Seasonal and Food Allergies: Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing Your Symptoms

About 25% of adults in the United States experience seasonal allergies, also known as environmental allergies. About 5-7% of kids and adults live with food allergies.

Both conditions can cause bothersome symptoms. Thankfully, strategies can reduce your risk of symptoms and complications.

At her offices in Valencia, Burbank, and Lancaster, California, Maricar Cutillar-Garcia, MD, provides personalized allergy care to improve your wellness and quality of life.

Seasonal and food allergy timing

Seasonal allergies are triggered by airborne allergens, such as pollen and mold, because of environmental factors like humidity levels and plant pollination.

Here in Southern California, seasonal allergy season is actually year-round due to our Mediterranean climate.

Food allergies don’t operate on a schedule or time of year, unless you’re allergic to seasonally popular foods, such as dairy-rich holiday dishes. Your most vulnerable time in terms of symptoms is whenever you’re exposed to a food containing your allergen.

Common seasonal and food allergies

For spring allergies, pollen from trees, such as birch, cedar, or oak, is the primary culprit. Allergies to grasses, like Bermuda or Timothy, run rampant during summer months. Ragweed pollen and outdoor mold spores account for many fall allergies.

Common food allergens include:

Dairy products
Eggs
Wheat
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Soy
Shellfish
Sesame

Close to half of adults with food allergies react to multiple foods, such as eggs and milk or peanuts and tree nuts.

Seasonal vs. food allergy symptoms

Seasonal allergies primarily affect your eyes and respiratory system. Common symptoms include:

Congestion
Sneezing
Watery or itchy eyes
Fatigue
Scratchy throat

Food allergy symptoms may include mouth itching or swelling, hives, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, food allergies cause dangerous multi-system reactions, including breathing difficulties (anaphylaxis).

Evidence-based management tips

A range of practices and treatments can help ensure that your allergy symptoms stay mild, infrequent, or even not problematic at all.

Evidence-based strategies Dr. Cutillar-Garcia may recommend include:

Avoiding your allergen when possible
Monitoring things like pollen counts or food ingredients
Using a quality air purifier during allergy season
Taking a prescribed medication
Allergy shots for severe seasonal allergies
Carrying two or more epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens®)

Your ideal strategies depend on the type and severity of your symptoms and your overall health. If your allergy hasn’t yet been confirmed, the process may start with allergy testing.

For food allergies, wearing a medical bracelet can help ensure that a severe reaction that keeps you from communicating gets prompt and appropriate treatment.

To learn more about seasonal and food allergies or get started with personalized guidance, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.