URMC / Encyclopedia / Content Search Encyclopedia How Much Do You Know About Seasonal Allergies? For people with seasonal allergies, spring and fall can be times of sniffles and sneezes. Find out more about seasonal allergies by taking this quiz. 1. Which of the following is a symptom of seasonal allergies? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other symptoms include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, and a runny nose. The time of year that people have symptoms depends on where they live and the substances to which they’re allergic. A. SneezingB. Stomach painC. Muscle crampsD. All of the above 2. What causes seasonal allergies? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Airborne pollens are outdoor allergens that commonly trigger symptoms during the spring and fall. Molds can be found both outdoors and indoors – in homes and other buildings. Outdoor mold is a seasonal allergen. Indoor mold can be present year round. Pet dander is another allergen but can affect a person year-round. A. Airborne pollensB. Pet danderC. Outdoor mold sporesD. A and C 3. Which of the following is true about pollens? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Many trees, grasses, and weeds have small, light, dry pollens that trigger allergy symptoms. Brightly colored flowers rely on insects to spread their pollen, and so don’t usually trigger allergies. A. They’re tiny male cells of flowering plantsB. They’re smaller than the width of a human hairC. Pollens from plants with bright flowers, such as roses, usually don’t trigger allergiesD. All of the above 4. Which of the following is true about molds? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Mold spores are found everywhere. In some areas they are so abundant that they may outnumber pollens in the air. Molds are microscopic fungi. They don’t have a specific season but are affected by weather conditions such as wind, rain, or temperature. A. They’re microscopic parasitesB. Mold spores float in the air like pollen C. Mold season occurs in the summerD. All of the above 5. What do pollen and mold counts measure? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Pollen and mold spore counts can be determined daily and are reported as grains per cubic meter of air. These counts are available on the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology’s website. A. The amount of airborne allergens present in the airB. The number of people who suffer from these allergensC. The number of these allergens that grow in each stateD. None of the above 6. How can weather affect allergy sufferers? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Pollen is released and blown over wide areas in windy weather. A. Allergy symptoms are reduced when it’s rainy, cloudy, or calmB. Allergy symptoms are increased when it’s hot, dry, and windyC. Weather has no effectD. A and B 7. Which of the following can reduce allergy symptoms? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning cuts down on the amount of pollen and mold indoors. Air conditioning also helps lessen moisture in the air. Many people get relief from taking over-the-counter medicines. Other people need prescription medicines or allergy shots to feel better. A. Keeping windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting into the homeB. Using air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the airC. Taking allergy medicinesD. All of the above 8. Which of the following can increase allergy symptoms? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If possible, have someone else do the yard work. If you can't do this, wear a face mask that filters pollens and molds when working outdoors. Plants that are overwatered can grow mold spores. These spores can trigger allergy symptoms. A. Mowing the grassB. Raking leavesC. Overwatering indoor plantsD. All of the above 9. When should people with allergies see an allergy/asthma specialist? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is An allergy/asthma specialist can give you more information on your allergies. They will tell you about the pollens and molds in your area and advise you on treatment. They will help you develop an Asthma Action Plan to manage your asthma symptoms and triggers. A. When they need help and information about environmental triggersB. When they sneeze a lotC. When they have a history of seasonal or persistent asthma D. A and C Your score was: Medical Reviewers: Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN Gotwals, Jessica, RN, BSN, MPH Sather, Rita, RN