With seasonal allergies, urticaria (hives), and their treatment emerging as a topic of discussion in this year’s presidential campaign, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) offers the following information.

Seasonal Allergy Facts

In 2021, approximately 81 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). This equals around 26% (67 million) of adults and 19% (14 million) of children.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. This type of rhinitis occurs mainly when pollen from trees (spring), grasses (summer), and weeds (fall) are in the air.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Rhinitis symptoms include:

• Itching in the nose and eyes
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose (congestion)
• Runny nose
• Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and outside of the eyeball becomes inflamed. With eye allergies, you usually see redness and itching in both eyes, instead of in just one eye.

The common signs and symptoms of eye allergies are:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning feeling
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Feeling like there is dirt or grit in your eyes

While these allergy symptoms may cause irritation and discomfort, they can be controlled.

Seasonal Allergy Treatments

Managing seasonal allergy symptoms may include over-the-counter medicines, many of which are non-drowsy. Some examples include:

Nasal rinse: Using a saline (saltwater) nose rinse can help cut down mucus and rinse allergens out of your nose. Remember to use these as directed.

Nose sprays: Corticosteroid nose sprays are effective and have few side effects. They treat the swelling and inflammation in your nose. Examples include Nasacort®, FLONASE®, and RHINOCORT®. Antihistamine nasal sprays such as Astelin and Patanase are also effective options.

Eye drops: Allergy eye drops can be very helpful in managing eye allergy symptoms. They can relieve burning sensation, itchiness, redness, increased tearing, and swelling. Common eye drops include SYSTANE® ZADITOR®, Optivar, and Pataday®. In addition, artificial tears can be helpful.

Antihistamines: Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness. Look for a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine. Examples include ZYRTEC®, Claritin®, Allegra®, CLARINEX®.

Decongestants: Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. They generally are only used for a short time (usually three days or less). Examples include SUDAFED®, Vicks Sinex™, Afrin®. Check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.

Immunotherapy: Many people with allergies do not get complete relief from medicines. They may be candidates for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that can help prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions and change the course of allergic disease by modifying the body’s immune response to allergens.

Urticaria Facts

The medical name for hives is urticaria. Hives are a common sign of an allergic reaction but can also be caused by viral infections, environmental triggers, insect bites, or unknown (idiopathic) causes.

According to a 2019 study published in the journal Allergy, chronic (long-term) urticaria affects about 1% of the global population.

• Children have higher rates of chronic urticaria than adults.
• Among people ages 15 and over, females are more likely to have chronic urticaria than males.

Chronic urticaria is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable.

Urticaria Symptoms

Hives are raised bumps, called welts or wheals, on the skin. Hives can be small or large and can occur anywhere on the body. Hives are itchy. They can occur with swelling.

Urticaria Treatments

Antihistamines (non-drowsy preferred) are one treatment for urticaria. Anti-itch medicines may also offer symptom relief. Cold compresses may also provide relief.

In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce the severity of symptoms.

For people with chronic urticaria that doesn’t improve on antihistamines, there is a non-steroidal treatment available called omalizumab (Xolair®).

AAFA is happy to provide additional information on seasonal allergies, urticaria, and their treatment.

Please reach out to gro.afaa@aidem if you have further questions.