Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, are your body's reaction to tiny airborne particles like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds that are prevalent during specific times of the year. This overreaction by your immune system leads to common symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion, typically recurring during the same seasons each year.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

The culprits behind seasonal allergies vary depending on the time of year:

• Spring: Tree pollen is a major trigger as trees like oak, maple, birch, and elm release their pollen into the air to fertilize.
• Summer: Grass pollen takes center stage, with grasses like Timothy, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass being common offenders.
• Fall: Weed pollen, particularly ragweed, becomes the primary cause of seasonal allergy symptoms. Mold spores in the air can also be a significant trigger in the fall and year-round.
• Winter: While outdoor pollen counts are typically low, indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold can still cause issues.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

When you're exposed to these seasonal allergens, your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose (often clear and watery)
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• Itchy nose, throat, and roof of the mouth
• Watery, itchy, and red eyes
• Postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)
• Coughing
• Fatigue

For some individuals, seasonal allergies can also worsen asthma symptoms.

Treatment Options for Seasonal Allergies

Fortunately, several effective treatments can help manage seasonal allergy symptoms:

• Avoidance: Limiting your exposure to known allergens is key. This can involve staying indoors during peak pollen times (usually mid-morning and early evening), keeping windows and doors closed, using air conditioning with HEPA filters, and showering and changing clothes after being outside.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:Antihistamines: These help block histamine, reducing itching, sneezing, and runny nose. They come in various forms, including pills, liquids, and nasal sprays. Some older antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
• Decongestants: These help relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. They are available as pills and nasal sprays. Use nasal decongestant sprays sparingly as prolonged use can worsen congestion.
• Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays: These are often the most effective OTC treatment for nasal symptoms. They reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and work best when used regularly.
• Saline Nasal Sprays: These can help rinse pollen and irritants from your nasal passages and relieve congestion.
• Prescription Medications: If OTC options aren't providing enough relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, or other medications like leukotriene modifiers.
• Allergy Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Drops): As we discussed earlier, immunotherapy gradually exposes your body to increasing doses of specific allergens, helping to build tolerance over time and reduce your allergic reactions in the long run. This is a longer-term treatment option.



Living comfortably through allergy season is possible with the right strategies and treatments. If your symptoms are persistent or significantly impacting your quality of life, consulting with a healthcare professional or allergist is recommended to develop a personalized management plan.