Differences Between Seasonal Allergies and Food Allergies

Seasonal Allergies vs. Food Allergies Overview

Seasonal allergies and food allergies can cause similar-looking symptoms. Several symptoms mimic similar reactions. It is essential to know the differences between seasonal allergies and food allergies to keep an eye out for any signs of allergies. The immune system is responsible for fighting back any diseases and infections. It identifies foreign, harmful bodies and then eliminates them with the help of antibodies.

However, allergies happen when your body becomes hypersensitive to everyday substances — it could be a seasonal factor such as mold or pollen, or it could some type of food. These substances are then called allergens. Our immune system detects allergens as hostile. To battle the allergens away, the immune system releases chemicals such as histamines, which then cause allergic reactions like rashes or excessive sneezing.

In some cases, these allergies may also overlap each other, to make matters worse. Due to which it is ideal for identifying which substances are a person allergic to, to keep allergies in control.

Read ahead to learn the differences between seasonal allergies and food allergies.

Clear Differences

Seasonal and food allergies appear similar when it comes to signs and symptoms. However, some very minor differences can help you determine whether or not it is a food allergy or a seasonal allergy. And those factors are:

• Location: pollen levels vary by region and season, so symptoms that track the local pollen season point to a seasonal allergy.

• Timing: seasonal allergies appear when a pollen season starts and ease when it ends, regardless of what you eat.

• Food link: food allergy reactions usually start within minutes to a couple of hours after eating a specific food, and can happen every time you eat it.

• Cleaning or dusty spaces can stir up dust and mold and trigger indoor allergies, which suggests an airborne rather than a food allergy.

Read ahead to know about both seasonal and food allergies to have a deeper understanding of them.

Seasonal Allergy

Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, are very common: about one in four U.S. adults has a diagnosed seasonal allergy (CDC). Pollen is the most common trigger, but outdoor mold spores can also cause symptoms.

Tree pollen is the usual trigger in spring, grass in late spring and summer, and weeds such as ragweed in late summer and fall (ACAAI). Some people react in more than one season, and indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold can cause year-round symptoms.

Common Allergens

• Mold
• Dust
• Fungi
• Grass
• Pollen
• Mites
• Weeds
• Pet dander

Common Symptoms

• Sneezes
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itchy, irritable, redness in eyes
• Postnasal drainage
• Ear congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Coughing
• Wheezing

How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies

There are many ways in which you can eliminate common allergens from your home. It is ideal for keeping your home clean, which includes regularly washing your beddings, carpets, and curtains. Avoid keeping things that may collect dust or allergens, such as stuffed toys and carpets. Call the plumber to fix any water leakages to avoid mold and pest growth. To reduce excess moisture, use a dehumidifier. Damp places such as humidifiers, air conditioners, and refrigerators create mold, so keep them clean to avoid mold build-up.

Food Allergies

A food allergy happens when the immune system reacts to a protein in a food. About 6.2% of U.S. adults have a diagnosed food allergy (CDC). The FDA recognizes nine major food allergens (FDA):

Common Allergens

• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Cow’s milk
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Wheat
• Soy
• Tree nuts
• Sesame

Common Symptoms

• Sneezes
• Runny nose
• Watery, irritable eyes
• Rash
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Hives
• Nausea
• Lips, tongue, or throat swelling

How to Prevent Food Allergies

Strict avoidance is the foundation: read ingredient labels every time. People at risk of severe reactions should carry epinephrine and keep two devices available (MedlinePlus). For certain patients, Palforzia (peanut) and Xolair can reduce reactions to accidental exposure, but they don’t replace avoidance (FDA).

Diagnosis for Seasonal and Food Allergies

Because some symptoms overlap, see a doctor or allergist rather than guessing. An allergist can use your history along with skin or blood tests, and sometimes a supervised food challenge, to find the cause.

Your doctor can help you prevent and manage both types. Seasonal allergies are usually controlled with antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and avoidance, and immunotherapy can provide lasting relief. Antihistamines don’t treat anaphylaxis from a food allergy; epinephrine does (MedlinePlus).

Conclusion

It is possible that people tend to ignore any signs of allergic reactions, as they seem harmless, such as itching or diarrhea, and could be misdiagnosed as another, basic health problem. However, it is ideal to visit the doctor to help individuals rule out any possibilities of being allergic to whichever substances and to guide you to take prevention measures to avoid problems in the future. Getting yourself treated is also ideal for helping you prevent over-lapping allergic reactions, which become harder to treat.

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Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (December 21, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Seasonal vs. Food Allergy FAQs

What are the major food allergens in the U.S.?

Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame (FDA).

Can pollen allergies cause reactions to food?

Yes. Some people with pollen allergy get an itchy mouth from certain raw fruits and vegetables (oral allergy syndrome).

Can antihistamines stop a severe food reaction?

No. Use epinephrine and call 911 for anaphylaxis (MedlinePlus).

How are food allergies diagnosed?

With your history, skin or blood tests, and sometimes a supervised oral food challenge.

Sources

Looking for more allergy types? Find a full list of other allergy causes here.