Seasonal Allergies—All Year Long
Understanding seasonal allergies throughout the year, from spring pollen to winter indoor allergens.
While most people naturally associate springtime with seasonal allergies when many trees, plants and grasses release pollens into the environment, each of the four seasons can actually trigger allergy symptoms in sufferers.
Because allergies are the body's overactive immune response to what it perceives as foreign "invaders", allergens come in many forms at all different times of the year.
Common Allergens Throughout the Year
Some of these may include:
- Trees
- Grasses
- Pollens
- Mold
- Smoke
- Insect bites and stings
- Chlorine
- Candy and celebratory food ingredients
- Pine trees and wreaths
Allergies for All Seasons
Fall
From August to November Ragweed releases pollen into the air causing itchy swollen eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and sinus congestion for many who are allergic. Prevalent mainly in the Midwest and on the East coast, Ragweed does grow everywhere in the United States and becomes airborne the most throughout mid-September.
Other fall weeds that promote allergies include:
- Burning bush
- Cocklebur
- Lamb's-quarters
- Pigweed
- Sagebrush and Mugwort
- Tumbleweed and Russian thistle
Winter
From December through March, indoor allergies affect millions of people, triggering a multitude of symptoms. (Milder winter temperatures can also bring about early pollination of some plants and grasses).
Indoor allergens include:
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Fireplace smoke
- Pine trees (holiday trees)
- Wreaths
- Holiday candy ingredients
Spring
One of the biggest allergens in springtime is pollen. April through June, these tiny grains are released into the atmosphere by trees, grasses, and weeds in order to fertilize other plants. When persons who are allergic ingest these tiny particles, the body's immune system goes into overdrive.
The following trees, grasses and weeds are common offenders:
Trees
Grasses and Weeds
Summer
Warmer days, higher humidity and, outdoor activities leave allergy sufferers vulnerable to a host of common triggers present in summertime environments June, July, and August. Many of these are natural plants, grasses, and pests while others are common manmade substances.
Common Summer Triggers
- Insect bites and stings
- Mold
- Chlorine
- Smoke (campfires)
- Seasonal fruit
- Sunscreen
- Poison ivy
Weeds
Grasses
Regional Variations
Although many allergens are present in each of the four seasons, certain plants and trees, as well as pollen counts vary by region throughout the country.