Seasonal vs. Shock Allergies: What You Need to Know

Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to airborne triggers such as pollen or mold. They’re called seasonal allergies because, depending on your specific trigger, you’ll develop mild allergic reactions every spring, summer or fall when certain plants, trees and weeds pollinate.

Common hay fever symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes, nose, mouth or throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sinus pressure
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Swollen lips, face, tongue or throat

Seasonal allergies are often confused with the common cold since their symptoms are quite similar. Even though seasonal allergies don't develop from a virus or other contagious illness, it's still important to visit your primary care provider to ensure you get the allergy medication you need to feel better.

Anaphylaxis, or a shock allergy, is a very serious and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when exposed to certain triggers. Shock allergies often develop rapidly, impact multiple bodily systems, cause extreme symptoms, like difficulty breathing and require the use of epinephrine to control reactions.

Common triggers for anaphylaxis include:

• Food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, shellfish, sesame and more
• Insect stings from bees, wasps or fire ants
• Latex
• Medications and antibiotics like penicillin or general anesthetics

Shock allergy symptoms are more intense than seasonal allergies, including:

• Chest or throat tightness
• Confusion
• Consistent vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Extreme diarrhea
• Eye swelling
• Hives or rash across the entire body
• Hoarse voice
• Loss or change of color, very pale, white or bluish lips
• Loss of consciousness
• Low pulse or blood pressure
• Major abdominal pain or cramps
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Wheezing

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, visit your nearest ER or call 911 immediately for the prompt care you deserve.

While seasonal and shock allergies are both immune responses, they exhibit significant differences in terms of severity and typical triggers. Airborne elements, like pollen or mold, cause seasonal allergies. On the other hand, specific foods, medications and certain types of insect bites or stings can trigger shock allergies.

Seasonal allergies can be managed through medication and intervention with your primary care provider and even holistic allergy treatments, while shock allergies require you to visit your nearest ER for prompt care.

Typically, seasonal allergies don’t warrant a visit to the ER. Most of the time, you can manage your symptoms with over-the-counter medications and by reducing your exposure to certain triggers. However, if you or a loved one experiences a severe allergic reaction, you must seek medical attention immediately. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, so it’s important to get help right away.

When it comes to preventing seasonal and shock allergies, the best thing you can do is avoid exposure to your trigger. If you experience seasonal allergies during the spring, try and avoid areas heavily populated with vegetation.

If you have shock allergies tied to a specific food, never eat it, check food labels and make sure those around you are aware. Some individuals can’t touch or even inhale residue from the food(s) they’re allergic to, such as peanuts.

Other prevention tips for allergies include:

• Changing clothes and showering after being outside
• Checking pollen forecast
• Keeping an EpiPen with you at all times
• Keeping over-the-counter medications handy
• Reading food labels carefully
• Remaining hydrated
• Rinsing your sinuses
• Taking food allergy medication
• Wearing a face mask around specific triggers

If you have allergies, talk with your primary care provider to develop a personalized treatment and prevention plan tailored to your specific needs.