Outdoor allergies — also called “hay fever” or seasonal allergies — are a type of environmental allergy that occurs when your body has an immune reaction to an otherwise harmless substance that is found outdoors. Outdoor allergies can be caused by physical contact with the substance or by inhaling the substance during outdoor activities.
The allergy specialists at UPMC offer diagnostic testing and treatment for children and adults with outdoor allergies.
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What Are Outdoor Allergies?
Outdoor allergies — also called “hay fever” or seasonal allergies — are a type of environmental allergy that occurs when your body has an immune reaction to an otherwise harmless substance that is found outdoors. Outdoor allergies can be caused by physical contact with the substance or by inhaling the substance during outdoor activities.
What are common triggers of outdoor allergies?
Substances that trigger immune reactions are called allergens. Some outdoor allergens are more common during certain times of the year and cause seasonal allergy symptoms, which are sometimes called “hay fever.”
Common outdoor allergens include:
- Grass pollens, which are common in the late spring and early summer.
- Outdoor molds, which are common in the spring, summer, and fall.
- Tree pollens, which are common in the spring.
- Weed pollens, which are common in the late summer and fall.
How common are outdoor allergies?
Outdoor allergies are very common. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a quarter of U.S. adults have seasonal allergies.
What causes outdoor allergies?
Outdoor allergies occur when your immune system becomes oversensitive and overreacts to harmless foreign substances called allergens. When your immune system overreacts, your body releases chemicals called histamines that cause allergy symptoms.
Why do I get allergies when I go outside?
If you experience allergy symptoms when you go outside — particularly if they occur around the same time each year — you may have seasonal allergies.
Outdoor allergy risk factors
You may be at a higher risk for outdoor allergies if someone else in your family has environmental allergies, or if you have asthma or another allergic condition.
Complications of outdoor allergies
Outdoor allergies can cause complications, including:
- Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Asthma flare-ups and breathing problems.
- Medication side effects, such as drowsiness.
How can I prevent outdoor allergies?
Although there is nothing you can do to prevent the allergy itself, you may be able to prevent allergic reactions by avoiding allergy triggers and following your doctor’s recommendations about your allergy treatment.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Outdoor Allergies?
Symptoms of outdoor allergies are caused by your body’s immune reaction to the allergen and usually last as long as you continue to be exposed to the allergen.
Outdoor allergy symptoms may include:
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Eye problems, such as redness, watering, itching, or swelling.
- Itchy skin or nose.
- Post-nasal drip.
- Rhinitis/nasal congestion.
- Sneezing or a runny nose.
- Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
When should I see a doctor about my outdoor allergy symptoms?
If you have severe outdoor allergy symptoms that affect your quality of life and are not well-controlled with over-the-counter allergy medications, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you have a severe allergic reaction, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose Outdoor Allergies?
To diagnose outdoor allergies, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order skin and/or blood tests.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects outdoor allergies, they will:
- Perform a physical exam.
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order skin and/or blood tests.
Tests to diagnose outdoor allergies
Your doctor may order tests to diagnose outdoor allergies, including:
- Blood tests — Blood tests measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that are specific to certain allergens. Although blood tests are not as exact as skin tests, your doctor may use them in combination with skin tests to diagnose and treat your allergy.
- Skin testing — Also called scratch testing, skin testing exposes your skin to small amounts of allergy-causing substances (allergens). It can identify outdoor allergy triggers, such as outdoor molds and grass, tree, and weed pollens.
Outdoor allergy prognosis
Outdoor allergies and related complications can be successfully treated with medication, allergy shots, and allergy drops.
How Do You Treat Outdoor Allergies?
The goals of outdoor allergy treatment are to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Treatment options for outdoor allergies may include:
Patient education for outdoor allergies
Our specialists provide the education and information you need to manage your outdoor allergies, including recommendations on avoiding allergy triggers and preventing allergic reactions.
Lifestyle changes for outdoor allergies
Your doctor may recommend making lifestyle changes to minimize your exposure to outdoor allergy triggers, such as:
- Avoiding mowing, raking, and other outdoor chores that stir up allergens.
- Keeping house and car windows closed.
- Showering and changing clothes after spending time outside.
- Staying indoors when allergen counts are high.
- Wearing a mask.
Medication for outdoor allergies
Medications may help control your allergy symptoms or prevent symptoms from occurring. Before taking any allergy medication, ask your doctor if it is safe for you. Allergy medications include:
- Antihistamines — Block the effects of histamine and are available over the counter or by prescription. Your doctor may recommend pills, eye drops, injections, liquid medication, or nasal sprays.
- Corticosteroids — Treat inflammation and are available as creams, lotions, ointments, eye drops, nasal sprays, inhalers, pills, and injections.
- Decongestants — Treat stuffy nose and are available as nasal sprays and pills.
- Leukotriene inhibitors — Prevent allergic responses.
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for outdoor allergies
Allergy shots are injections that contain a small dose of certain allergens or substances that trigger allergic reactions. They are given at regular intervals to prevent or reduce allergic reactions.
With each shot, your health care provider will increase the dose of the allergen. This helps your immune system get used to the allergens and may eventually cause your allergy symptoms to decrease.
Sublingual immunotherapy treatment (SLIT) for outdoor allergies
An alternative to allergy shots, SLIT involves placing liquid drops containing small amounts of allergens under your tongue. This treatment, also known as allergy drops, can be used to treat certain outdoor allergens.
Why Choose UPMC for Outdoor Allergy Care?
When you choose UPMC for outdoor allergy care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class allergy and immunology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat all types of allergies using the latest approaches and therapies.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer evidence-based allergy treatments that improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with primary care providers, ear, nose, and throat specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your quality of life.
