9 strange things that cause seasonal allergy symptoms

Seasonal allergy symptoms can vary based on the time of day, environment and exposure to potential allergy triggers. While some allergy triggers are obvious, there are plenty of strange things that can set off the symptoms of allergies. Here are nine unexpected allergy triggers.

If you wear contact lenses, you may want to switch to glasses when you're experiencing allergy symptoms.

This change could help because contact lenses can trap pollen in your eyes and can trigger symptoms like itchy or watery eyes.

At the very least, plan on carrying cleaning solution to rinse out your contact lenses.

Rainy weather traps pollen in flowers and prevents it from floating in the air. Dry weather can have the opposite effect, and you may notice that your allergy symptoms linger.

Unfortunately, only a vacation will fix this problem.

You know that too much stress isn't good for your body, but a 2008 Ohio State University College of Medicine experiment also suggests that stress could prompt more allergy symptoms.

What makes stress even worse for allergy sufferers, though, is that the hormones that stress produces also trigger blood protein production that can make you more sensitive to pollen.

To avoid the stress trigger for your allergies, try meditating and be sure to sleep at least seven hours each night.

Does ragweed season seem longer than ever?

Research that the U.S. National Allergy Bureau and the Aerobiology Research Laboratories in Ottawa conducted shows that ragweed season has increased 25 days or more in both Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Their 2011 paper suggests that increased warming due to climate change is to blame.

Unwinding with a glass of wine might be the perfect way to relax, but it could also lead to worse allergy symptoms.

Most alcohols contain a histamine (a substance thought to be responsible for allergies), which triggers allergy symptoms.

Beer and wine are also packed with sulfates, which can also cause allergies.

Unfortunately, you should trade these potential triggers for another indulgence during allergy season.

While ragweed and tree pollen get most of the blame, many people with seasonal allergies are also allergic to common houseplants.

Orchids, ferns and ivy are common culprits, but almost any plant could trigger a reaction.

Try placing your houseplants in a room with a closed door for a few weeks. If your allergy symptoms get noticeably better, ditch the plants.

Even if you don't smoke, friends that do could be triggering your allergy symptoms.

Exposure to secondhand smoke causes your respiratory system to become more sensitive and more likely to react to pollen.

For the sake of your health, stay inside during smoke breaks.

Anything scented can make your eyes and respiratory system more sensitive. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider buying scent-free products to reduce the chance of worsening symptoms.

You know that swimming is excellent exercise, but swimming in an indoor chlorinated pool could provoke allergies.

A 2009 study published in Pediatrics indicated that regular swimmers were several times more likely to develop seasonal allergies and asthma as a result of the chlorinated water. Try looking for a saltwater indoor pool to prevent this possibility.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, remember these nine strange allergy triggers and try to avoid them as best you can.