HEALTH CONDITION

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. The main symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, and itchy throat. Allergy symptoms typically occur during peak pollen periods in spring, summer, and early fall. Seasonal allergies are a chronic condition that comes and goes over time as pollen levels change.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy nose, throat or ears
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Dark circles under the eyes
The symptoms are caused by an overactive immune response to environmental allergens. For treatment of seasonal allergies and hay fever symptoms, click here to learn more about options from Amazon Clinic.
Causes
Seasonal allergies are caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. The main causes include:
• Tree pollen in the spring
• Grass pollen in late spring and summer
• Weed pollen like ragweed in the fall
• Mold spores can also trigger allergy symptoms year-round
Other potential allergens that can contribute to seasonal allergies include dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach droppings. When these allergens are inhaled, the body's immune system overreacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms.
Treatment
Nasal saline rinses or neti pots can help rinse out mucus, dust, and allergens from the nasal passages. Use bottled or boiled water that has cooled, mixed with salt and baking soda. Lean over a sink, pour the saline solution into one nostril and let it drain out the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.

Over-the-counter medications can reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Some options include:
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg once daily
• Loratadine (Claritin) 10mg once daily
• Fexofenadine (Allegra) 60mg twice daily or 180mg once daily
• Antihistamine nasal sprays like azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) can also help relieve nasal symptoms.
For more severe allergies, prescription nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), or combination sprays with an antihistamine may be recommended.
To prevent symptoms, start your allergy medications before pollen season begins.
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Frequently asked questions

Can seasonal allergies cause fever or other flu-like symptoms
No. Hay fever is an old term for symptoms due to pollen. Cold and flu viruses cause similar symptoms, but also a fever. If you have a runny nose, cough, and congestion, but also have a fever, it is not due to allergies. Untreated allergy symptoms can lead to a sinus infection, or make you vulnerable to catching a cold.
When does allergy season start and end?
Allergy season typically starts in the spring and ends in the fall, but depend on your location and the types of allergens you're sensitive to. Here are some information when allergies occur:
• Spring allergies (tree pollen): Late March to mid-May in most areas. Tree pollen is one of the biggest allergy triggers.
• Summer allergies (grass pollen, mold): May to July in many regions. Grass pollen peaks in late spring and early summer.
• Fall allergies (weed pollen like ragweed): August to the first frost in many areas. Ragweed is a major fall allergy trigger.
It's a good idea to check pollen counts and forecasts for your local area, as allergy seasons can start earlier or last longer in certain regions. The National Allergy Bureau provides helpful pollen tracking tools. Taking preventive allergy medication before symptoms start can also help manage seasonal allergies.
What are the most common pollen allergens?
Pollen is a fine powder that comes from plants and trees and floats in the air. Some people have an allergy to pollen, which means they have an allergic reaction when they come in contact with or breathe in pollen. The most common pollen allergens are:
• Tree pollen (such as Birch, Oak, Cedar, Maple, and Pine trees)
• Grass pollen (such as Bermuda , Fescue, Orchard, Rye, and Timothy grass)
• Weed pollen (such as Ragweed, Burning bush, Tumbleweed, Sagebrush, and Lamb’s quarters)
What triggers seasonal allergies, and how can they be avoided?
Seasonal allergies are your body’s response to pollen exposure. You can limit your exposure to pollen by:
• Checking pollen counts and limiting time outdoors when counts are high
• Keeping windows closed at home and in the car to prevent pollen from entering
• Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove allergens from indoor air
• Rinsing your nasal passages with a salt water solution to flush out pollen (neti pot or saline rinse)
• Avoiding yard work, like mowing the lawn or raking leaves when counts are high.
How long can seasonal allergy symptoms last?
Seasonal allergy symptoms can last for several weeks or months, depending on the specific allergen and exposure. The duration of hay fever symptoms is influenced by factors like:
• Pollen levels and types - Tree pollen is typically highest in early spring, grass pollen peaks in late spring/early summer, and ragweed pollen is highest in late summer/early fall. Allergy season length varies on your location.
• Geographic location - Warmer areas have longer pollen seasons compared to cooler areas. Dry, windy conditions can also worsen and prolong symptoms.
• Individual sensitivity - Some people are more sensitive to allergens than others, leading to more severe or prolonged allergic rhinitis symptoms.
• Exposure levels - The more you're exposed to pollen or other allergens, the longer symptoms may persist. Limiting outdoor activities when pollen counts are high can help shorten symptom duration.
• Treatment - Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications, immunotherapy, and avoiding triggers can reduce symptom severity and duration.
For personalized treatment of your seasonal allergy symptoms, consider services like Amazon Clinic's Seasonal Allergies Treatment or One Medical's Treat Me Now option.
How does hay fever differ from other types of allergies?
Hay fever is triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, weeds, and mold spores. Other allergies can be caused by things like pet dander, dust mites, foods, or insect stings. These allergens occur year round.
Hay fever is very common, affecting up to 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S. It's one of the most prevalent chronic conditions.
Are there quick ways to treat allergy symptoms?
To get allergy symptom relief, you can take over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra). These medications help relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and itchy rashes by blocking histamine. Follow the directions on the package of the medicine you choose . They start providing relief within 30-60 minutes. You can also use antihistamine eye drops like olopatadine (Pataday) or ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor) to relieve itchy, watery eyes from allergies.
Are allergies contagious?
No, allergies are not contagious. Allergies are caused by your body's immune system overreacting to harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. While allergy symptoms can be very bothersome, they cannot be passed from one person to another. You cannot "catch" allergies from someone who is sneezing or has itchy eyes due to allergies
Can allergies be cured?
There is no permanent cure for allergies. There are effective treatments that can help manage and control allergy symptoms, such as:
• Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. They are best to take before allergen exposure.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Immunotherapy or allergy shots can desensitize your immune system to allergens over time. This is the closest thing to a "cure" but requires consistent treatment.
• Avoiding exposure to allergens as much as possible. For seasonal allergies, staying indoors with windows closed when pollen counts are high can help.
• Rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution to flush out mucus and allergens.
While there is no permanent cure, following an allergy treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider can provide significant relief and improve quality of life. Click here to learn more about getting personalized seasonal allergy treatment.

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