What are seasonal allergies?

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are caused by the immune system's overreaction to airborne pollen. Common seasonal allergens include:

• Tree Pollen: Typically released in the spring, common sources include oak, birch, cedar, maple, and pine trees.


• Grass Pollen: Common in late spring and summer, sources include Bermuda, Timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass.


• Weed Pollen: Often prevalent in late summer and fall, common sources include ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, and lamb's quarters.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can vary in severity and may include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat or ears
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)

Diagnosis of Seasonal Allergies

To diagnose seasonal allergies, a healthcare professional may:

• Take a detailed medical history, including your symptoms and their timing.


• Perform a physical examination, focusing on the nose, throat, and eyes.


• Conduct allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, to identify specific allergens.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

Treatment for seasonal allergies focuses on relieving symptoms and may include:

1. Medications

• Antihistamines: Help reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine).


• Decongestants: Reduce nasal congestion (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine).


• Nasal Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide).


• Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking leukotrienes (e.g., montelukast).


• Eye Drops: Relieve itchy and watery eyes (e.g., ketotifen, olopatadine).

2. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots involve regular injections of gradually increasing doses of the allergen. This helps the immune system become less sensitive to the allergen over time, reducing symptoms. Immunotherapy can be especially effective for people with severe or persistent seasonal allergies.

3. Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing a tablet containing the allergen under the tongue. This method is an alternative to allergy shots and can be done at home. It is available for certain allergens, such as grass and ragweed pollen.

Prevention and Management of Seasonal Allergies

To prevent and manage seasonal allergies, consider the following strategies:

• Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons to prevent pollen from entering your home.


• Use air conditioning with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor pollen levels.


• Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times, typically in the early morning and late afternoon.


• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from your body and clothing.


• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry and reduce mold growth.


• Monitor local pollen counts and stay indoors when levels are high.


• Rinse your nasal passages with saline solution to remove pollen and reduce nasal congestion.


• Consider using over-the-counter antihistamines or other allergy medications as a preventive measure before symptoms start.