North Dakota Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

North Dakota has some of the most beautiful natural environments in the Great Plains along with rolling farmland and ranchland. It’s hard really to enjoy the sunflowers and sunsets when you suffer from allergies, though. We’ll share allergy causes, when allergy season is worst, how to prevent and treat allergies, and pet protection.

What Causes Allergies?

When a person has allergies, their immune system reacts to certain common substances that act as allergens. When an allergic person comes into contact with pet dander, pollen, or certain foods, the immune system releases histamine. This results in symptoms like sneezing, itching, and rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Another possible complication of an allergy is sinusitis, a painful inflammation of the sinuses.

The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid allergens. Medication like antihistamines can also be used to treat the symptoms. However, they can worsen asthma symptoms or cause fluid buildup in the ears that can cause infection. In the worst-case scenario, they can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening restriction of breathing and drop in blood pressure.

When is Peak Allergy Season in North Dakota?

North Dakota doesn’t have just one allergy season, but multiple peak seasons depending on the allergen.

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• Grasses like bluegrass, timothy, fescue, and others pollinate from May to July.
• Weeds like sagebrush, ragweed, Russian thistle, and lamb’s quarters pollinate from August to early winter.
• Trees, like cottonwood, oak, elm, birch, maple, and cedar, pollinate from March to May.

Local news channels and dedicated websites announce pollen counts daily at the height of pollen seasons. You can use this information to plan your outdoor activities so that allergies.

How Can You Be Tested for Allergies?

Two methods are commonly used: skin tests and blood tests. The most common type of allergy test is the skin prick test. A small amount of the allergen is placed on the skin and then the skin is gently pricked. If a red bump or rash appears at the test site, it indicates an allergy to that substance. Another type of skin test is the intradermal test, which involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin. Another way to test for allergies is through a blood test that measures antibodies produced in response to an allergen. Blood tests can confirm or supplement skin test results.

Allergy Symptoms Without a Positive Allergy Test

Non-allergic rhinitis is a condition that causes symptoms similar to those of allergic rhinitis, such as a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing, but without the presence of an allergy. Non-allergic rhinitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, exposure to irritants such as smoke or strong odors, hormonal changes, and certain medications. It can also be caused by structural issues in the nasal passages, such as a deviated septum, that lead to chronic inflammation. Non-allergic rhinitis is diagnosed by ruling out the presence of an allergy through skin or blood tests. Treatment options may include medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, as well as avoiding known triggers and addressing any underlying structural issues.

Preventing Allergies

There are several ways to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms during the worst of allergy season in North Dakota. The most effective method is identifying and avoiding specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. However, this can be difficult as allergens such as pollen and mold can be hard to avoid entirely.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can alleviate symptoms. People with allergies can take them before exposure to allergens or when symptoms first appear. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can desensitize you to specific allergens over time, reducing symptoms and the need for medication. Nasal irrigation, which involves rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution, can help remove allergens and reduce inflammation. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as keeping windows closed during allergy season, using air conditioning, showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors, and washing bedding regularly in hot water can help reduce exposure to allergens.

Affordable Allergy Treatments

There are several effective brand-name over-the-counter allergy medicines on the market to help people who suffer from allergies, but there are also generic alternatives to these that will save you a lot of money. Compare their active ingredients with those of your favorite medicines.

Amazon Basic Care Loratadine Antihistamine

• Long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms
• Non-drowsy formula
• Active ingredient is the antihistamine Loratadine (10 mg)
• 24-hour allergy relief

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ValuMeds 24-Hour Allergy Medicine

• 24-hour allergy relief
• Works for pollen, hay fever, dry eyes, itchy eyes
• Main ingredient is Cetirizine HCl

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ValuMeds Antihistamine, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg

• 600 tablets
• Active ingredient: Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg
• Suitable for Children and Adults
• Relieves Itchy Eyes, Runny Nose, Sneezing

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HealthCareAisle Allergy Relief - Fexofenadine Hydrochloride

• Active ingredient: Fexofenadine Hydrochloride
• 90 tablets of 180 mg
• Non-Drowsy
• 24-Hour Allergy Relief

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What if Your Pet Has Allergies?

Just like humans, pets can develop different types of allergies:

• Food allergies might result from exposure to certain proteins or carbohydrates or food additives. Signs of food allergies might include diarrhea and vomiting.
• Environmental allergies can produce respiratory symptoms, congestion, sneezing, and drainage.
• Flea allergies cause intense itching, leading your pet to bite, scratch, and lick obsessively at their fur, at times leaving bare spots and skin inflammation.

Your veterinarian will be able to examine and test your pet to determine what specific allergies they may have and the best treatment plan so that allergy season in North Dakota will not be such a problem for you or your pet.

Can Pets Take Human Allergy Medicine?

Pets can take some human allergy medicines, but they need the supervision of a veterinarian. They may have different reactions to medications than humans do, and some medications can be toxic to pets. In addition, medications that may be good for dogs can be toxic to cats. Before medicating your pet, consult with a veterinarian as they will be able to recommend the best treatment option for your pet’s specific condition and provide guidance on possible interactions between medicines and the correct dosage and frequency of medication.

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