• Allergies

How to Get Rid of Seasonal Allergies

Medically reviewed and edited by Holly Lunsford, APRN, FNP

If you experience worsening allergies and uncomfortable symptoms as the seasons change, you’re not alone.

Seasonal allergies affect nearly 81 million Americans and typically arise when various allergens become airborne with changing weather conditions.

It can be difficult to know what is causing your seasonal allergies, especially if your symptoms are new or severe.

Tired of itchy eyes and constant sneezing?

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What is a Seasonal Allergy?

Seasonal allergies — also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis — are an allergic response to certain substances that can only be found during specific times of the year.

This type of allergy is typically triggered by outdoor allergens that vary depending on the season.

These allergens are generally harmless substances that the body incorrectly perceives as threats, prompting an immune response.

This immune response releases histamines into the bloodstream, which causes uncomfortable symptoms.

Common seasonal allergens

Many allergens are known allergy triggers, including:

• Pollen: The primary trigger for seasonal allergies is pollen from blooming trees, grasses, and weeds that have higher pollen counts in spring and summer, when many plants bloom again after the winter.

• Mold spores: Mold and fungi release spores that can be airborne and cause allergic reactions. These spores usually thrive in damp areas — such as bathrooms, kitchens, or poorly ventilated spaces. Outdoor mold spores tend to peak during the summer, while indoor varieties are more common during colder months.

• Other allergens: While less common, outdoor allergens — like spores from fungi and certain insects — can also contribute to seasonal allergies during times of the year when they tend to thrive.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies can cause several symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms may include:

• Sneezing

• A stuffy or runny nose

• Congestion in the nasal passages

• Itchiness in the nose and roof of the mouth

• Itchy and watery eyes

• Itching in the throat and ears

• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears

• Respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Headaches

The severity of your symptoms will typically depend on your sensitivity to the allergen.

Treatment Options for Seasonal Allergies

Medical treatments

In most cases of seasonal allergies, the primary treatment involves over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.

Common OTC drugs include:

• Antihistamines

• Decongestants

• Nasal sprays

• Eye drops

Prescription allergy medications are largely the same as OTC drugs, but contain more potent ingredients to relieve more severe symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend allergy shots — or allergy immunotherapy — for more serious allergies.

This process involves injecting small amounts of a specific allergen into your bloodstream to desensitize the immune system.

Over time, this can help reduce your allergen sensitivity and alleviate your symptoms.

Natural remedies

Natural remedies can provide symptomatic relief from allergies, and they may be recommended alongside medical treatments.

By themselves, these remedies may not be potent enough to fully resolve allergy symptoms, which can lead to prolonged discomfort.

Common natural remedies may include:

• Herbal remedies — like butterbur, quercetin, and stinging nettle — can usually be made into a tea or taken as drops to alleviate allergy symptoms.

• At-home remedies often include performing nasal irrigation, practicing steam inhalation, or consuming local honey to build a pollen tolerance.

It’s important to note that while these remedies may be effective in relieving allergy symptoms, they should not be used as a substitute for proper medical care — especially if your allergies are severe.

Lifestyle adjustments

Depending on your allergen sensitivity, certain lifestyle adjustments may also be effective in treating allergies and reducing your symptoms. These may include:

• Avoiding foods that aggravate allergies: Certain foods can exacerbate allergy symptoms and should be avoided when in season to alleviate discomfort. For example, individuals with a pollen allergy might find that eating citrus fruits worsens their symptoms, so they’ll avoid these.

• Following a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods: Eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids — like salmon, leafy green vegetables, and flaxseeds — can help fight inflammation and reduce allergy symptoms.

• Staying hydrated: Staying hydrated keeps mucous membranes moist, helping to trap and remove allergens more effectively to reduce nasal congestion.

• Allergy-proofing your home: Using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers can help reduce your exposure to common indoor allergens, easing nighttime discomfort.

For personalized advice on lifestyle adjustments, be sure to discuss your individual habits with your doctor.

Can Seasonal Allergies be Prevented?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent seasonal allergies, there are several strategies you can implement to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Minimizing your exposure

The best method for preventing seasonal allergies is to minimize your exposure to allergens. This can be done by:

• Keeping track of the pollen count in your area and staying indoors when it’s high

• Keeping windows and doors closed, especially during high-pollen season

• Using air purifiers to remove airborne allergens from your home

• Keeping your home clean and free of dust mites

• Changing clothes and taking a shower after being outdoors

Planning outdoor activities accordingly

If you want to spend time outdoors — especially during the spring and summer months when seasonal allergies are prevalent — be sure to plan your activities carefully.

This can help you avoid locations and periods when allergen counts are higher and your risk of pollen exposure increases. Strategic planning can involve:

• Timing your activities to miss early morning and late afternoon periods when pollen counts tend to be highest

• Choosing allergy-friendly locations like beaches or areas with less vegetation

• Wearing protective gear — like sunglasses or masks — when outside

• Monitoring the weather and avoiding being outside when it’s windy or dry

When Should You See a Doctor About Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are usually manageable with over-the-counter solutions and lifestyle changes, but certain individuals may need to consult their doctor.

You should seek medical advice if your allergy symptoms are severe or persistent and disrupt your daily activities.

If OTC medications don’t seem to help alleviate symptoms — or if you find yourself relying on them too frequently — it’s wise to consult your doctor.

They can recommend stronger prescriptions or alternative treatments that may be more effective.

You should also speak to a healthcare provider if you're experiencing frequent sinus infections, recurrent headaches, or if you have asthma.

Medical treatment is also essential if you are experiencing signs of a serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. This type of reaction is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left unchecked.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• The development of a rash

• New or worsening breathing difficulties

• Tightness in the chest

Consulting your doctor about your allergies can also help get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for your sensitivities.

Where Can You Learn More About Managing and Living with Seasonal Allergies?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about treating seasonal allergies, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing this condition while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.

Holly Lunsford, APRN, FNP

Holly is an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of experience. She earned her Master’s of Science with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from the University of Memphis. Her extensive healthcare expertise spans across Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Obesity Treatment. Holly is married and is a mom of three boys. In her free time, she enjoys making memories at the lake and traveling. She loves entertaining family and friends in her home – and she also has a passion for interior and graphic design.

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