Why Your Seasonal Allergies Keep Getting Worse Every Year

The turn of the seasons brings a sense of renewal and fun to many. However, if you’re prone to seasonal allergies, the dawn of fall means allergy symptoms that leave you feeling miserable.

If you’ve noticed that your seasonal allergies are worsening with passing years, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are ways to minimize your exacerbated symptoms.

At her offices in Valencia, Burbank, and Lancaster, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia provides effective seasonal allergy care for people of all ages.

Seasonal allergy symptoms

Seasonal allergies cause your immune system to perceive something typically harmless in the environment as threatening. As a result, it releases chemicals into your bloodstream whenever you’re exposed.

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:

Sneezing
Congestion
Watery eyes
Headache
Wheezing
Fatigue

Seasonal allergies cause symptoms in response to certain trees, pollens, grasses, or weeds.

If you have asthma as well as seasonal allergies, exposure to your allergen may cause an asthma attack.

Why do seasonal allergies worsen every year?

Climate change is the leading cause of seasonal allergies worsening each year. As temperatures warm, many plants blossom earlier and create more pollen than they did previously. On top of that, air pollution can make pollen more allergenic for anyone who’s sensitive.

You might also find that your seasonal allergies worsen after a COVID-19 infection, especially if you haven’t been vaccinated against the disease. If you’ve developed long COVID, which prompts inflammation in the body, your allergy symptoms could increase, too.

Worse seasonal allergies could also stem from reduced immune strength because of lifestyle changes, such as reduced exercise, eating a less healthy diet, or skimping on sleep. Increased exposure to your allergens over time can fuel intensified symptoms as well.

What to do about worsening seasonal allergies

After an exam, Dr. Cutillar-Garcia can create a customized seasonal allergy treatment plan to minimize your symptoms. If needed, she’ll recommend allergy testing to determine your plan of action.

Depending on the type and severity of your symptoms, your treatment may involve:

Avoiding cigarette smoke
Avoiding your allergens
Changing your clothes or showering after outdoor time
Getting allergy shots or taking biologic medication
Monitoring mold and pollen counts
Keeping doors and windows closed during allergy seasons
Taking over-the-counter allergy medication
Using a dehumidifier
Using a prescription nasal spray
Wearing an N95 mask during outdoor tasks, like lawnmowing

To help our team pinpoint your personal allergy triggers, track your symptoms and notes about the day on a digital or paper document. Record not only your symptom specifics, but also things like weather changes, physical activity, and your stress level.

Bring the document into your appointment for discussion.

To learn more about seasonal allergies or get started with customized treatment, call our office or request an appointment with Dr. Cutillar-Garcia through our website today.