If going outside in the spring, summer, or fall gives you a runny nose and
watery eyes, you're probably dealing with
seasonal allergies. Here’s what they are, what causes them, and, most importantly, how to keep
them from running your life.
Just the facts
Seasonal allergies affect
up to 60 million Americans. Commonly known as
hay fever, they occur when your immune system overreacts to airborne substances like
pollen or mold spores. This reaction causes your body to release
histamines and other chemicals, which trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
Allergies tend to run in families. If someone in your family has them, your
chances of developing them increase. About 80 percent of people who have
them
develop them in childhood, but you can get them later in life, even in your 60s or 70s.
Pollen is the most common trigger of seasonal allergies, but
different plants release pollen during different seasons. Trees produce pollen in spring, grasses produce pollen in late spring and
summer, and weeds produce pollen in late summer and fall.
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Mold spores can also cause symptoms, especially outdoors in the warmer
months and indoors in damp areas year-round. Other indoor allergy triggers
include dust mites and pet dander, which can be more noticeable in winter
when more time is spent indoors and air circulation is limited.
Symptoms
The most common
seasonal allergy symptoms
include:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Congestion
• Watery, red, or itchy eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• A scratchy throat
• Wheezing
• Coughing
Allergies can also leave you feeling tired and groggy. This is because the
inflammation puts stress on your body, and symptoms like congestion can
disrupt your sleep.
The severity and frequency of symptoms depend on how sensitive you are to
specific allergens, how often you're exposed, and the types of symptoms you
experience. Weather can also play a role as pollen levels increase when it’s
dry and decrease when it rains more often.
How to limit your exposure
If you’re allergic to pollen, you can reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms
by taking the following steps:
• Check the pollen count and limit your
outdoor activity on days when it’s high.• If you must do things outside, do them in the afternoon, as
pollen counts are highest
between 5 and 10 a.m.• When you’re outside,
wear sunglasses
to protect your eyes from pollen in the air.• Keep your grass cut short. If you do your yard work yourself, wear a
respiratory mask.• Clean and remove your shoes when you come inside. If possible, shower and
change your clothes. If you can’t do that when you come in, take a shower
before going to bed.• If your pets go outside, brush them before they come inside to keep them
from bringing pollen in the house.• Don’t
hang your laundry
outside to dry.• Keep your doors and windows closed.
• Use air conditioners instead of fans, if possible. Air conditioners filter
pollen out of the air before blowing it into your home.• If you use an air conditioner, change the filter frequently.
To reduce your exposure to allergens besides pollen:
• Regularly dust and vacuum, using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filter.• Use an allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to prevent dust mite
accumulation.• To reduce your exposure to pet dander, regularly groom your pets and keep
them out of your bedroom, if possible.• Use a dehumidifier to
keep your home’s humidity level below 50 percent to prevent mold growth.
Treatments
Several treatments can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms:
Antihistamines
Available as tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays,
antihistamines
are available by prescription or over the counter. Some antihistamines can
cause drowsiness while others have additional ingredients to counteract that
effect.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
These reduce allergy symptoms by treating inflammation.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
come in prescription and over-the-counter versions.
Decongestants
These relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels. Available
as pills, liquids, or sprays,
decongestants
may contain ingredients like
pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure. Have a conversation with your doctor
before using them if you have heart or blood pressure concerns. Be
especially cautious with nasal sprays. overuse can cause rebound congestion,
where symptoms return or worsen — so always follow the directions carefully.
Immunotherapy
This long-term treatment option involves a series of allergy shots that
help your body build tolerance to allergens over time.
Saline nasal irrigation
This
technique
involves flushing your nasal passages with a saltwater solution using a
rinsing device. Always use distilled or properly filtered water and clean
the device thoroughly after each use.
Breathe easier
While seasonal allergies mainly affect the nose, eyes, and throat, their
impact on daily life can be significant. Fortunately, with the right
preventive strategies and treatment options, it’s possible to minimize your
exposure and manage symptoms so you can enjoy both outdoor and indoor
activities all year long!
