Most people just adore the spring and summer months. The warm sunshine, birds chirping and the scent of blooming flowers is a welcome change from the dark, dreary months of winter. However, for some people, the change of seasons marks the beginning of what is four to five months of misery.
Approximately 20 million suffer from allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergies, which is usually caused by pollen, grasses, trees, and weeds. In fact, seasonal allergies often cause symptoms that are atypical in presentation.
If you think you have seasonal allergies but aren’t sure, Premier Allergy is here to help. Below are four signs that you might be suffering from seasonal allergies:
Common Symptoms
If you’re suffering from watery eyes, sneezing, and stuffy nose, you may have seasonal allergies. Even if you’ve never suffered any symptoms before, it’s not uncommon to develop symptoms even in adulthood. In addition, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes
- Scratchy Throat
- Postnasal drip
- Chest congestion
Less Common Symptoms
While the above-mentioned symptoms are common, your allergies might make their presence known in a different way.
Some of the less common, but still bona fide symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Wheezing
- Constant headache
- Reduced exercise capacity
- Chronic sinusitis
- Chronic cough
You Do Not Have These Symptoms
Seasonal allergies and colds are so similar, it can be tough to determine which you are suffering from. Because both illnesses can cause chest congestion and cough, it’s important to know the symptoms that are different. For example, if you have a cold, you might have body aches and pains, fatigue, sore throat, and even a slight fever.
Keep in mind that most allergic symptoms do respond to over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays, even if only with minimal improvement. However, if severe, any improvement in allergic-type symptoms is fleeting if the trigger is not removed.
You Notice a Pattern
If you start to develop the same symptoms at the same time every year, you might have seasonal allergies. If you notice your symptoms appearing every spring, it’s probably allergy-related.
Another huge difference between allergies and colds is the duration of symptoms. While cold symptoms typically resolve within 10 days, allergic-type symptoms persist until the trigger is removed or symptoms are treated. In fact, when left untreated, symptoms can go on for months depending on the allergen.
Final Thoughts
To treat effectively, it’s important to distinguish what’s causing your symptoms. While it’s usually safe to go to work and perform daily activities with allergies, you might not feel like doing so. On the other hand, if you’re suffering from a cold and running a fever, it’s probably best to take a day or two off until you’re feeling better.
If you think you’re suffering from allergies, Premier Allergy can make a concrete diagnosis.
