Seasonal Allergies
Expert treatment for seasonal and environmental allergies. From pollen and dust to food and medication allergies, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and management to help you breathe easier and enjoy every season.
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Understanding Allergies
Seasonal allergies are an antihistamine reaction to certain environmental and food allergens. When your immune system encounters an allergen, it triggers a cascade of reactions that cause uncomfortable symptoms. Whether your allergies are triggered by spring pollen, summer mold, fall ragweed, or year-round irritants like dust mites and pet dander, our team can help you identify triggers and manage symptoms effectively.
Types of Allergens
Environmental Allergens
Airborne triggers causing seasonal symptoms
Food Allergens
Food-based triggers (typically non-seasonal)
Insect Allergens
Reactions to insect stings and bites
Medication Allergens
Adverse reactions to medications
Seasonal Allergy Patterns
Spring
March - May
Primary Allergens:
Common Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Itchy throat
Summer
June - August
Primary Allergens:
Common Symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Fall
September - November
Primary Allergens:
Common Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose
- Sore throat
Winter
December - February
Primary Allergens:
Common Symptoms:
- Stuffy nose
- Itching
- Coughing
- Sinus pressure
Common Allergy Symptoms
Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
Sneezing (often in series)
Runny nose with clear, watery discharge
Itching of the nose, mouth, or throat
Watery or itchy eyes
Red or swollen eyes
Sinus headache or facial pressure
Sore or scratchy throat
Cough or post-nasal drip
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Fatigue or low energy
Sleep disruption from congestion
Severe Symptoms
Severe Breathing Difficulty
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness
Anaphylaxis
Life-threatening reaction with swelling, difficulty breathing, shock
Severe Facial Swelling
Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty Swallowing
Throat swelling or obstruction
Severe Skin Reactions
Hives, severe rash, or blistering
Loss of Consciousness
Fainting or unresponsiveness
🚨 Call 911 if experiencing anaphylaxis or severe breathing difficulty.
Risk Factors for Allergies
Family History
Genetic predisposition to allergies and atopy
Childhood Allergies
Allergies in childhood increase lifelong risk
Asthma
People with asthma are more prone to allergies
Eczema or Dermatitis
Skin conditions increase allergy susceptibility
Previous Allergic Reactions
Prior reactions increase sensitivity
Age
Allergies can develop at any age; common in children and young adults
Environmental Exposure
Living in areas with high pollen or pollution counts
Weak Immune System
Immunocompromised individuals have different reactions
How We Diagnose Allergies
Skin Prick Test
Small amounts of allergen introduced to skin; reactions observed within 15-20 minutes
Intradermal Test
Allergen injected into skin layers; more sensitive than prick test
Blood Test (IgE)
Measures specific IgE antibodies to identified allergens
Total IgE Test
Measures overall immunoglobulin E levels
RAST Test
Radioallergosorbent test; identifies specific allergen sensitivities
Patch Test
Used for contact dermatitis; allergen applied to skin for 48 hours
Clinical History
Doctor evaluates symptoms, timing, and triggers
Treatment Options
Over-the-Counter Antihistamines
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Non-drowsy
Once daily; long-acting relief
Loratadine (Claritin)
Non-drowsy
Once daily; minimal side effects
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Non-drowsy
Non-sedating; fast-acting
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
First-generation
Drowsy; for severe symptoms
Nasal Treatments
Nasal Steroid Spray
Prescription/OTC
Fluticasone, mometasone; reduce inflammation
Nasal Antihistamine Spray
OTC
Azelastine; fast relief for congestion
Nasal Decongestant Spray
OTC
Oxymetazoline; limit use to 3 days
Saline Nasal Rinse
OTC
Neti pot or saline spray; natural relief
Eye Treatments
Antihistamine Eye Drops
OTC
Ketotifen; relieves itchy, watery eyes
Mast Cell Stabilizer Eye Drops
Prescription
Cromolyn; prevents allergic response
Decongestant Eye Drops
OTC
Reduces redness and swelling
Prescription Medications
Leukotriene Inhibitors
Prescription
Montelukast; blocks inflammatory chemicals
Immunotherapy
Prescription
Allergy shots or sublingual tablets; long-term relief
Prescription Antihistamines
Prescription
Stronger formulations for severe allergies
Managing Allergies at Home
Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen counts
Use air conditioning with clean filters (HEPA filters recommended)
Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from pollen
Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors
Wash hair before bed to remove pollen
Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist
Rinse nasal passages with saline solution daily
Vacuum with HEPA filter vacuum cleaner
Dust surfaces with damp cloth to trap particles
Keep pets out of bedroom if pet allergies present
Wash bedding weekly in hot water
Avoid hanging laundry outside to dry during allergy season
Keep car windows closed while driving
Use air purifier in bedroom
Monitor pollen counts and plan outdoor activities accordingly
Prevention Strategies
Check daily pollen forecasts before outdoor activities
Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest (early morning, windy days)
Wear N95 mask when doing yard work or gardening
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
Apply petroleum jelly around nostrils to trap pollen
Rinse sinuses daily with saline spray or neti pot
Keep car windows closed while driving
Use air conditioning instead of opening windows
Install HEPA filters in home and car
Regularly clean or replace air filters
Wash hands and face frequently
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
Remove shoes when entering home
Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers
Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%
Consider immunotherapy for severe allergies
Keep prescribed allergy medications on hand
Potential Complications
Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms: Chronic congestion, sneezing, runny nose
Management: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, environmental control
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Symptoms: Red, itchy, watery eyes, swelling
Management: Eye drops, antihistamines, cool compresses
Acute Sinusitis
Symptoms: Facial pain, thick nasal discharge, fever
Management: Antibiotics if bacterial, saline rinse, decongestants
Allergic Asthma
Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
Management: Bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, allergen avoidance
Atopic Dermatitis
Symptoms: Itchy rash, dry skin, redness, blistering
Management: Moisturizers, topical steroids, allergen avoidance
Food Allergy Reactions
Symptoms: Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal symptoms
Management: Antihistamines, epinephrine if severe, allergen avoidance
Anaphylaxis
Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, swelling, shock, loss of consciousness
Management: Emergency treatment with epinephrine; call 911 immediately
When to Seek Medical Care
Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath or wheezing from allergies
Severe Facial Swelling
Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
Anaphylaxis Symptoms
Severe reaction with multiple symptoms
Chest Pain
Chest discomfort or tightness with allergic reaction
Symptoms Not Improving
No relief from over-the-counter medications after 2 weeks
Severe Headache with Fever
May indicate sinus infection
Thick Colored Nasal Discharge
Green or yellow discharge lasting >10 days
Eye Symptoms
Vision changes or severe eye pain
Recurrent Infections
Frequent sinus or ear infections related to allergies
Sleep Disruption
Allergies preventing adequate sleep for weeks