Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

When seasonal allergies strike, they can leave you uncomfortable in a variety of ways because of symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. Many people deal with seasonal allergies at least once a year, yet seasonal allergies are still largely misunderstood.

Seasonal allergies can leave you with symptoms that mimic those of a cold, the flu, or another form of illness, and yet you are not actually ill… so why do seasonal allergies happen? What is happening inside your body when seasonal allergies strike?

These are common questions, and learning more about these topics may help you better understand why you find yourself struggling with seasonal allergies each year.

The truth is that there is still a lot that we do not know about why, exactly, certain substances trigger such an allergic response when no real threat to your health is present, but you can still find relief for your current symptoms.

While seasonal allergies cannot necessarily be cured, there are plenty of ways to manage your symptoms, ranging from over the counter and prescription medications to methods of symptom prevention. This is your ultimate guide to all things pertaining to seasonal allergies, including symptoms, causes, and how you can go about finding relief.

Seasonal Allergies: What Causes Them?

Seasonal allergies are allergies that strike only during certain times of the year, such as fall or spring, and this is because the allergens that cause the allergic reaction are only prevalent during certain seasons.

Some of the most common culprits for seasonal allergies are:

• Tree pollen
• Ragweed
• Grass pollen
• Tumbleweed and Russian thistle

Tree pollination begins earliest in the year, and then grass pollination follows suit later on in the spring and summer with ragweed pollination happening last, specifically in the late summer and fall.

Accordingly, for most people with seasonal allergies in the United States, spring allergies begin in February, and they can last through early summer meaning you should be prepared to deal with your symptoms for several months.

Both the timing and severity of seasonal allergies vary in different parts of the country, but there are certain factors that contribute to the severity of allergies:

• Tree pollen, grass pollen, and ragweed pollen all thrive the most in climates where the nights are cool and the days are warm.
• Pollen levels are generally at their highest in the morning, but pollen counts may surge on warm and windy days, or just after rainfall.
• Rain can help wash away pollen.

Taking these factors into consideration may help you better understand why your allergies might be particularly bad one day and then a little bit better on a different day.

What Happens in Your Body During An Allergic Reaction?

Allergies can be confusing because they can cause symptoms that are very similar to those of a cold or other form of illness, yet allergies do not actually make you sick.

So, why does your body behave as if you are sick when you come into contact with allergens? It all comes down to your immune system.

Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against pathogens like germs, viruses, bacteria, and even allergens, and your immune system works to defend you and your body from any harm that these pathogens may cause.

Basically, when an allergen like pollen enters your body, your immune system sees it as a threat the same way it does when a virus or bacteria gets into your system. In response, your immune system begins to overreact and produce antibodies known as immunoglobulin E.

When viruses or bacteria have entered your body, your immune system’s response is extremely important, because the release of these antibodies results in symptoms like sneezing and mucus production which act as a way for your body to flush these invaders out of your system.

However, in the case of allergies, this is an overreaction where no real threat is actually present. As a result, you start to experience the multitude of unpleasant symptoms characteristic of allergies, but these symptoms do not go away until your allergy triggers are out of season.

Each type of immunoglobulin E has a specific radar for different kinds of allergens, and this is why different people experience allergic reactions to different triggers. People who have more types of immunoglobulin E antibodies in their system will have allergies to a larger number of triggers because this multitude of antibodies means there are more allergens being recognized as threats.

That said, more research still needs to be done to figure out exactly why certain substances trigger allergies in some people, and why other people have no reaction at all to the same substances.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are sometimes also referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, but all of these are the same thing and share common symptoms.

Some common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Itchy mouth or throat
• Itchy skin
• Runny nose
• A stuffy nose due to blockages or congestion
• Fatigue, which happens typically because the discomfort of allergy symptoms can make it difficult to sleep
• Rash or swelling, when coming into contact with allergens like animal dander

Symptoms of allergies mostly revolve around some form of itchiness, and this is also a main way that you can differentiate between symptoms of seasonal allergies and symptoms of a cold or other form of illness.

While colds and other illnesses can cause sneezing, runny nose, and congestion the same way that allergies do, colds will not cause itchy eyes or itchy skin. Thus, if you are experiencing these kinds of symptoms that entail itching, your group of symptoms is probably being caused by allergies as opposed to illness.

That said, allergies can sometimes lead to forms of illness such as sinus infections due to congestion and nasal inflammation that happens when you come in contact with your allergy triggers. This can sometimes make it difficult to know whether you are only experiencing your allergies or if your symptoms are now being caused by an infection such as a sinus infection.

Thus, a good rule of thumb is to always consult your doctor if you are having trouble finding the root cause of your symptoms. If your symptoms are being caused by some kind of infection, your doctor will be able to work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

I Think I Have Seasonal Allergies. Should I See An Allergist?

If you suspect that you have seasonal allergies but these allergies have never been diagnosed by a medical professional like an allergist, it may be time to set up a visit, especially if your symptoms are making you particularly uncomfortable.

Plus, a trip to the doctor’s office can also rule out any other causes of your symptoms to make sure that you are not experiencing any kind of recurrent infection as opposed to allergies.

Additionally, it may also be a good idea for you to see an allergist if:

• You are experiencing allergy symptoms that are leading to chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or are making it difficult for you to breathe
• You are experiencing allergy symptoms for several months out of each year
• You have not been able to find any way to control your symptoms or find relief
• Your allergy symptoms are interfering with your everyday life and ability to complete your daily tasks
• Your symptoms are disrupting your quality of life

You are experiencing warning signs of asthma, which include:

Struggling to catch your breath sometimes

• Frequent wheezing or coughing, especially at night or after you exercise
• You are frequently short of breath or feel like there is tightness in your chest
• You have been previously diagnosed with asthma and have frequent asthma attacks even though you are on medication
• You have previously experienced anaphylaxis (life-threatening overreaction to an allergen such as shortness of breath, rash, vomiting, and shock) as an allergic reaction to any allergen, such as bee stings or from a shellfish food allergy

If you are experiencing any of the above, you should consult your doctor for next steps. If you do not already have an allergist or immunology specialist, your doctor will likely be able to refer you to one, and from there you will be able to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

When you set up a visit with an allergist, you should expect to get allergy testing done, especially if you are not sure what you are allergic to. Allergy tests help determine what is triggering your symptoms, which may then help you avoid those triggers.

An allergist can also work with you on prevention education, which entails helping you learn more about ways of avoiding your allergy triggers, reducing exposure, or preventing symptoms.

Your allergist will also be able to recommend over the counter allergy medicines if necessary, or they can also prescribe medications if your allergies are more severe and call for stronger forms of medication.

Is It Possible To Suddenly Develop Allergies? When Do Allergies Typically Start?

If you have never had seasonal allergies and then suddenly begin to experience what you believe to be allergy symptoms, you may be surprised to find out that it is actually possible to suddenly develop seasonal allergies later in life.

Allergies can actually develop at any point during your life, and can start unexpectedly even if you have never had allergies before.

In most cases, however, allergies will start in early childhood or early in life and tend to become a lifelong issue. It is also important to consider the fact that having a family history of seasonal allergies may increase your risk of developing seasonal allergies at some point in your life.

Additionally, allergies may also start suddenly if you went through your life having very slight symptoms that may have been mistaken for something else, but then more severe symptoms got triggered later on in your life. For example, moving to a different climate or getting a new pet may trigger your allergies and could cause more severe symptoms than you had previously.

How To Treat Seasonal Allergies and Alleviate Symptoms

So, you now know that you have seasonal allergies. Now what? First comes the bad news: there is no true cure for seasonal allergies, and if you develop seasonal allergies, they will likely end up being a lifelong nuisance for you.

That said, there are a wide variety of commercially available products aimed at treating symptoms of seasonal allergies, and these may help take the edge off by relieving at least some of your discomfort.

Allergy medications come in many different forms, and understanding how each type of medicine works may help steer you in the right direction for your own needs.

Aside from allergy medications, there are also a variety of home remedies and lifestyle strategies that can help ease your symptoms and reduce your exposure to your allergy triggers. First, let’s talk about medicine -- here is what you need to know about each type of allergy medicine available to you.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work to relieve symptoms of allergies by blocking histamine in your body, which is the chemical your immune system releases that ultimately causes the symptoms you experience.

Antihistamines are available in several different forms:

• Pills and liquids: Antihistamines that come as pills or liquids you take by mouth are known as oral antihistamines, and they are available both over the counter as well as by prescription. Oral histamines can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms, but you should be aware that many commercially available antihistamine medicines generally cause drowsiness. Thus, you should plan to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness when you are taking antihistamines, especially if you do not yet know how they will affect your body. There are, however, some oral antihistamines that are much less likely to cause drowsiness, and you should speak with your doctor if you have questions about this.
• Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays are another form of medicine that can work wonders when it comes to nose-related allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion. Antihistamine nasal sprays can also work to relieve post nasal drip and itchiness in your nose, Antihistamine nasal sprays can, however, cause a bitter taste in your mouth, drowsiness, or general feelings of tiredness, and many of these nasal sprays do require a prescription.
• Eye drops: Antihistamine eye drops are available both over the counter and by prescription, and they can help soothe red, itchy, and irritated eyes. Oftentimes, antihistamine eye drops make use of both antihistamines and other forms of medicine in order to bring you relief. Antihistamine eye drops, too, can cause some side effects such as a headache or dry eyes, and some antihistamine eye drops may cause burning or stinging sensations.

Antihistamines are the most commonly used type of allergy medicine, and with so many different antihistamine products available, they are convenient and easy to find.

Decongestants

Decongestant medications can be helpful if your allergy symptoms mostly impact your nose, and you are not so much experiencing itchy eyes as you are experiencing congestion and sinus pressure.

Like antihistamines, decongestants are available as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays, with some options available over the counter and other options being available through prescription only.

If you try out an over the counter decongestant but do not experience any improvements in your symptoms, this is a sign that you should talk to your doctor either for further product recommendations or for a prescription.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can help relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms by working to suppress the inflammation that happens as a result of your allergens. Corticosteroids are available in the following forms:

• Nasal sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays can help both prevent and relieve the stuffiness and congestion that sometimes accompanies allergies, and these may also work to relieve sneezing and runny nose as well. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can, however, cause an unpleasant taste in your mouth, nasal irritation, and nosebleeds, so you may want to proceed with caution.
• Inhalers: Corticosteroid inhalers may be beneficial for people with asthma that has been caused by or complicated by airborne allergens. Side effects can include yeast infections and mouth or throat irritation.
• Eye drops: Corticosteroid eye drops can be used to help relieve itchy, red, watery eyes when other methods of treatment have not helped. That said, corticosteroid eye drops do have some associated risks, including a risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, or infections. Thus, this method should be used as a last resort and will be supervised by your doctor.
  

Allergen Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy entails exposure to allergens that is carefully timed and gradually increased such that your body’s immune system gets trained to no longer react to the allergen over time.

Allergen immunotherapy is often used for allergens that are particularly difficult to avoid, such as pollen, molds, and dust mites, and immunotherapy is generally used when other methods of treatment have not proven to be effective or tolerated.

There are three main types of immunotherapy:

• Shots: Immunotherapy can be given as a series of injections that take place usually one or two times per week for a given period of time. The dose is generally increased each week or every two weeks, and the timing of increases in dosing depends on the patient’s response and tolerance to the injections. Ultimately, injections of the maximum dose tolerated by the patient may be given every two to four weeks year round. Side effects of allergen immunotherapy can include pain and irritation at the injection site, sneezing and congestion, hives, or other allergy symptoms.
• Sublingual immunotherapy: Sublingual immunotherapy entails placing an allergen-based tablet under your tongue and allowing it to be absorbed. Sublingual tablets are available for treatment of dust mite allergies, ragweed pollen allergies, or grass pollen allergies.
• Biological medications: Immunotherapy is also available in the form of biological medications, which target a specific reaction in your immune system in order to try to prevent that reaction from taking place. These medications are given as injections, and side effects can include redness, itchiness, or irritation of the eyes as well as irritation at the injection site.

Before you try out any form of allergy medicine, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you are not absolutely certain that your symptoms are being caused by allergies. Your doctor can help you rule out other causes as well as steer you in the direction of products that may work best for you.

Additionally, because your doctor is usually familiar with your medical history, they will be able to offer any necessary guidance that is specific to you and your individual situation.

For example, certain medications are not recommended for use by people with certain health conditions or who are taking other medications, and if these exceptions apply to you, your doctor can work with you to come up with a different plan of action.

Non-Medicinal Methods of Treatment

Aside from medicine, there are also other ways to treat or relieve allergy symptoms.

One main way to reduce the allergy symptoms that you experience is to reduce your exposure to your allergy triggers as much as you possibly can, though this may prove difficult if you are allergic to pollen.

You can reduce your exposure to allergens by doing the following:

• Staying inside as much as possible on days that are dry and windy. The best time to go outside is after rainfall, because rain helps wash away some of the pollen and clear it from the air.
• Ask your family members to help out with chores that can stir up pollen, such as weed pulling, lawn mowing, and other gardening tasks.
• When you come back inside after spending time outdoors, change and wash your clothes and take a shower to remove pollen from your hair and skin.
• Avoid hanging your laundry to dry outside, as pollen can stick to it.
• Wear a pollen mask if you need to complete tasks outside.
• Check weather forecasts to get a heads up about the pollen count throughout the week, and try to avoid going outside on days where the pollen count is predicted to be high.
• Keep your doors and windows closed at night or during any other times where the pollen count is high, and try to keep them closed for most of the time in general during allergy season.

Additionally, making sure to keep the inside of your home clean and pollen-free can reduce your exposure even further. Make sure to regularly wipe down surfaces, wash your hands after going outside, and vacuum the floors, preferably using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Sometimes, you just cannot seem to escape your allergens no matter what you do, and it is easier for pollen to find its way into your house than it is for you to keep your house pollen-free. In this case, methods of reducing your exposure will not be of use, but other approaches can work.

Using saline nasal spray or drops to rinse out your nose and sinuses can help flush allergens out of your nasal passages, thus reducing symptoms of congestion, sneezing, and an itchy or runny nose- just make sure the product you select contains no added medications, as using medicated nasal sprays for more than a couple of days can actually lead to further irritation.

Similar to using a saline nasal spray or solution, washing your face when you are experiencing allergy symptoms may bring you some relief because this, too, works to help wash pollen or other allergens away from your eyes, mouth, and nose. If you are specifically experiencing very itchy eyes, washing your face and taking care to flush out your eye area may help you feel more comfortable. Applying a cold, damp washcloth over your eyes is another way to help soothe itchy and irritated eyes as well.

You can also choose to use steam to help clear your sinuses and soothe nasal inflammation, and there are a few ways that you can make use of this method.

One approach is to run a hot shower and keep it running for a while so that the steam has time to bring down the inflammation in your nose and thin out your mucus. Alternatively, you can bring water to a boil in a pot and then lean over the steam with a towel covering your head such that the steam stays near your face. You can also get the same effect by filling a sink with hot water and then leaning over it.

Even more, opting for a humidifier can have similar results, because this method, too, works to add moisture back into the air which can then help thin out the mucus in your nasal passages as well as keep your airways moisturized.

Using these home remedies in combination with an allergy medicine may bring you the best results by working against your symptoms in multiple ways -- just make sure to never combine medications unless you are specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Seasonal allergies can cause a variety of pesky, persistent symptoms like itchy eyes, an itchy nose, congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat. Because these symptoms are also common signs of a cold or other illness, it can be hard to know whether it is allergies or illness, but symptoms that entail itching are almost always characteristic of allergies.

Seasonal allergies can be triggered by a few different things, with pollen being a major allergy trigger that is also very hard to completely avoid. When you come into contact with your allergy triggers, your immune system overreacts and begins to produce histamine, which is the chemical that is responsible for the unpleasant symptoms you end up experiencing.

There are a few ways that you can go about treating your allergy symptoms, with the first method being allergy medication. There are also plenty of allergy medications commercially available today, and antihistamines are a popular choice because they work to block the histamine that is being produced by your body, thus relieving your symptoms.

Immunotherapy, reducing your exposure to allergens, showering after spending time outside, and staying inside on days when the pollen count is high are all other methods of reducing the severity of your allergy symptoms, but if you need further relief you should talk to your doctor about next steps.