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Seasonal Allergy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Seasonal allergy is an immune system overreaction to seasonal triggers like pollen. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

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Things worth knowing about "Seasonal Allergy"

Seasonal allergy is an immune system overreaction to seasonal triggers like pollen. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

What Is a Seasonal Allergy?

A seasonal allergy is an exaggerated immune response to substances that are present in high concentrations during specific times of the year – known as allergens. The most common triggers are pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, which is why seasonal allergy is often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Symptoms typically appear in spring, summer, or early autumn and subside once the pollen season ends.

Causes and Triggers

In seasonal allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless airborne particles as dangerous and mounts a defensive response. The most common seasonal allergens include:

Tree pollen (e.g., birch, alder, hazel) – mainly in early spring
Grass and cereal pollen – predominantly in late spring and summer
Weed pollen (e.g., mugwort, ragweed) – primarily in late summer and early autumn
Mold spores – seasonally elevated in autumn and in humid conditions

Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysregulation all play a role in the development of allergies.

Symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal allergy can range from mild to severe and primarily affect the respiratory tract and eyes:

Frequent sneezing and runny nose (allergic rhinitis)
Itchy, red, and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Nasal congestion or tingling sensation in the nose
Itchy throat and cough
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
In severe cases: shortness of breath or asthma-like symptoms

Some people with seasonal allergies may also experience oral allergy syndrome, in which eating certain fruits or vegetables causes tingling or swelling in the mouth due to cross-reactivity with pollen proteins.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of seasonal allergy typically involves a combination of:

Medical history: Assessment of symptoms, their seasonal pattern, and potential triggers
Skin prick test: Small amounts of common allergens are applied to the skin to detect reactions
Blood test (specific IgE): Measurement of allergen-specific antibodies in the blood
Nasal provocation test: In specific cases, the allergen is applied directly to the nasal mucosa

Treatment

Allergen Avoidance

The most effective strategy is to minimize contact with the triggering allergen. Practical measures include monitoring pollen forecasts, keeping windows closed during high pollen periods, and changing clothes after spending time outdoors.

Medication

Antihistamines: Block the effects of histamine and relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Available as tablets, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Anti-inflammatory, particularly effective for nasal congestion and moderate-to-severe symptoms.
Mast cell stabilizers (e.g., cromolyn sodium): Used preventively to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators.
Decongestant nasal sprays: Short-term use for significant nasal congestion.
Biologics (e.g., omalizumab): Used in severe allergic disease that does not respond to other treatments.

Allergen Immunotherapy (Desensitization)

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), also known as desensitization or hyposensitization, is the only treatment that addresses the underlying cause of the allergy. The immune system is gradually trained to tolerate the triggering allergen through repeated exposure at increasing doses – either via injection (subcutaneous immunotherapy, SCIT) or as drops or tablets dissolved under the tongue (sublingual immunotherapy, SLIT). Treatment typically lasts three to five years and can lead to long-term symptom relief or even complete remission.

When to See a Doctor

Medical consultation is recommended if symptoms significantly impact daily life, medications provide insufficient relief, or breathing difficulties occur. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent hay fever from progressing to allergic asthma – a process sometimes referred to as the allergic march.

References

World Allergy Organization (WAO): White Book on Allergy, 2013. Available at: www.worldallergy.org
Bousquet J. et al. – Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Guidelines, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2020.
Greiner A.N. et al. – Allergic rhinitis. The Lancet, 2011; 378(9809): 2112–2122.

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