Seasonal Allergies: Understanding Triggers and Finding Relief

The transition from one season to the next can be a welcome change to daily routines. However, for the more than 25% of adults in the United States who suffer from seasonal allergies, this transition can also mean itchy eyes, sneezing and a pocket full of tissues at the ready.¹

This article will touch on common causes of seasonal allergies, treatment options and tips to help you avoid allergy triggers and find some relief.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or simply hay fever, occur when common environmental triggers (pollen, dust, mold) cause an overreaction of your immune response, resulting in unwelcome symptoms that can impact your daily life. This overreaction triggers the release of certain chemicals in your body to combat the unwanted allergens.²

While common triggers depend on the specific season and where you live, the most common allergens can include the following:

Pollen

Pollen is one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies and typically resides in plants that bloom in the spring, summer or fall. However, in some regions, including the south, pollen can start to drop in the winter.³

Some plants that produce pollen include:³

• Trees (between February and April)
• Grasses (between April and early June)
• Weeds (between August and the first hard frost)

Dust mites

The dust lingering in your home is a common trigger of allergies. These microscopic dust mites hang out on the furniture, bedding, carpets and other household items. A doctor can diagnose a dust mite allergy using a skin test or a blood test.⁴

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that circulates in the air of moist or damp environments and can cause allergy symptoms. Mold can grow both indoors and outdoors.⁵

Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergies can target your eyes, nose, skin and airways, producing both mild and severe symptoms including:⁶

• Coughing
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Rash
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Wheezing

Spring Allergies

The arrival of spring brings many benefits, including warmer weather, longer days and beautiful flowers. However, spring can be particularly bothersome for people with allergies because it is the time of year when many trees, grasses and weeds start to release pollen.³

Spring allergens may not only affect your nose but can also trigger asthma (inflammatory lung disease) and eczema (inflammation of the skin), and can result in coughing, wheezing and itchy skin.⁷

One of the biggest culprits of spring allergies is tree pollen, especially from these types of trees:³

• Birch
• Cedar
• Cottonwood
• Oak

Allergy capitals of the U.S.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), your spring allergies might be worse if you live in one of these top 10 Allergy Capitals™:⁸

Strategiesto Prevent Seasonal Allergies

Eliminating your exposure to common allergy triggers is the best way to reduce symptoms.⁹

While removing all allergens from your environment is not practical, there are ways to minimize exposure and help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Indoors

Strategies to minimize indoor exposure include:⁹

• Cleaning with a HEPA vacuum once or twice a week³
• Controlling cockroaches
• Controlling moisture to prevent mold growth
• Keeping windows closed³
• Showering before going to bed³
• Using air purifiers³
• Using zippered allergen-resistant covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs
• Ventilating your indoor areas
• Washing bedding weekly in warm water

Outdoors

Strategies to reduce outdoor symptoms include:³

• Avoiding outdoor activities when there is a high pollen count in your area
• Bathing your pets once a week and wiping their fur after being outside
• Changing and washing your clothes after outdoor activities
• Leaving your shoes outside

Allergy Treatment Options

There are many treatment options available to help minimize allergy symptoms, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription treatments.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a common type of OTC treatment for seasonal allergies. They are effective at reducing sneezing, itching and a runny nose.⁸

Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it is important to be mindful of side effects before you take them during the day.⁸

Decongestants

Decongestants help reduce swelling in your nose. However, they should not be used for more than three days in a row or they can result in worsening symptoms.⁸

Eye drops

Antihistamine eye drops can be an effective way to treat redness and itching. It is important to only use eye drops approved by the FDA to avoid infection and contamination.¹⁰

Nasal corticosteroids

Nose sprays reduce swelling that can cause a stuffy, runny nose. They are the most effective treatment for nasal allergies.⁸

Many brands of nasal spray are available for purchase at your local drugstore or pharmacy.

Oral corticosteroids

If symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation in your airway.⁴

Shots (allergy immunotherapy)

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a way to decrease your sensitivity to allergens over the long term. This treatment option may initially involve appointments once a week for three to six months, followed by one per month for three to five years.¹¹

Other Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication, there are natural remedies and lifestyle changes you can implement to help minimize the negative effects of allergy season. These include:¹²

• Maintaining a clean living space
• Rinsing daily with nasal saline⁸
• Staying hydrated
• Washing your hands frequently
• Wearing sunglasses when outdoors

Many people think that consuming natural honey is a good way to desensitize your body to allergens. However, according to the AAFA, this is a myth — honey will not help relieve your seasonal allergies.¹³

When to See a Professional About Allergies

You should meet with an allergy specialist if OTC medications do not relieve your symptoms or if symptoms get worse. An allergist can recommend a long-term plan for getting your seasonal allergies under control.¹⁴

It may be time to see an allergist if:¹⁴

• Allergy symptoms are interfering with your quality of life
• You experience symptoms several months out of the year
• You get frequent sinus infections
• You have difficulty breathing

The Bottom Line

Seasonal allergies cause symptoms that can affect your quality of life and daily routine, but there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help relieve symptoms. There are also indoor and outdoor precautions you can take to help minimize symptoms. Make sure to consult with a board-certified allergist if your symptoms become worse or are not relieved by common medications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Allergies

Do you still have questions about seasonal allergies? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about them.

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Author Bio

Amy Isler, M.S.N., R.N., has more than a decade of nursing expertise. She combines her nursing experience and journalism background to create engaging and educational healthcare content for leading brands and publications, including GoodRx, Verywell Health, Vision Center and more. Her mission in writing is to provide positive, accurate and informative articles for consumers.