Diagnosing Seasonal Allergies
Find out more about diagnosing seasonal allergies

Allergies, a short-term inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, are caused by airborne pollens from grasses, flowers, trees, and weeds. Allergy season typically starts in the spring and fall when certain trees or grasses pollinate. Allergies caused by pollen and other allergens affect 40 million Americans and costs $1.23 billion in annual treatment costs. The standard reactions include headache, swollen sinuses, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and itchy, watery eyes.
Causes of Allergies
Allergies occur when airborne pollen from various seasonal plants or mold enters the body through the eyes, nose, or throat, and trigger an allergic reaction. The immune system normally does not respond to mild substances like pollen and mold. However, in sensitive individuals, the body's defense mechanism mounts an attack against these allergens. Once the immune system has detected the "invader," it releases chemicals such as histamine and other compounds which result in inflammation that leads to irritation and discomfort.
Symptoms
Allergies produce an array of symptoms, including eye irritation, sneezing, and congestion. Other common symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery red eyes, dry cough, itchy throat, impaired sense of smell or taste, and sleep disturbances.
Itchy, watery eyes are often the first sign of allergies. Sneezing and a runny nose soon follow. Certain allergy sufferers experience congestion, headaches, wheezing, and coughing. Allergic conjunctivitis, a condition in which the inner eyelids and whites of eyes become inflamed, may occur as well.
Risk Factors
Allergies may develop later in life, but they usually show up before age 20. Allergies tend to run in families like other abnormal immune system responses.  More than half of hay fever sufferers have a close relative with a history of allergies, and men and women are equally likely to suffer from allergies.
Diagnosis
Your doctor might arrive at a diagnosis by asking questions about your medical history. Allergic symptoms that show up during pollen season are the biggest indication that you are suffering from allergies. Allergies are triggered by many different things, including animal fur and house dust. Your doctor will ask you various questions about your house, pets, and medications.

A physical examination may also help your doctor rule out physical abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, or a deviated septum. Allergy skin tests can further narrow down your symptoms to determine which allergens trigger your allergic reactions. Your doctor might scratch your skin with needles containing certain amounts of allergens.
Prevention and Screening
To minimize chances of triggering your allergies, try to stay in a climate-controlled environment and keep indoors between 5 and 10 in the morning. Always keep your car windows rolled up when driving around this time. Wearing sunglasses may also help to keep foreign particles out of your eyes.