Fighting Back Against Allergy Season

Overview

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, are your body's overreaction to tiny particles in the air, such as pollen or mold spores. Your immune system mistakes these harmless particles for danger and releases chemicals that cause sneezing, itching, a runny or blocked nose, and watery eyes. Allergy season changes with the seasons and where you live.

Yes. Seasonal allergies are one of the most common health problems worldwide. Many people have symptoms during spring, summer, or autumn, depending on which plants are releasing pollen.

Seasonal allergies can affect anyone at any age. They often start in childhood or the teenage years, but they can also appear for the first time in adults. People with asthma, eczema, or a family history of allergies may be more likely to have them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sneezing, often in bursts
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy nose, roof of the mouth, or throat
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Mild cough or throat clearing from mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Tiredness or poor sleep because symptoms are worse at night
• Headache or pressure around the face

Symptoms in children

• Rubbing the nose upward often, sometimes called the allergy salute
• Dark or puffy circles under the eyes
• Irritability, poor sleep, or trouble concentrating
• Frequent sniffing or nosebleeds from rubbing
• Ear pressure or ear discomfort
• Symptoms that seem to happen at the same time each year

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms may be mistaken for a cold or sinus problem
• Dry or irritated eyes may be more noticeable
• Fatigue or poor sleep may have a bigger effect on daily life
• Allergy symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, so a doctor may need to check carefully

Causes

Main causes

• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Mold spores outdoors and indoors
• Tiny particles from plants that are carried by the wind and breathed in
• Sometimes indoor allergens such as dust mites, pets, or indoor mold can make seasonal symptoms worse

Risk factors

• Having a family history of allergies or asthma
• Having asthma or eczema
• Living or working near lots of grass, trees, or mold
• Spending a lot of time outdoors during high pollen times
• Smoke or air pollution, which can irritate the nose and airways

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have trouble breathing, throat swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction — call your local emergency number
• You have asthma and your symptoms are getting worse
• You have eye pain, vision changes, or severe ear pain
• You have fever with facial pain or thick nasal discharge
• Symptoms are very severe and you cannot function

Book a routine appointment if:

• Symptoms last more than two weeks or keep coming back at the same time each year
• Symptoms disturb sleep, work, school, or exercise
• Medicines or self-care steps you have tried are not helping enough
• You are unsure whether your symptoms are from allergies, a cold, or another problem
• You want to discuss allergy testing or longer-term treatment options

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose seasonal allergies by asking about your symptoms, when they happen, and what seems to trigger them. They may also examine your nose, eyes, throat, and chest. Allergy testing is only needed in some cases.

Tests that may be done

• A skin prick test, where tiny amounts of common allergens are placed on the skin to see if it reacts
• A blood test that checks for allergy-related antibodies
• A nasal exam to look for swelling or irritation
• A breathing check if asthma is also a concern

What to expect at your appointment

Your clinician will ask about your home, work, pets, hobbies, and family history. They may ask you to keep a symptom diary for a few weeks. Testing, if needed, is usually quick and safe. The results help guide treatment and trigger avoidance.

Treatment

Seasonal allergies are not usually cured, but symptoms can be well controlled. Treatment starts with reducing contact with triggers and using self-care steps. If those are not enough, a pharmacist or doctor can suggest medicines. Always ask a healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment.

Self-care at home

• Check local pollen forecasts and plan outdoor time for lower-pollen days or times
• Keep windows closed during high pollen times, especially on windy days
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
• Wear glasses or sunglasses and a hat to help keep pollen out of your eyes and hair
• Use a salt water nasal rinse if advised, but only with distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water — never tap water
• Vacuum and dust regularly, and wash bedding often
• Keep pets out of the bedroom if they bring pollen indoors
• Avoid drying clothes outside on high-pollen days

Medical treatments

Your clinician or pharmacist may suggest medicines that reduce the body's allergy response, nasal sprays that calm swelling, or eye drops for itchy eyes. Some people with persistent symptoms are offered allergy immunotherapy, which slowly trains the immune system to react less to a trigger. This may be given as shots or tablets. Your clinician will discuss what is suitable for you, including benefits and risks.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually part of treatment for seasonal allergies. In rare cases, people with other nose or sinus problems may be referred to a specialist, but this is not common for simple hay fever.

Living with this condition

Seasonal allergies can be annoying, but a regular routine helps. Know your triggers, watch pollen levels, and keep your home as pollen-free as possible. Keep any medicines you use in one place and follow your clinician's advice. If you have asthma, keep your asthma action plan up to date.

Lifestyle tips

• Plan outdoor exercise for days or times when pollen is lower
• Wash your face and hands after being outdoors
• Keep indoor air clean with regular cleaning and good ventilation
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which can make symptoms worse
• Get enough sleep and manage stress, as both affect how you feel day to day

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet that cures seasonal allergies. A balanced diet and regular exercise support general health and may help you cope better. If exercise makes breathing harder, especially outdoors during high pollen times, slow down and speak to your doctor. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ongoing allergy symptoms can affect sleep, mood, and concentration. It is normal to feel frustrated. If symptoms make you feel low, anxious, or overwhelmed, talk to your doctor. If you feel unsafe or in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service in your area.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent seasonal allergies, but you can reduce how much pollen and mold you come into contact with. Starting self-care steps early in the season can make symptoms easier to manage.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent seasonal allergies. Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment that some people are offered, but it is not a vaccine.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for seasonal allergies. Testing is usually done only if symptoms are unclear or if your clinician needs more information to guide treatment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Poor sleep and daytime tiredness
• Trouble concentrating at school or work
• Sinus or ear infections
• Worsening asthma control
• Eye irritation or infection from rubbing
• Lower quality of life during allergy season

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good for most people. Seasonal allergies can be managed with trigger avoidance, self-care, and advice from a healthcare professional. Many people find a routine that keeps symptoms manageable and still enjoy time outdoors.

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