Can allergies also occur seasonally?
January 16, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Selma Niemeyer and I have been suffering from allergic reactions for some time now, which seem to worsen especially during certain seasons. Over the past few years, I have noticed that my symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and skin rashes occur mainly in the spring and summer. I am wondering if allergies can also be seasonal and if this could possibly be the reason for my symptoms.
I am concerned that these seasonal allergies are affecting my quality of life and I am not sure how to deal with them. I have already tried various measures such as avoiding possible triggers, taking antihistamines, and applying cortisone-containing creams, but they have only helped to a limited extent.
Could my symptoms actually be caused by seasonal allergies and are there specific tests to confirm this? What treatment options are available to me to alleviate my symptoms and better protect myself? Are there preventive measures I can take to avoid allergic reactions during certain seasons?
I would greatly appreciate your expert assessment and any recommendations to better understand and effectively treat my seasonal allergies.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Selma Niemeyer
Dear Mrs. Niemeyer,
Thank you for your detailed description of your allergic symptoms. It is quite possible that your complaints are caused by seasonal allergies. Allergies that occur at certain times of the year are referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis or colloquially as hay fever. This type of allergy often occurs in spring and summer when various plants such as grasses, trees, and flower pollen are in the air.
To determine if your symptoms are indeed caused by seasonal allergies, an allergy test can be performed. There are various testing methods such as skin prick tests, blood tests, and provocation tests to identify the allergens. Based on these results, an individualized treatment can be recommended for you.
Regarding the treatment of seasonal allergies, there are various options available. In addition to taking antihistamines to relieve symptoms, nasal corticosteroids or mast cell stabilizers may also be prescribed. Furthermore, a specific immunotherapy in the form of injections or drops can help regulate the immune system in the long term and reduce allergic reactions.
In addition to medication treatments, there are also preventive measures you can take to avoid allergic reactions during certain seasons. These include avoiding triggers, such as wearing a pollen mask or ventilating rooms in the early morning and late evening when pollen concentrations are lower.
It is important that you work with a specialized allergist to receive an accurate diagnosis and plan an individualized treatment. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with an allergist in your area to receive comprehensive advice and care.
I hope that my information will help you and that you will soon find an effective treatment for your seasonal allergies. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann
