Can allergies last for months?
Allergies and Duration
Allergies are an immune system reaction to an environmental trigger such as pollen, dust, mold, animal dander, or certain foods. Allergies can be seasonal, or they can last for months or years.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are the most common type of allergy. They usually last for a few weeks or months, depending on the season and the type of allergen. For example, seasonal allergies to tree pollen may last from late winter to early spring, while allergies to grass pollen may last from early spring to late summer.
Perennial Allergies
Perennial allergies are allergies that last for more than four weeks at a time. These types of allergies are usually caused by indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Perennial allergies can last for months or even years, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
Chronic Allergies
Chronic allergies are allergies that last more than four weeks and recur over time. These types of allergies are usually the result of exposure to an allergen that is constantly present, such as pet dander, dust mites, or mold. Chronic allergies can often cause more severe symptoms than seasonal or perennial allergies.
Allergy Treatment
Treatment for allergies depends on the type and severity of the allergy. Treatment options include avoidance of the allergen, medications to reduce symptoms, and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a long-term treatment option that can help reduce allergy symptoms over time and can even lead to a complete cure in some cases.