Navigating Seasonal Allergies

As the seasons shift, many people find themselves reaching for tissues more often than they’d like. Seasonal allergies can feel like an inevitable part of spring and fall, but understanding what’s happening in your body can make them much easier to manage.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are triggered by environmental allergens that fluctuate throughout the year. Common culprits include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds

• Snow molds, especially as the snow melts in early spring

• Dust and particulate matter that increase with seasonal changes

For some individuals, the immune system is more “primed” or sensitive. This means it overreacts to otherwise harmless particles, treating them as threats and releasing chemicals like histamine, leading to classic allergy symptoms.

Interestingly, UBC allergy expert, Dr. Amin Kanani, explains that seasonal allergies seem to be getting worse since changes in climate, such as warmer temperatures and higher CO2 levels, increase pollen in the air. Read more here: https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/its-not-all-in-your-head-seasonal-allergies-are-getting-worse-and-climate-change-is-partly-to-blame/

What Are The Symptoms?

Seasonal allergies don’t just show up as a runny nose - they can affect multiple systems in the body.

Common symptoms:

• Nasal congestion

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Itchy, watery, or red eyes

• Cough

Other symptoms people often experience:

• Post-nasal drip

• Sinus pressure or headaches

• Fatigue or low energy

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Because symptoms can overlap with colds or sinus infections, allergies are sometimes overlooked.

Want clear answers?

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to seasonal allergies, or want confirmation, there are a couple of reliable testing options:

• Skin prick testing through an allergist is the conventional standard and provides quick results.

• Blood testing, such as IgE inhalant panels can also detect sensitivities. We offer the Mosaic Dx IgE Inhalant Allergy Test, which looks at pets, dust, insects, molds, and pollen. These tests have comparable sensitivity to skin testing and may be more convenient for some individuals.

Testing can help clarify exactly what you’re reacting to, which is especially helpful if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Ways To Manage Symptoms

While you can’t eliminate pollen from the air, there are several simple and effective strategies to reduce your exposure and support your body:

Lifestyle strategies:

• Use a neti pot or saline rinse to clear nasal passages

• Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days

• Use a HEPA air filter in your home, especially in the bedroom

• Use apps like IQAir or PollenWise to monitor pollen counts in your area

• Acupuncture can help with congestion and allergies

Natural supports:

• Vitamin C - acts as a natural antihistamine

• Quercetin - helps stabilize histamine release

• Nettle tea - traditionally used to ease allergy symptoms

Conventional options:

• Over-the-counter antihistamines

• Nasal sprays (antihistamine or corticosteroid-based, if needed)

A combined approach is often the most effective and sustainable.

Is There More To The Story?

If you’re dealing with chronic congestion or symptoms that don’t seem strictly seasonal, it may be worth looking deeper. Underlying factors can include:

• Ongoing mold exposure (especially indoors)

• Dust mite or pet dander sensitivities

• Chronic sinus inflammation or infection

• Histamine intolerance or mast cell activation

• Gut health and immune dysregulation

When symptoms persist year-round or don’t fully respond to typical treatments, a more individualized approach is key.

Let’s Figure It Out Together

If you suspect there’s more going on beneath the surface or you’re simply tired of managing symptoms year after year, we can take a deeper look and create a plan tailored to you.

Book an appointment to explore your symptoms, identify triggers, and build a strategy that helps you feel clear, energized, and supported through every season.

Learn more or book an appointment at:

kathrynkingnd.com