How can I get rid of my seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are sometimes called "hay fever" or seasonal allergic rhinitis. These allergy symptoms happen during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants.
The immune systems of people who are allergic to pollen treat these particles (called allergens) as invaders and release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to defend against them. It's the release of these chemicals that causes allergy symptoms.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Pollen is the most common trigger of season allergies.
Springtime sees trees reemerge from their hibernation releasing tree pollens.
Summer sees the rise of many grasses and hay (thus the term “hay fever“), so it is typically considered grass pollen season.
Fall brings along ragweed and is commonly known as ragweed pollen season.
Most pollens lay dormant in winter in parts of the country. If you experience allergies in winter, it may be caused by indoor allergens. These include pet dander, mold, dust mites and cockroaches.
How do you know if you have seasonal allergies?
If you experience allergy symptoms at only certain times of the year, then you may have a seasonal allergy.
The only way to know for sure if you have a specific allergy is to see a board-certified allergist. An allergist can conduct allergy testing to confirm a diagnosis. Testing may include a skin test or a blood test.
A skin test is the most common type of allergy test. This is done by applying a small amount of diluted allergen to the skin. Then you wait 15 minutes to see if a raised, itchy, red bump appears. If it does, then you have an allergy to that particular allergen.
What are typical seasonal allergy symptoms?
Allergy symptoms vary from person to person and each allergy. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Stuffy nose or runny nose, usually with clear or pale-colored mucus.
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Red, watery eyes
- Itchy nose, mouth or eyes
- Scratchy or sore throat
Treatment of Seasonal Allergies
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Eye drops
- Allergen immunotherapy
People with severe seasonal allergies that remain troublesome after trying standard treatments may consider moving to an area that does not have the allergen.
How can I get rid of my seasonal allergies?
To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):
Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Don’t hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.
Take extra steps when pollen counts are high
Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there’s a lot of pollen in the air. These steps can help you reduce your exposure:
Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.
If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
Close doors and windows at night if possible or any other time when pollen counts are high.
Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Keep indoor air clean
There’s no miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, but these suggestions may help:
- Use air conditioning in your house and car.
- If you have forced air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules.
- Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
- Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
- Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
The takeaway
The takeaway The symptoms of seasonal allergies can be uncomfortable. If you suspect you have seasonal allergies, talk to your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe a treatment plan. They will likely encourage you to take steps to avoid your allergy triggers. They may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.
