All About Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can make outdoor activities difficult, but recognizing triggers and symptoms can help you embrace the seasons with greater comfort.
Did you know that by 2050, 4 billion people are expected to suffer from allergic disorders and seasonal allergies due to climate change?1 Additionally, the number of factors that makes us allergic seems to increase with age. Pollen, mold spores, dust mites2 pet dander, and other irritants can make life difficult for us and our loved ones. We’re here to help you spot those pesky allergy symptoms and give you some tips to get relief - so you can enjoy the outdoors without feeling miserable.
Throughout this page, you will find information about:
What causes seasonal allergies?
When you experience an allergy, it’s often a reaction by the body’s immune system to harmless substances that are seen as “threat.”3 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four people suffer from seasonal allergies.4 Although some will grow out of these allergies, many will suffer with them for the rest of their lives.5
In the case of seasonal allergies, your body's defenses go into overdrive thinking that pollen, which is usually harmless stuff, is actually a dangerous intruder. The immune reaction releases chemicals, such as histamine, which trigger those annoying allergy symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes.
And, because each season ushers in variety of allergens due to climate shifts and air pollution, the presence of airborne pollen and other allergens can lead to allergic reactions all year round. Here are some of the most common causes of allergies by season:6
Spring allergies: Tree pollen is predominant, with birch being a common trigger.
Summer seasonal allergies: Grasses such as ryegrass and timothy dominate.
Fall allergies: Ragweed pollen is the main allergen, and it causes severe symptoms of fall allergies.
Knowing these triggers can help you get through the seasons with fewer allergic reactions.
Pollen
Pollen, that pesky airborne allergen, can really put a dent in your warm weather plans if you're allergic. Pollen grains, which are tiny seeds from plants, trees, grasses, and weeds, vary in concentration depending on the season and region. Climate change can extend the pollen season and increase pollen concentrations, exacerbating allergic reactions. Exposure to pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion.7
Mold spores
Mold spores, the microscopic “seeds” of fungi, thrive in damp environments and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Have you ever noticed a musty smell and felt your allergies flare up? When mold matures, these spores are released into the air and can cause allergies. Mold allergies are most common from July to early fall, but symptoms can occur all year round due to indoor mold growth.8
Recognizing symptoms of seasonal allergies
Although seasonal allergies are usually present with milder, but still bothersome, symptoms, they can also get worse, becoming rather severe, if left untreated. So, it’s important you can recognize the symptoms and treat them effectively.9
Sneezing. Frequent sneezing is a common reaction to allergens, like pollen and dust mites in the air. This is a symptom you’ll find hard to ignore, especially when those endless attacks of achoos just won't quit!
Coughing and wheezing. You might notice a reaction to allergens in the air that often irritates the airways.
Runny or blocked nose. A stuffy or blocked nose, typically triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander can make it difficult to breathe normally.
Itchy, watery eyes. Eye irritation is a common reaction to pollen and other allergens in the air.
Fatigue. Prolonged allergy symptoms can lead to you feeling tired.
Skin rashes. Your skin might break out in a rash or hives when it comes into contact with an allergen.
Pain in the sinuses. Pressure or discomfort in the sinus area is often a result of prolonged contact with allergens.
Taking the right steps: when to consult a doctor
For seasonal allergies, it’s best to consult a doctor who can diagnose and treat allergic conditions, especially if you experience the following:10
Persistent symptoms. Consult a doctor if you are constantly suffering from symptoms such as a blocked nose, sinusitis, or breathing difficulties.
Ineffectiveness of medication. If over-the-counter antihistamines and other medications don’t relieve your allergy symptoms or cause unwanted side effects, you’ll want to check in with your healthcare provider.
Impact on daily activities. See a doctor if allergies interfere with your daily life, such as work, sleep, or leisure activities.
Reduced quality of life. If allergies significantly affect your general well-being and ability to enjoy usual activities, it’s time to get checked out.
Asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms such as frequent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, especially at night or after exercise, require immediate medical attention.10
Navigating the diagnosis process
Think you might be dealing with seasonal allergies? Don't worry, getting to the bottom of it doesn't have to be complicated. Here’s a guide to what you can expect during the diagnostic process.
A doctor can help you diagnose and treat your allergies, or can refer you to a specialist, to help you identify the specific triggers causing your symptoms. The diagnostic process begins with a detailed personal and medical history. Expect to talk about your symptoms, their frequency, and any family history of allergies. This discussion will help the doctor understand possible triggers and form a hypothesis about your condition.
This is followed by a physical examination. The doctor will examine your ears, eyes, nose, throat, and chest, paying particular attention to signs that indicate allergic reactions. They may also carry out a lung function test to check the health of your airways, especially if you suffer from asthma symptoms.11
Diagnostic tests are important to pinpoint the allergens that are causing your symptoms. Common tests include:11
Skin prick test (SPT). This involves applying a small amount of the potential allergen to your skin and pricking it lightly. A reaction such as redness or swelling indicates that you’re sensitive to the substance.
Intradermal skin test. This test is used when the results of the SPT are inconclusive. A tiny amount of the allergen is injected under the skin, and the reaction is monitored.
Blood test (specific IgE). If skin tests aren’t suitable (due to skin conditions or certain medications), blood tests can measure your immune system’s response to certain allergens.
Patch test. This test is more focused on contact allergens but can also be useful for diagnosing allergies related to skin reactions.11
Remember that a positive test doesn't always confirm an allergy; it's only one piece of the puzzle.11 The doctor will analyze the test results together with your medical history. Because false positives and negatives can occur, it's a combination of tests and symptoms that will lead to a diagnosis.
Prevention strategies for seasonal allergies
Taking proactive steps to reduce allergen exposure is key for managing seasonal allergies. Here are some simple tips to help you sail through the season with ease.
Cleaning and decluttering tips
Regular cleaning is important to minimize allergens in your home. Focus on the areas where allergens can accumulate, like carpets, upholstered furniture, and bed linens. Clean carpets and floors frequently with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) to capture small particles.
Allergen-proofing living spaces
To protect your home from allergens, keep the windows closed during pollen-rich seasons. Use air conditioners with HEPA filters instead of fans, which can stir up dust and pollen. Remove items in your bedroom that can collect dust, like heavy curtains and unnecessary soft furnishings. Keep the humidity in your room low to prevent the growth of mold12.
Outdoor precautions: Minimizing pollen exposure
When you're outdoors, especially on days with a high pollen count, you should take some precautions. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and consider a dust mask to filter out allergens. Plan outdoor activities after the rain, which can clear the air of pollen. When you get home, change your clothes and shower to rid your hair and skin of pollen. Follow pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, especially on dry, windy days. Utilize allergen count tools available online or via mobile apps to stay updated on pollen levels in your area.
Exploring treatment options for seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergy treatment can be challenging, but several options exist, ranging from natural seasonal allergy remedies to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
The benefits of OTC allergy medications
Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, offer seasonal allergy relief from common symptoms. Allegra is characterized by its non-drowsy properties, making it the ideal choice for those who need to stay alert and active throughout the day. Unlike some other antihistamines, Allegra is fast-acting and long-lasting, and it’s particularly effective for hay fever and other seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itchy watery red eyes, itchy nose, palate and throat and sneezing.
Prescription medications for severe cases
If those over-the-counter meds just aren't cutting it, your doctor may prescribe medications that can be a game-changer, putting those stubborn symptoms in their place.
Immunotherapy – a long-term solution?
Have you heard of immunotherapy? It's like training your body's defenses to shake off allergies through a series of exposure therapy sessions. Although it takes some commitment, your doctor may find it is the long-term solution you've been searching for. Immunotherapy does require regular visits to a doctor, but it can be a very effective approach for people with severe allergies.13
Allergen immunotherapy is given by subcutaneous injection and requires specialist supervision due to the risk of allergic side effects, including anaphylaxis. Sublingual immunotherapy is an effective alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is usually only recommended if the person has a selective reaction to several allergens.
A combination of these different treatment approaches can provide comprehensive relief so you can enjoy the seasons without the burden of allergy symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about seasonal allergies
You might have seasonal allergies if you experience symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and a runny nose, especially during specific seasons each year.14 Your doctor can help you determine if you have seasonal allergies and what the triggers are.
Yes, remedies such as saline nasal sprays and rinses15, as well as staying hydrated, can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies on top of the standard treatment (oral antihistamines).
The duration of seasonal allergies varies, but they typically last as long as the allergen (like pollen) is present, which could be several weeks to months during specific seasons.16
Seasonal allergies are getting worse due to climate change, which has increased carbon dioxide levels and temperatures, leading to earlier and longer growing seasons and more pollen production from plants.17
This comprehensive guide to seasonal allergies has navigated you through the various causes, symptoms, and effective coping strategies. From taking preventative measures to exploring different treatment paths, you've now got what it takes to show those seasonal allergies who's boss. However, it's important that you consult a doctor if your symptoms are severe, don't respond to over-the-counter remedies, or if you suffer from comorbidities like asthma. One of your options to treat seasonal allergies is Allegra: It effectively addresses the challenges of seasonal allergies, and it allows you to enjoy the beauty of each season with comfort and ease.
Allegra® is here to help
Allegra® offers multi-symptom relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery, red eyes and itchy nose/palate/throat. For added relief from nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergies, there's Allegra®-D. Allegra®, Live your Greatness.
1. Singh AB, Kumar P. Climate change and allergic diseases: An overview. Frontiers in Allergy. 2022;3. doi:10.3389/falgy.2022.964987
2. Shah R, Grammer LC. Chapter 1: An overview of allergens. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings. 2012;33(3):2-5. doi:10.2500/aap.2012.33.3531
3. Dougherty JM, Alsayouri K, Sadowski A. Allergy. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Published July 31, 2023.
4. Ng A, Boersma P. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States, 2021. NCGS Data Briefs. 2023;460. doi:10.15620/cdc:122809
5. U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than a quarter of U.S. adults and children have at least one allergy. CDC – National Center for Health Statistics. Published January 26, 2023.
6. D’Amato G, Murrieta-Aguttes M, D’Amato M, Ansotegui IJ. Pollen respiratory allergy: Is it really seasonal? World Allergy Organization Journal. July 2023;16(7):100799. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100799
7. U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allergens and pollen. CDC – Climate and Health. Published March 2, 2024.
8. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Mold allergy - symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Published April 19, 2024.
9. Lockey R. Anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organization. Updated April, 2019.
10. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. When To See an Allergist. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published November 7, 2022.
11. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Allergy diagnosis. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Updated July 16, 2024.
12. Arlian LG, Neal JS, Vyszenski-Moher DL. Reducing relative humidity to control the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1999;104(4):852-856. doi:10.1016/s0091-6749(99)70298-8
13. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Allergy Immunotherapy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published May 29, 2024.
14. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Pollen Allergy. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Published June 6, 2024.
15. Head K, Snidvongs K, Glew S, et al. Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;6(6):CD012597. Published 2018 Jun 22. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012597.pub2
16. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Seasonal Allergies. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published November 7, 2022.
17. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Climate and Health. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Published November 9, 2022.
Recommended Readings
-(1).jpg/jcr:content/ART9-banner-815x815.webp)
Mold Allergies
Mold is a diverse group of fungi that lives just about anywhere. Certain types can cause allergic reactions and allergy symptoms.
How to Exercise with Seasonal Allergies
Working out with allergies can be challenging. With the right approach, it’s possible to manage seasonal allergy symptoms and continue exercising outdoors.
Allergies vs Sun, Heat, and Heatwaves
Explore the effects of sun, heat, and heatwaves on allergy sufferers and how to manage heat and allergies.
.jpg/jcr:content/ART2-banner-815x815.webp)
Outdoor Allergies
Outdoor allergy sufferers: You’re not alone! Learn about adult outdoor allergy symptoms.