Each year more than 50 million Americans are affected by different types of allergies while seasonal allergies often called hay fever or allergic rhinitis are very common in the United States. The symptoms may vary from person to person as some may experience sneezing problems while others may face congestion, runny and itchy nose, watery eyes, and headaches for a longer period.

Key Statistics

• In the United States, Asthma and allergic diseases like hay fever, food allergy, and eczema are common and about more than 24 million people are affected with Asthma including m6 million children.
• In the United States, allergies rank 6th among the leading cause of illness with a total budget exceeding $18 billion.
• In about 85% of people with hay fever, immunotherapy helps to reduce the symptoms.
• About 40 people die every year in the U.S. due to allergic reactions to bee stings.
• About 20% to 30 % of the total population in India suffers from at least one allergic disease. Out of this, about 15% develop Asthma.

Common Seasonal Allergies

• Grass pollen allergy (January to early April)

• Tree pollen allergies (late April to July)

• Ragweed allergy season (August to December)

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Watery and itchy eyes

• Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals

• Ear congestion

• Postnasal drainage

• Headache

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Coughing

Common allergens include the following:

• Trees such as birch, oak, cedar, walnut, and hickory

• Grasses such as timothy, Bermuda, and Kentucky blue

• Weeds such as ragweed, sagebrush, and pigweed

• Dust mites

• Mold spores

• Pet dander

Risk Factors

• History of having asthma and certain other allergies.

• Children are always at higher risk of developing any type of allergy

• Having any blood relative with allergies or asthma

• Living or working in an environment that constantly exposes you to allergens.

• Having a weak immune system.

• Allergy Season Months

Allergy season can occur and continue throughout the year. However, it is said that the allergies of the spring season are mostly severe particularly during the first week of May as the pollen that causes seasonal allergies, is most prevalent during spring and summer.

• Spring Allergies

Spring is considered the hardest season of pollen allergy. In this season, Grasses, weeds, and trees release small particles into the air for sexual reproduction and they can float with the wind for miles. These floating pollens may get into your nose or eye and trigger seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing.

Trees are the most responsible for seasonal allergies, particularly during the spring season. Trees like cedar, alder, horse chestnut, willow, and poplar are some of the springtime allergenic trees responsible for hay fever during spring.

• Summer Allergies

There is a possibility that pollen allergy can continue throughout the summer. During summer, most of the trees shed their flowers and start producing pollens. However, allergens produced by weeds and grasses continue to float in the air. Smog and pollution can worsen the situation and may cause seasonal allergies in certain areas. While allergenic species like bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants usually become more active during the summer.

Typically hay fever gets its name from hay-cutting which usually takes place during summer but grasses like ryegrass and timothy grass besides other weeds are also responsible for summertime seasonal allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that grasses are the most common cause for people with hay fever.

• Fall Allergies

Autumn is known as ragweed season and Ambrosia is the genus name for ragweed which comprises more than 40 worldwide species and is difficult to manage. During the fall season, though most of the plants stop producing pollen and ragweed might continue to float into the air. It is said that the ragweed plant releases its pollen into the air from August to October and the pollen can travel longer distances. During summer, Mold will also continue to cause seasonal allergies and it does well in damp areas like the basement or bathroom. While in fall a huge number of leaves serve as host for molds by holding on to the water.

The symptoms of the ragweed allergy are extremely severe and the pollen is very common. Mugworts, nettles, sorrels, fat hens, and plantains are some other plants that release their pollen during the fall season.

• Winter Allergies

During winter, most of the outdoor allergens remain inactive and ultimately provide some sort of relief from hay fever. Usually, people spend more time indoors during winter and you may also react to indoor allergens like mold, pet dander, cockroaches, or dust mites.

Home Remedies for Allergies

• Always keep your doors and windows closed.

• Wash your hair and change your clothes after going outside.

• Keep an unfavorable range of humidity (30-50%) for dust mites in your room.

• Always use an air conditioner and air purifier

• Stay inside when there is an increase in pollen counts.

Allergies and Ayurvedic Management

According to Ayurveda, balance in tridosha determines your overall health. The Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha, cleaning the sinus, reducing phlegm, and boosting immunity. There are certain natural herbs in Ayurveda that can be used to manage various allergies and their symptoms.

Below are Life Aveda`s Premium herbal products that you can use to control allergy disease and reduce its symptoms.

1. Aller GI

Aller GI capsules are helpful to fight seasonal allergies like skin, nasal, and pollen allergies which are the most common and emerging issues of modern times. A pure herbal formula Aller-Gi capsules that consist of anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory herbal extracts.

2. Giloy

The Giloy is quite helpful to boost metabolism and immunity and ultimately leads to fighting dengue efficiently as strong immunity is essential to fight any contagious disease. Besides, it increases the platelet count and provides relief to the patient. Boil small stems of giloy in a glass of water and take it when it is warm.

Conclusion:

Allergy season can occur during any season and can become troublesome for many people. However, the allergy season may differ in length and severity. To get more insights about allergy seasons, different types of allergy, home remedies, and diet plans for allergy reach out to our free online Ayurvedic doctors on Whatsapp at +91 7743002591