Seasonal allergies are also known as hay fever. The common triggers for seasonal allergies will depend on the season.

During the spring, trees are the cause of most allergies. Flowers and other blooming plants are a source of irritation for many people. The trees that cause the most trouble are birch, cedar, horse chestnut, willow, alder, and poplar.

Summer brings out the real hay fever as hay-cutting season turns up a good deal of dust and pollen. Other causes come from grasses, especially ryegrass and timothy. Weeds can also be another cause.

Autumn is ragweed season. Ragweed is a generic name for more than 40 species of plant worldwide. Most of this grows in the Americas and is difficult to control. Ragweed allergies can be particularly severe. Other plants that can be problematic are sorrels, fat hens, mug Worts, nettles, and plantains.

Winter is generally the easiest time for people with allergies. For some, spending more time indoors presents a problem. Winter allergens are caused by things like cockroaches, Mold, dust mites, and pet dander.

The symptoms of seasonal allergies will range from mild to severe. The most common are:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Ear congestion
• Itchy throat, ear canals, or sinuses
• Postnasal drainage

There are some fewer common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Wheezing
• Coughing

Many people who have allergies will also have asthma. If you have both of these, seasonal allergens can trigger an asthma attack.

What you are allergic to will determine when allergy season begins. If your allergies are triggered by various types of pollen, then springtime can be your start. For people who are allergic to ragweed, then late summer or autumn will be your start.

If you are allergic to dust mites or pet dander, then you may find that your season never starts or ends.

You will need to find out what you are allergic to, to know what to expect or when your allergy season begins. Once you know what you are allergic to, then you can be ready to deal with the symptoms as they arise.

Allergies cause all kinds of discomfort. With a runny nose, burning eyes, sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms, it seems like a never-ending battle. Allergies are annoying and leave you fatigued. They can prevent you from getting a night of decent sleep and make you more tired during the day. Being tired can leave you in an allergy brain fog.

Seasonal allergies can take their toll on a person. There are things you can do to reduce the effects of those allergens that bother you. With seasonal allergies, you have some ability to limit your exposure to them. Some medications are available over the counter that can alleviate allergy symptoms. It isn’t uncommon for people with seasonal allergies to also be allergic to dust mites, and pet dander, so keep the air clean in your house. Another simple method is to try and keep your sinuses clear. You may want to invest in a neti pot or other nasal irrigation system.

If your allergies are more problematic, the medical staff at Inspire Medical Group of California can help. We have a wide range of services and experience to help you feel better, quickly. Please call for an appointment or book online. We serve patients in the Bay Area from Sunnyvale, CA, San Jose, CA, Los Altos CA, Santa Clara CA to Cupertino CA, and beyond.