Seasonal Allergies: How to Manage the Sniffles, Sneezes, and Itchy Eyes

Apr 17

Do you find yourself sneezing every spring? Do your eyes itch or your nose run every time you step outside? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people deal with seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, every year. These symptoms may seem minor, but they can affect your sleep, focus, mood, and overall quality of life. The good news? You don’t have to suffer. With the right information and tools, seasonal allergies can be managed effectively.

This guide will help you understand what seasonal allergies are, why they happen, and what you can do to feel better—so you can breathe easy all year long.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances in the environment, especially during certain times of the year. These substances, called allergens, include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When these allergens enter your body, your immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders. In response, it releases chemicals like histamine, which cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion .

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

The main culprits behind seasonal allergies are airborne pollens:

Spring allergies: Caused mainly by tree pollen (like oak, cedar, birch, and maple).
Summer allergies: Grass pollen (like Bermuda, ryegrass, and timothy) tends to be the major cause.
Fall allergies: Weeds, especially ragweed, are common triggers.

Pollen levels are typically higher on dry, windy days and lower after rain. That's why allergy symptoms often get worse depending on the weather and season【1,4†sources】.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

If you experience any of the following symptoms, especially around the same time every year, allergies could be to blame:

Sneezing
Stuffy or runny nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Itchy throat or ears
Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
Fatigue (often due to poor sleep from allergy symptoms)

Allergy symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a cold, but there are differences. Colds usually last a week or two and often come with a fever or body aches. Allergies, on the other hand, can last for weeks or months and usually don’t cause fever【1,2†sources】.

How Are Seasonal Allergies Diagnosed?

Doctors typically diagnose seasonal allergies by:

Reviewing your medical history and symptom patterns.
Performing a physical exam, especially checking your eyes, nose, and throat.
Recommending allergy testing, which may involve:
- Skin prick tests, where small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin.
- Blood tests to measure specific allergy-related antibodies.

Identifying exactly what you’re allergic to can help guide your treatment plan and prevent symptoms more effectively .

Managing Seasonal Allergies: A Step-by-Step Approach

The most effective way to manage seasonal allergies is to combine several strategies: avoidance, medications, and in some cases, immunotherapy. Let’s break it down.

1. Avoid the Allergens

The first step in controlling allergies is to limit your exposure to what triggers them.

Tips to reduce pollen exposure:

Stay indoors on high pollen days (check local pollen forecasts).
Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with a HEPA filter.
Change clothes and shower after spending time outside.
Avoid drying clothes outdoors, as pollen can stick to fabric.
Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and hair from pollen.
Use a saline nasal rinse to flush allergens out of your nose.

Avoidance doesn’t mean living in a bubble. It’s about making small adjustments to reduce your symptoms without sacrificing your lifestyle【1,4†sources】.

2. Try Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

OTC allergy medications are safe and effective for most people. Some of the most helpful options include:

Antihistamines

These block the effects of histamine—the chemical responsible for sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

Non-drowsy options: Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), and Fexofenadine (Allegra).
Fast-acting: These work within an hour and can be taken once daily.

Nasal Steroid Sprays

These are considered the most effective treatment for nasal allergy symptoms.

Examples: Fluticasone (Flonase), Mometasone (Nasonex).
Use them daily during allergy season for best results.
They reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, improving breathing and reducing sneezing.

Decongestants

These help relieve nasal congestion but should be used with caution.

Pills: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be effective but may cause jitteriness or increase blood pressure.
Nasal sprays: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) works quickly but should not be used for more than 3 days in a row to avoid “rebound congestion.”

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to choose the right medication and avoid unwanted side effects【1-3†sources】.

3. Consider Prescription Medications

If OTC meds aren’t cutting it, your doctor may recommend:

Stronger antihistamines or corticosteroids
Leukotriene inhibitors (like montelukast) that block other allergy-related chemicals
Combination medications (such as antihistamine + decongestant)

Some prescription treatments can also help if your allergies are linked with asthma or skin conditions【2,3†sources】.

4. Ask About Immunotherapy

For people with severe or persistent allergies, immunotherapy may be a game changer. This treatment helps your body build resistance to allergens over time.

There are two types:

Allergy shots: Injections given in a doctor’s office over several months or years.
Sublingual tablets: Pills you place under your tongue daily (for certain allergens like grass or ragweed).

Immunotherapy doesn’t offer quick relief, but it can lead to long-term improvement or even a cure in some people【2,4†sources】.

Lifestyle Tips for Living with Allergies

Managing seasonal allergies is not just about medicine—small everyday choices can make a big difference.

Here are some practical strategies:

Track the Pollen Count

Use apps like Pollen.com or local weather websites.
Plan outdoor activities for times when pollen levels are lower—usually after rain or in the evening.

Keep Indoor Air Clean

Use HEPA filters in your home’s HVAC system and vacuum cleaner.
Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth (another common allergen).

Support Your Immune System

Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fats.
Get regular sleep and manage stress, which can worsen symptoms.
Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and keep your airways clear.

When to See a Doctor

While many allergy symptoms can be managed at home, it’s important to talk to a doctor if:

Your symptoms are getting worse or not improving with OTC meds.
You’re not sure if your symptoms are from allergies or something else (like asthma or sinus infection).
You want to explore long-term treatment options like immunotherapy.
You’re having side effects from medications.

Doctors, especially allergists, can help you develop a personalized plan to keep symptoms under control throughout the year. Shreveport Direct Care can likely manage all of your symptoms and you may not even need to come to the office.

Can Seasonal Allergies Be Prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent allergies altogether, but being proactive can help reduce your risk of symptoms. Starting medication early—before symptoms begin—can be very effective. This is especially important if you know which time of year your symptoms usually start.

Some people notice that their allergies get better as they get older, while others develop new ones later in life. The immune system can change, so staying alert and adjusting your treatment plan over time is key【1,3†sources】.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Suffer

Seasonal allergies are a common and frustrating part of life for many people, but they’re also very treatable. With a combination of prevention, medication, and lifestyle changes, most people can find relief.

Whether your allergy season starts in the spring with blooming trees or in the fall with ragweed, the steps you take today can help you breathe easier tomorrow.

If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to us at Shreveport Direct Care. We can help you get back to enjoying life without sneezing your way through it. Give us a call or text at 318-588-7060 to schedule a meet & Greet so we can help get your allergy symptoms under control.

References

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Wheatley LM, Togias A. Allergic Rhinitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;372(5):456–463. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1412282
May JR, Dolen WK. Management of Allergic Rhinitis: A Review for the Community Pharmacist. Clinical Therapeutics. 2017;39(12):2410–2419. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.10.006
Cardona V, Salvany-Pijuan A, Pereira-González J. Allergic Rhinitis. Medicina Clinica. 2025;164(11):106916. doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2025.106916
Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis Executive Summary.Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. 2015;152(2):197–206. doi:10.1177/0194599814562166

Pat Bass