UNIVERSITY
HEALTH SERVICE

Seasonal Allergies

Allergies are simply the body's reaction when a substance called an allergen comes in contact with the body's immune cells. These special immune cells are called "mast cells." Mast cells who come in contact with the foreign allergens release a chemical called histamine to destroy the invader. The release of histamine causes swelling, itching, and mucous production. Within minutes, this then develops into allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, cough (or wheeze in asthma) and itching of the nose, eyes, and throat. This section will focus on seasonal allergies, which are caused when a plant releases pollen into the air.

Seasonal Allergens

• Tree pollen (spring)
• Grass pollen (spring through fall)
• Weeds (late summer)
• Leaf mold (early spring and late fall)

Treatments

• Cough Suppressants
  Treats coughs caused by nasal drainage and irriation of the bronchial passages
• Decongestants
  For nasal stuffiness, head pressure, and congestion; these will not stop drainage.
• Antihistamines
  For runny nose, sneezing, itchiness of throat and sometimes helpful for eye irritation.
• Topical eye decongestant/antihistamines
  For eye symptoms only: itching, swelling, redness.

See your health care provider if:

• Your allergy symptoms include fever, chills, discolored nasal drainage, or a lot of facial pain.
• Your allergy symptoms don't resond well to over-the-counter treatments.