Which seasonal allergy do i have

For this reason, most of our pollen exposure is due to pollen in the air outdoors, and thus our allergies are to wind-pollinated plants. Many trees are primarily pollinated by wind, and tree pollens are the main springtime allergen. Mold spores also contribute to spring allergies but are most bothersome in the fall. Common trees in the northwest Ohio region that contribute to allergy symptoms include oak, cottonwood, birch, maple, sycamore, ash, elm, hickory, walnut, beech and mulberry.

There is limited cross-reactivity between tree pollens. This means that while some trees are related and pollens are somewhat similar, many tree pollens have unique features that prevent the ability to create a single treatment for tree pollen allergy.

Allergists are specially trained physicians who can test patients to multiple different tree pollens and treat each patient uniquely for their specific tree pollen allergies. Late spring and early summer allergies mainly involve grass pollen.

In the allergy world, we often think of Memorial Day as a reminder of peak grass pollen season. They begin pollinating in May, peak toward the end of the month and carry through the first few weeks of June.

Even allergies take a vacation. Hot, dry July weather tends to give a short reprieve for pan-pollen allergic patients those allergic to tree, grass and weed pollens.

Trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. Without rain, mold spore counts are often low and fall plants have not yet begun the pollination process. It's always a good idea to try your best to avoid your triggers , but that doesn't mean you have to hole up inside with a box of tissues.

To get less exposure to your allergens:. Generally, if you experience any combination of the typical symptoms -- watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, etc. If you don't know what that something is and you want to find out, your primary care doctor can refer you to an allergist. Allergists conduct skin or blood tests to determine what substances you're allergic to. The thing is, most people exhibit the same symptoms regardless of the allergen, because allergic rhinitis is a condition with symptoms independent of triggers.

So if your allergies aren't severe, then you're probably OK to take an over-the-counter allergy pill and not worry about it. If your allergies are severe, though, you might benefit from an allergy test so you can actively avoid your triggers. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Amanda Capritto. July 13, a. You've got all the typical symptoms If you think of sneezing, wheezing and watery eyes when you think of seasonal allergies, you'd be on the right track. There's a good chance you have seasonal allergies if you experience any of the following symptoms : Frequent sneezing Watery or itchy eyes Runny nose Congestion in your nose, ears or chest Postnasal drip Itchy throat Puffy eyelids Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

You have these less common symptoms The symptoms above are extremely common, but your allergies might show up in a different way.

These less common, but still bona fide, symptoms may indicate seasonal allergies: Wheezing Coughing Sudden lack of exercise endurance Mild headache 3. Plants fertilized by insects, like roses and some flowering trees, like cherry and pear trees, usually do not cause allergic rhinitis.

A pollen count is how much pollen is in the air. This is often reported during pollen season on local weather forecasts. Sometimes the main types of pollen are also reported. People with pollen allergies only have symptoms when the pollens they are allergic to are in the air. Symptoms include:. Then the nurse will lightly prick or scratch the spot with a needle through the drop. If you are allergic to the substance, you will develop redness, swelling and itching at the test site within 20 minutes.

You may also see a wheal. A wheal is a raised, round area that looks like a hive. Usually, the larger the wheal, the more likely you are to be allergic to the allergen. A positive SPT to a particular pollen allergen does not necessarily mean that a person has an allergy.

Specific IgE Blood Test Blood tests are helpful when people have a skin condition or are taking medicines that interfere with skin testing.