Get the basics on seasonal allergies

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While allergies are common, no two people seem to have the same signs or symptoms. For some, allergies are simply a nuisance, causing headaches, sneezing, watery eyes or a runny nose. For others, allergies can trigger breathing problems. Some allergies seem to come and go as they please, while others stick around for a lifetime. The symptoms can be equally confusing. Is your stuffy nose a result of allergies? Or is it caused by a cold?

Allergies 101

"Allergies are unique to each individual," said Dr. Gregory Buran, medical director at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "But really, at their core, allergies are very simple to understand. Knowing the basics can help you get to the root of the problem."

Allergies take many different forms. Some people are allergic to insect stings, others to certain types of foods or medications, mold or latex. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common airborne allergy that typically takes two forms:

• Seasonal allergies worsen during certain times of the year. They are typically caused by what is growing outdoors such as tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in the summer and weed pollen in the fall.
• Perennial allergies occur throughout the year. They may be caused by dust mites, animal dander and mold.

When you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to an allergen and treats it as a foreign body. This triggers the release of chemicals in your body, known as histamine, to fight the allergen.

The release of histamine leads to inflammation that causes a variety of symptoms, including rashes, headaches, sneezing, runny nose, swelling, nausea or diarrhea. The most severe reaction to an allergen, anaphylaxis, is life-threatening.

If an allergen is inhaled, such as pollen, the reaction is likely to affect your eyes, nose and lungs. If it is something you consume, you're more likely to have symptoms in your mouth, stomach and intestines.

Allergy symptoms vs. the common cold

If you suffer from allergies, they could be to blame for symptoms like sniffles, sneezing and watery eyes. However, it's important to be aware that the symptoms of allergies and those of a cold can be similar. Flu, RSV, early asthma and other illnesses can easily be mistaken as allergies.

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Comparison chart of cold and allergy symptoms. Both can cause sneezing and a runny nose. Cold symptoms may include thick, dark mucus, sore throat, and body aches, and typically last about a week. Allergy symptoms may include thin, clear mucus, wheezing, and red, watery eyes, and can last for days or months after exposure to allergens.

Trace your sniffles to the source

According to Dr. Buran, "Many people think they are allergic to one thing, such as tree pollen. But it's rare to have a mono-season allergy. It's actually more common to have more than one allergy."

"You may have allergies that occur only in spring or fall, you may have symptoms off and on, without evident cause," said Dr. Buran. "The first thing you have to do is narrow it down and try to find a pattern. Then bring that information to your doctor."

Dr. Buran added, "If your allergies are more than just a nuisance, it's important to seek the care of a trusted physician who can help you determine the right course of action."

Allergy fact or fiction

There are many misconceptions about what causes allergies and how you can find relief from allergy symptoms.

Flowers trigger seasonal allergies.

Fiction. Seasonal allergies are unlikely to be caused by blooming flowers. The pollen from flowers is relatively heavy, so it falls to the ground. In contrast, the pollen from trees, grasses and weeds tends to be very light and can stay airborne for a longer time.

Dry climates can "cure" your allergies.

Fiction. Grass and ragweed pollens are found nearly everywhere. Sure, a climate change may provide short-term relief. But, your new environment is likely to have new allergens.

Allergy medications are helpful only when having allergy symptoms.

Fiction. If you want to control moderate to severe pollen allergies, it's most effective to use your over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications consistently and, preferably, before symptoms appear. This allows the medicine to prevent your body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause your symptoms.

Allergy shots are only available when you have severe allergies.

Fiction. Allergy shots are used to treat inhaled allergens such as pollen, grass and trees, as well as insect stings. You don't necessarily need to have severe allergies to qualify for allergy shots. They may be recommended by your doctor if your current allergy medications are no longer working well, or if you want to reduce your use of daily allergy medications.

Allergy shots are regular injections containing small amounts of the exact allergen you're reacting to and aim to reduce or stop allergies over the course of 3–5 years.

The statement: "My pet is hypoallergenic."

Fiction. Beyond snakes and lizards, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet. There is a misconception that pets without fur or pets who have hair instead of fur, are hypoallergenic. However, even hairless cats and dogs can cause allergies. While some breeds may be less allergy-inducing than others, all pets have flakes of skin called dander, which is a common allergen.

Ragweed is the most common pollen allergy.

Fact. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nearly 50 million Americans experience allergy symptoms from ragweed in late summer and early fall. A ragweed allergy, sometimes referred to as hay fever, affects about 15 percent of the American population. Ragweed pollinates from mid-August to the end of September.

We all have dust mites in our home.

Fact. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, dark and moist places with high humidity. They love to hang out in the materials that make up your mattress and pillows or upholstered furniture. When people have allergic reactions to dust, they are actually allergic to dust mites and their feces.

The good news is that you can control the amount of dust mites in your home by vacuuming with a HEPA filter, dusting regularly and steam-cleaning carpets. As far as bedding, wash in warm water weekly and use allergen-proof bedding and pillow covers. You can also use a dehumidifier to keep humidity between 40 to 50 percent.

Pollen counts can predict bad allergy days.

Fact. While their accuracy is debated, pollen counts can help you know when to limit outdoor activity. Pollen counts measure how much fine yellow dust is in the air over a period of time. If you believe you have a pollen allergy, check local pollen counts before you head out for the day. Pollen counts are typically high in the early through late morning. Pollen counts are available at Pollen.com. Many weather forecasts and apps also provide pollen counts.

Over-the-counter treatments for pollen allergies

Using a saline nasal spray can help clear allergens like pollen. The most common and effective over-the-counter treatments available for pollen allergies are:

• Nasal corticosteroids. When used regularly, nose sprays like Flonase^® or Nasacort^® reduce nasal congestion and stop inflammation.
• Antihistamines are typically oral medications that work by preventing more histamine from being released by your immune system. Some are more sedating than others, so be sure to read labels or talk to the pharmacist before using.

There are many other types of over-the-counter and prescription allergy treatments. Your best bet is to talk to your primary care provider about the right choice for you.about the right choice for you.

Get to the bottom of your allergy symptoms

If you're dealing with new or ongoing allergy symptoms, it might be time to reach out to an allergy specialist who can do allergy testing to help identify the source of your allergies and guide you to the right treatment. myWellmark makes it easy to search for an in-network provider by their specialty. Search for an allergy specialist today.