Achoo! How to deal with seasonal allergies

Key Takeaways:

• Seasonal allergy symptoms ramp up in the spring and continue until the first frost in the fall.
• Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and fatigue.
• There are a variety of medical and non-medical ways to remedy allergy symptoms.
• Testing can help determine the exact cause of allergies, which can then be treated through a customized plan.

 Spring sprung, and now summer is upon us. With that, grass, trees, and weeds are growing, which can be a problem for those with allergies.  

In this blog, we’re going to talk about how you can enjoy the great outdoors without letting your allergies make you miserable. 

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies, and how long do they usually last? 

Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects one million people, and it has very characteristic symptoms, including sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, itching, and fatigue. 

The episode depends on the length of exposure. If we go outside and mow grass, then symptoms will hit us almost immediately, and they will continue even after you go back inside. The symptoms may stay with you the rest of the day and be gone by the next day. 

Starting in the spring is when allergens like trees, pollens, and grasses start appearing and will last until we have the first frost in the fall. At that point, they will be dormant, and seasonal allergy symptoms should begin to decrease.   

What’s the best way to treat allergies? 

If you know what you’re allergic to, the best thing to do is to avoid it. But that’s not always an option.  

If you spend time outside, change your clothes and take a shower as soon as you come back in, so that whatever pollen is in your hair and clothes can be washed away. You can also use a spray rinse to flush the pollen out of your nose, too.  

Inside the house, you can catch allergens by ensuring you have a HEPA filter in your air condition.  

Both of those are quick and easy to do and can be very helpful to reduce pollen exposure and reduce your symptoms.  

The second thing you can do is take medications. For those who have tree/grass allergies, we can start out with a nasal steroid spray, or we can use an oral antihistamine medication, so that our system will be ready when it is exposed to these pollens.  

What about people who have asthma? 

This is a critical time for people with asthma because going outside can trigger wheezing and breathing difficulties. They should try to reduce exposure and be sure to take their prescribed medication.  

How do I find out exactly what I’m allergic to? 

Ask your primary care provider to refer you for allergy testing. This way, we will know what you’re allergic to and can help you with avoidance measures. 

At the WVU Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center, we offer specialized care for sinus and allergy conditions that affect breathing, sleep, and daily comfort.  

Our team evaluates symptoms, identifies triggers, and offers testing, medical treatments, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and minimally invasive in-office procedures when needed. 

If sinus and allergy discomfort is impacting your daily routine, our experts can help you find relief from common and complicated sinus issues. Our healthcare providers from various medical specialties work together to help you breathe easier. 

For more information, click here.