The Nature of Seasonal Allergy

Allergies are defined as short-term inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages. Allergies that happen only during particular period of the year like spring or fall are labeled as seasonal allergies. Depending on the allergen or the trigger for the symptoms, allergic reaction usually follows the same mechanism in the body.

One of the most common seasonal allergies is called 'hay fever', an allergy caused by airborne pollens from grass, trees, flowers, and weeds. Allergy season normally starts in the spring and fall when trees start to pollinate. Depending on your location, when pollen season starts and how long it lasts varies throughout the world. In the United States, the trees in the southern states can start pollinating as early as late February and the grasses can start by the end of April. In the Midwest, allergic reactions against pollens normally flare up during May. Allergies are also common during late summer or early fall due to ragweed. In the Western States, grasses usually pollinate longer and some weeds can exist even during the fall.

Treatment of seasonal allergies is very costly. It affects around 40 million Americans each year and cost more than a billion dollar in yearly treatment cost. While allergies are generally not fatal, they can create discomforts and inconvenience that can disrupt your daily activities.