allergy that comes and goes

Overview

An allergy that comes and goes means your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, like pollen, dust, pet hair, or a certain food, but not all the time. Symptoms may appear in certain seasons, around certain animals, or after contact with a specific trigger. Between flare-ups, you may feel completely normal.

Very common. Seasonal allergies, sometimes called hay fever, affect millions of people around the world. Many other allergies also come and go depending on your environment.

Anyone can have allergies that come and go, but they often begin in childhood or the teen years. People with a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema are more likely to develop them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy throat or ears
• Coughing or wheezing
• Hives (red, itchy bumps on the skin)

Symptoms in children

• A constantly runny or stuffed-up nose
• Rubbing their nose with the palm of their hand
• Sniffling or noisy breathing
• Red, itchy eyes
• Irritability or trouble sleeping

Symptoms in older adults

• A persistent stuffy nose that may be mistaken for a cold
• Tiredness from poor sleep
• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Less obvious symptoms like fatigue or mild headaches

Causes

Main causes

• Pollen from grass, trees, or flowers
• House dust mites
• Pet fur or dander (tiny skin flakes)
• Mould or damp environments
• Certain foods or insect stings (these can cause severe reactions)

Risk factors

• A family history of allergies or asthma
• Having other allergic conditions, like eczema
• Being exposed to a new environment, such as moving to an area with different plants
• Seasonal changes that bring more pollen or mould into the air

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your symptoms are severe, sudden, or scary.
• You have trouble breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness.
• You've had a serious reaction before, and you suspect you're having one now.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your symptoms keep coming back and affect your sleep, work, or school.
• You're not sure what is causing your allergy.
• You'd like an allergy test to find out your triggers.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and what seems to trigger them. They may also look at your nose and breathing. If needed, they might send you for allergy testing to identify the exact substance causing your symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Skin prick test — drops of common allergens are placed on your skin and lightly pricked to see if they cause a small bump.
• Blood test — checks for allergy-specific immune markers (called antibodies) in your blood.
• Symptom diary — recording what you do and how you feel can help spot patterns.

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare provider will talk through the results with you and suggest a plan. You may be referred to an allergy specialist for more detailed tests. This is a straightforward process and nothing to be nervous about.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on avoiding known triggers and managing symptoms when they do appear. Some people need medicine during allergy season or before contact with a trigger. Other options, like allergy immunotherapy, can help your body get used to the trigger over time.

Self-care at home

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high and keep windows closed.
• Wash your face and hair after being outside to remove pollen.
• Use a clean vacuum with a high-quality filter to reduce dust and pet hair.
• Rinse your nose with a salt-water solution to clear irritants.
• Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest non-prescription or prescription allergy medicines. These are usually antihistamines, which reduce hay fever symptoms, or nasal corticosteroid sprays, which ease inflammation in the nose. Decongestants can help with a blocked nose. For severe or persistent allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) may be recommended. Never start a new medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a common treatment for allergies that come and go. It is only considered for rare complications, such as significant nasal blockages that do not improve with other care.

Living with this condition

Living with an intermittent allergy means paying attention to your surroundings and planning ahead. Keep a simple record of when and where your symptoms flare up. If pollen is the issue, learn the pollen season in your area and prepare for it.

Lifestyle tips

• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors during allergy season.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce allergen exposure at night.
• Use anti-allergy pillow and mattress covers to protect against dust mites.
• Check daily pollen forecasts before planning outdoor activities.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active are good for your overall health, but they are not a cure for allergies. Some people find their symptoms are worse when they are tired or stressed, so getting enough rest and regular movement can help you feel better overall.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Allergies that come and go can disrupt sleep, concentration, and daily routines. This may make you feel frustrated, anxious, or low. It is completely normal to feel this way. If your emotions feel like too much to handle, talk to your doctor or a trusted mental health professional.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent allergies, but you can reduce flare-ups by avoiding known triggers as much as possible. For seasonal allergies, simple steps like keeping windows closed and using a high-efficiency air filter can help.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for common intermittent allergies. However, getting the recommended annual flu vaccine is still important for your respiratory health, especially if allergies worsen your asthma.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for allergies. Allergy tests are done only when symptoms suggest you might be allergic to something and identifying it would help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
• Uncontrolled asthma
• Sleep problems from a blocked nose or nighttime symptoms
• Increased risk of ear infections in children

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most people with intermittent allergies can control their symptoms and enjoy normal, active lives. Even if your allergies come and go, there are many safe ways to manage them. With the right support, you can feel confident and prepared.

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