What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to airborne particles that are more common during certain times of year. The usual culprits include:

• Tree pollens in late winter to spring (e.g., birch, oak, maple)
• Grass pollens in late spring to summer
• Weed pollens in late summer to fall (e.g., ragweed)
• Outdoor molds that thrive in damp, warm conditions

Climate patterns and where you live shape your season’s length and intensity. In many regions, pollen seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer.

Common symptoms and how to tell it’s allergies

• Frequent sneezing; clear runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Itchy nose, ears, or throat; post-nasal drip
• Fatigue, brain fog, and reduced concentration
• Worsening of asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze, chest tightness) in those with asthma

Allergies are more likely if symptoms:

• Are seasonal or flare on high-pollen, windy, or dry days
• Improve with antihistamines or intranasal steroid sprays
• Come without fever, body aches, or thick yellow/green nasal discharge early on

Colds usually last 7–10 days, can include fever and body aches, and don’t respond to allergy medicines as well.

Getting a diagnosis

Most seasonal allergies can be diagnosed based on your history and exam. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or unclear, your clinician may recommend:

• Skin prick testing for specific allergens
• Blood IgE testing if skin testing isn’t possible

Keep a simple symptom diary: note dates, weather, pollen forecasts, locations, and exposures (yard work, open windows, pets). This helps guide testing and treatment timing.

Daily strategies to reduce exposure

Watch the pollen count

• Check local pollen forecasts. Pollen is typically highest in early morning and on warm, windy, dry days, and lower after steady rain.
• Plan outdoor activities for late afternoon or after rain when feasible.

Protect yourself outdoors

• Wear wraparound sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
• Use a well-fitted mask (e.g., N95/FFP2) when gardening, mowing, raking leaves, or on high-pollen days.
• Consider having someone else mow or using a service during peak season.

Keep pollen out of your home

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days; use air conditioning with a clean filter.
• Use a portable air purifier with a True HEPA filter sized for the room; replace filters as recommended.
• Change HVAC filters regularly (consider MERV 13 or as high as your system allows).
• Shower and wash your hair before bed; change out of outdoor clothes; wipe down pets’ fur and paws after walks.
• Launder bedding weekly in warm/hot water; avoid drying laundry outdoors during peak pollen.

In the car

• Use the cabin air setting with recirculation when pollen counts are high.
• Replace cabin air filters on schedule.

Control indoor humidity and mold

• Keep indoor humidity around 40–50% to discourage mold growth.
• Fix leaks promptly; use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens; clean visible mold safely or consult a professional for larger areas.

Medications and treatments

Many people feel best with a combination of avoidance strategies and medicines. Always follow product labels and consult a clinician, especially if you have other health conditions, take multiple medications, are pregnant, or are considering treatment for a child.

First-line options

• Intranasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and help nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They work best when used daily during your season and may take several days to reach full effect.
• Second-generation oral antihistamines (non-drowsy options) reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose but are less effective for significant congestion.

Additional options

• Intranasal antihistamine sprays can be as effective as oral antihistamines and work quickly; some people do well with a steroid + antihistamine combination spray.
• Allergy eye drops with antihistamine and/or mast-cell stabilizer help itchy, watery eyes.
• Saline nasal spray or rinses clear allergens and mucus and can be used with other medicines.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists may help some patients but can have rare behavioral or mood-related side effects; discuss risks and benefits with your clinician.
• Cromolyn sodium nasal spray is a preventive option; it works best when started before exposure and used several times daily.

Decongestants: use with caution

• Oral decongestants can improve congestion but may raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, worsen glaucoma or urinary retention, and disturb sleep. They can interact with other medications.
• Topical nasal decongestant sprays work quickly for congestion, but using them longer than a few days can cause rebound congestion.

Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization)

• Allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops can reduce symptom severity and medication needs over time by training your immune system to tolerate specific allergens.
• Best for people with moderate to severe symptoms, poor response to medications, or coexisting asthma. Treatment is a long-term commitment; benefits build gradually.

Tip: Begin your preventive regimen 1–2 weeks before your typical season starts, and continue through the season.

Nasal spray and saline rinse technique

Intranasal corticosteroid spray

• Gently blow your nose first.
• Keep your head slightly forward. Aim the nozzle slightly outwards toward the ear on the same side, not toward the center of your nose.
• Spray while breathing in gently; avoid sniffing hard. Repeat on the other side as directed.
• Avoid spraying the nasal septum (the middle wall) to reduce irritation and nosebleeds.

Saline rinses (neti pot, squeeze bottle)

• Use only sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water to make your saline solution.
• Follow device instructions; clean and air-dry the device after each use.
• Isotonic saline is gentle; hypertonic solutions can reduce swelling but may feel more intense.

Lifestyle, home, and natural approaches

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter and damp dust weekly to reduce indoor allergens.
• Pet considerations: Wipe down fur after outdoor time; keep pets out of the bedroom during peak season.
• Diet: Overall healthy eating supports immune health. Evidence for specific foods or probiotics is mixed; discuss supplements with a clinician if you’re interested.
• Local honey: Tastes good, but evidence for allergy relief is limited; don’t give honey to infants under 1 year.
• Oral allergy syndrome (pollen–food cross-reactivity): Some people with pollen allergies experience mouth or throat itch when eating certain raw fruits/vegetables or nuts. Cooking often helps. Seek medical advice if symptoms are concerning or systemic.
• Yard choices: Consider low-pollen landscaping; avoid planting high-pollen species near windows and doors.

Children, pregnancy, and other special considerations

• Children: Many treatments are available in pediatric formulations. Confirm appropriate options and dosing with a pediatric clinician.
• Pregnancy: Discuss options with your obstetric clinician. Some intranasal steroids and second-generation antihistamines are commonly used during pregnancy; oral decongestants are generally avoided early in pregnancy. Starting new immunotherapy during pregnancy is usually not recommended, though continuing a stable regimen may be.
• Chronic conditions: If you have asthma, heart disease, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or mental health conditions, review allergy medications with your clinician first.

Sleep and mental well-being

Allergies can cause sleep disruption and daytime fatigue, affecting mood and productivity. Improving nasal breathing at night, rinsing before bed, keeping the bedroom low in allergens, and choosing non-sedating medications during the day can help. If sleep problems persist, talk with your clinician.

When to see a clinician

• Symptoms remain moderate to severe despite correct use of over-the-counter treatments
• Frequent sinus infections, ear pressure/pain, or significant headaches
• Wheezing, persistent cough, or shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds or nasal pain with sprays; irritation that doesn’t improve with technique changes
• Concerns about medication side effects or interactions
• Considering allergen immunotherapy

Seasonal allergens rarely cause anaphylaxis, but seek emergency care for trouble breathing, throat tightness, fainting, or widespread hives with systemic symptoms.

Myths and FAQs

Myth: “You can’t do anything about pollen.”

Fact: Reducing exposure, timing outdoor activities, and improving indoor air quality can meaningfully lower symptoms.

Myth: “All antihistamines make you drowsy.”

Fact: Second-generation options are designed to be less sedating. Always check labels and how you personally respond.

FAQ: Should I start treatment before symptoms begin?

Yes. Starting intranasal steroids and preventive measures 1–2 weeks before your season often improves control.

FAQ: Are nasal steroid sprays safe long-term?

When used as directed, they are generally safe for long-term use in many people. Side effects can include local irritation or occasional nosebleeds; correct technique helps. Discuss long-term plans with your clinician.

FAQ: Do air purifiers help?

Yes, a properly sized HEPA air purifier can reduce indoor pollen and other particulates, especially in the bedroom.

Quick checklist

• Know your season: trees (spring), grasses (summer), weeds (late summer–fall), molds (warm/damp)
• Check pollen forecasts and adjust outdoor plans
• Close windows on high-pollen days; use AC with clean filters
• Shower before bed; change clothes after outdoor time; wipe pets’ fur
• Use HEPA air purification and regular vacuuming/dusting
• Start preventive meds ahead of your season; use nasal sprays with correct technique
• Consider eye drops and saline rinses for additional relief
• Discuss persistent symptoms, comorbid asthma, or interest in immunotherapy with a clinician

With the right plan, allergy season doesn’t have to sideline you. Layer environmental controls with well-chosen treatments, and personalize your strategy with input from a healthcare professional.