South Carolina Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

“Ah, springtime in South Carolina . . . the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the sneezing is non-stop! With its humid subtropical climate, South Carolina has hot summers, mild winters, and a lot of precipitation. It’s all a recipe for lush vegetation and killer allergies. Allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, and mold and dust mites can be a problem all year round, but staying aware of when different allergens are at their peak can help you take preventative measures for you, your family, and your pets in South Carolina allergy season.

Causes and Symptoms of Allergies

Many people suffer from allergies, but what are they? Allergies result when a person is sensitive to substances that create a response from their immune system. Some kinds of foods, pollen, dust mites, and chemicals can act as allergens, provoking an allergic reaction. This results in symptoms like dry, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose, sneezing, red rashes or hives, and others. Allergy symptoms can lead to infections, sinusitis, and problems breathing. People with asthma may have more frequent attacks of greater severity. People who are the most sensitive to certain allergens could experience anaphylaxis – a rapid restriction of breathing and a drop in blood pressure that can produce unconsciousness and death if not immediately treated.

Some people may develop new allergies or a worsening of symptoms over time, while others may find that their allergies spontaneously get better. Sometimes, for instance, children might outgrow a food allergy. Most people with allergies will find avoiding allergens and taking some over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants helpful. Some may choose to have allergy testing and even immunotherapy to treat allergies more aggressively.

Allergy Season in South Carolina

The allergy season in South Carolina can vary depending on the specific allergen, weather conditions, temperature, and rainfall but generally, it occurs from late winter to early fall. Here are examples of some of the most prevalent allergens in the state and when you’ll want to take extra precautions:

• Tree pollen, which is a major allergen in the state, usually peaks in the spring, specifically from late March to May.
• Grass pollen, another major allergen, peaks in the late spring and early summer, typically from May to June.
• Ragweed, another allergen that affects many people in South Carolina, typically peaks in the late summer and early fall, usually from August to September.
• Mold spores, which can cause allergies all year round but are more prevalent in warm and humid weather, peak in the summer and fall.

Understanding Pollen Count

Pollen is a fine powdery substance produced by plants during reproduction. When pollen is released into the air, it can be inhaled by people and cause an allergic reaction for some people. The symptoms of a pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. Different types of plants release different types of pollen, so people can be allergic to certain types of pollen and not others.

Pollen count is a measure of the amount of pollen in the air at a given time. It is usually measured in grains of pollen per cubic meter of air (grains/m3). The higher the pollen count, the more likely it is that people with allergies will experience symptoms. Pollen counts are often reported by weather forecast services, local health departments, and some media outlets during allergy season. They can also be found online on websites such as the National Allergy Bureau and other monitoring stations. Pollen counts can help people with allergies plan their activities and take appropriate measures to reduce their exposure to allergens.

What’s Involved in Allergy Testing?

Seeing an allergist can help you find out what you might be allergic to. Your allergist may use a combination of tests along with a thorough medical history and a physical examination to get a complete picture of your allergies. These are some of the most common tests for allergies:

• Skin prick test – The allergist will place small amounts of various allergens on the skin and prick them with a needle. If you are allergic to one of them, a red bump will appear within 15-20 minutes.

• Blood test – This is used to measure the levels of antibodies in the blood. These tests can detect allergens even if there are no visible symptoms.

• A patch test – This test involves placing small amounts of allergens in patches, which are applied to the skin for 48 hours to see if there is a reaction.

Allergy Symptoms Without Allergies

Non-allergic rhinitis is a condition characterized by symptoms similar to those of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing, but it is not caused by an allergic reaction. There are several types of non-allergic rhinitis, each with its own set of causes and triggers:

• Vasomotor rhinitis: is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the nose, which can cause nasal congestion and a runny nose. Triggers include changes in temperature, humidity, and exposure to certain chemicals, perfumes, and smoke.
• Hormonal rhinitis: is caused by changes in hormone levels, and it can occur during pregnancy, menopause, or in people with hormonal imbalances.
• Idiopathic rhinitis: is a type of non-allergic rhinitis of unknown cause.

Treatment for non-allergic rhinitis depends on the specific type of rhinitis and the underlying cause. Some common treatments include nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamines, or immunotherapy.

Preventing Allergies

There are actually quite a few things you can do to prevent or reduce your allergy symptoms. For instance:

1. Wearing a mask outdoors to filter out pollen
2. Using an air purifier to remove allergens from the air of your living or workspace.
3. Re-landscaping to remove known allergens from your property.
4. Keep doors and windows closed to keep out allergens.
5. Clean regularly, including washing bedding in hot water.
6. Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and reduce airborne allergies.
7. Take a shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
8. Avoid outdoor activities on high pollen days.
9. Taking over-the-counter medications to mitigate your symptoms.
10. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) over time can reduce your body’s sensitivity to an allergen.

Consult with your doctor about any medications to make sure they are safe for you. Remember that what works for one person might not work for another. You may have to experiment before finding the right combination that will work for you.

Best Over-The-Counter Allergy Treatments

Over-the-counter medications can really help you with your allergies if your symptoms are mild to moderate. Below are links to generics of some popular name-brand allergy treatments. Compare their active ingredients and prices to your favorite name brands.

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

Check Amazon

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

Check Amazon

What if Your Pet Has Allergies?

Pets can suffer from a lot of the same kinds of allergies as people. Here are examples of three common types of allergies in pets:

• Skin allergies: a reaction to things such as pollen, mold, and fleas.

• Food allergies: a reaction to certain proteins, carbohydrates, additives, or preservatives in the diet.

• Environmental allergies: a reaction to pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.

Some allergy symptoms to watch out for in pets are: scratching, biting, licking fur, and sometimes leaving bare spots. Red, irritated skin. Discharge from the eyes or nose. Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Sneezing, coughing, hacking up phlegm. If you notice any of these, take your pet to the vet.

Can Pets Take Human Allergy Medicine?

Pets can take some allergy medicines, but it is not recommended to medicate them without consulting a veterinarian, as these medications are not designed for use in animals and can be harmful to them. Pets have different metabolisms and body systems than humans, and what may be safe for humans may not be safe for pets. Some OTC medications can even be toxic to animals. If your vet does approve an OTC, they will be able to advise you on the proper dosage and interval between doses so you do not inadvertently injure your pet.

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