Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen Do They Occur?Mild SymptomsSevere SymptomsTriggersOver-the-Counter ReliefDrug-Free TreatmentLong-Term Solutions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When Do They Occur?
Mild Symptoms
Severe Symptoms
Triggers
Over-the-Counter Relief
Drug-Free Treatment
Long-Term Solutions
As the seasons shift, many people find themselves grappling with an unwelcome guest: seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.Allergies can significantly disrupt daily life, causinga range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, and an itchy throat are among the common signs of seasonal allergies.These symptoms can also extend beyond the expected seasonal time frame, persisting throughout the year for some people.
In this article, we will delve into when seasonal allergy symptoms start, types of seasonal allergy symptoms, the allergens that trigger these reactions, and various treatment options for finding relief from seasonal allergies.
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When Do Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Ramp Up?
Seasonal allergy symptoms usually intensify when certain allergens, like pollen, are widespread in the environment. The timing of these symptoms can vary depending on where you live and the specific allergens that affect you.
As these plants release their pollen into the air, individuals who are allergic may start to experience symptoms like sneezing, itchiness, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. The intensity of symptoms can vary from person to person, but it is during these periods of increased allergen exposure that seasonal allergy symptoms tend to ramp up.
TimelineSeasonal allergy timeframes may vary depending on your location and the specific plants prevalent in your area. Here is a general timeframe:Spring (February to May): Tree pollenSummer (April to August): Grass pollenFall (August to November): Weed pollen
Timeline
Seasonal allergy timeframes may vary depending on your location and the specific plants prevalent in your area. Here is a general timeframe:Spring (February to May): Tree pollenSummer (April to August): Grass pollenFall (August to November): Weed pollen
Seasonal allergy timeframes may vary depending on your location and the specific plants prevalent in your area. Here is a general timeframe:
Mild Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Mild seasonal allergy symptoms include:
Allergies and Mental HealthResearch indicates that seasonal allergies can affect mental health and mood, potentially leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Allergies and Mental Health
Research indicates that seasonal allergies can affect mental health and mood, potentially leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How Long Do Allergic Reactions Last?
Severe Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
If you experience severe allergy symptoms or have a history of severe allergic reactions, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional or allergist can provide proper diagnosis, treatment, and guidance tailored to your individual needs.
Severe seasonal allergy symptoms include:
Anaphylaxis
When a severe allergic reaction involves two or more organ systems, it is referred to as anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can potentially life-threatening, affecting various organ systems including the skin, mouth, stomach, respiratory system, and heart.
The following symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis:
If you or someone around you experiences these severe allergic reaction symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
Allergens That Trigger Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Tree pollen causes most spring seasonal allergies. The most common springtime allergens include tree pollen from:
Grass pollen is a common culprit for summer allergens. The most common types of grass pollen includes:
Weed pollen is the cause of many fall allergies. Types of weed pollen include:
Over-the-Counter Relief for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
If you’re looking for over-the-counter (OTC) relief for seasonal allergy symptoms, there are several options available. It’s important to note that while these medications can provide relief, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting any new medication.
Here are some common OTC options for seasonal allergy relief:
Antihistamines
These medications help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin, (loratadine), and Allegra (fexofenadine), may be preferred due to their non-drowsy effects. Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness but may be useful if sleep disruption due to allergies is a concern.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal sprays, such as Flonase (fluticasone propionate) help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
Decongestants
Oral decongestants can help alleviate nasal congestion. However, they should be used with caution and only for a short duration due to potential side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure.An example of an OTC decongestant is Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). Talk to a healthcare provider about the best way to use decongestants.
Combination Medications
Some OTC medications combine antihistamines and decongestants to provide relief for multiple symptoms. Examples include Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine) Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine). Again, caution should be exercised with decongestant components due to potential side effects.
Drug-Free Treatment for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Some may wish to avoid the sedating effects of certain drugstore options for seasonal allergies to maintain daytime alertness and productivity.
Saline Nasal Wash
Saline nasal washes can help clear out nasal congestion and reduce allergen exposure. They can be particularly useful for people who prefer drug-free options.
Allergen Barrier Balm
Applying a thin layer of allergen barrier balm around your nostrils can help trap and prevent allergens from entering your nasal passages. These balms are available over the counter and may help provide a physical barrier against allergens, but further studies are needed.
Long-Term Solutions for Dealing With Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
If your seasonal allergies significantly impact your quality of life, consider consulting an allergist. Allergies are not limited to pollen alone, and many individuals with spring allergies experience year-round symptoms. An allergist can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop strategies to avoid triggers instead of merely treating the symptoms.
While short-term relief measures like OTC medications can provide temporary relief, it’s important to consider long-term solutions for managing and reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some strategies you can try:
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Determine the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms, such as pollen from certain plants, mold spores, or dust mites. Monitor pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high pollen days. Keep windows closed and use air purifiers with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters to minimize exposure to allergens.
Keeping Windows and Doors Shut During Allergy Seasons
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home or car. Consider using air conditioning instead, but make sure to clean or replace the filters regularly to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
Allergen Immunotherapy
This approach entails gradually introducing your body to tiny quantities of allergens to desensitize your immune system.. It can be administered through injections or sublingual drops or tablets. Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term approach that aims to reduce the severity of symptoms and potentially provide lasting relief.
Summary
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis.Small, P., Keith, P.K. & Kim, H.Allergic rhinitisAllergy Asthma Clin Immunol 14 (Suppl 2), 51 (2018). doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0280-7American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Seasonal allergies- causes, symptoms, and treatment.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Tree pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Grass pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.Allergy and Asthma Network.Allergy symptoms.“Allergic mood” –Depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (Sar) and their association to inflammatory, endocrine, and allergic markers. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2017;65:202-209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2017.05.005Medline Plus.Antihistamines for allergies.Medline Plus.Nasal corticosteroid sprays.Medline Plus.Allergies.Medline Plus.Pseudoephedrine.Medline Plus.Loratadine.Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis - self-care.Chen X, Deng C, Mi J, et al.Barrier protection measures for the management of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2020;34(4):564-572. doi:10.1177/1945892420912370American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergy immunotherapy.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis.Small, P., Keith, P.K. & Kim, H.Allergic rhinitisAllergy Asthma Clin Immunol 14 (Suppl 2), 51 (2018). doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0280-7American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Seasonal allergies- causes, symptoms, and treatment.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Tree pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Grass pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.Allergy and Asthma Network.Allergy symptoms.“Allergic mood” –Depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (Sar) and their association to inflammatory, endocrine, and allergic markers. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2017;65:202-209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2017.05.005Medline Plus.Antihistamines for allergies.Medline Plus.Nasal corticosteroid sprays.Medline Plus.Allergies.Medline Plus.Pseudoephedrine.Medline Plus.Loratadine.Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis - self-care.Chen X, Deng C, Mi J, et al.Barrier protection measures for the management of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2020;34(4):564-572. doi:10.1177/1945892420912370American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergy immunotherapy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis.Small, P., Keith, P.K. & Kim, H.Allergic rhinitisAllergy Asthma Clin Immunol 14 (Suppl 2), 51 (2018). doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0280-7American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Seasonal allergies- causes, symptoms, and treatment.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Tree pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Grass pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.Allergy and Asthma Network.Allergy symptoms.“Allergic mood” –Depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (Sar) and their association to inflammatory, endocrine, and allergic markers. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2017;65:202-209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2017.05.005Medline Plus.Antihistamines for allergies.Medline Plus.Nasal corticosteroid sprays.Medline Plus.Allergies.Medline Plus.Pseudoephedrine.Medline Plus.Loratadine.Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis - self-care.Chen X, Deng C, Mi J, et al.Barrier protection measures for the management of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2020;34(4):564-572. doi:10.1177/1945892420912370American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergy immunotherapy.
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Medline Plus.Antihistamines for allergies.
Medline Plus.Nasal corticosteroid sprays.
Medline Plus.Allergies.
Medline Plus.Pseudoephedrine.
Medline Plus.Loratadine.
Medline Plus.Allergic rhinitis - self-care.
Chen X, Deng C, Mi J, et al.Barrier protection measures for the management of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2020;34(4):564-572. doi:10.1177/1945892420912370
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergy immunotherapy.
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