Latest news with #seasonalallergies
WebMD
22-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
This Is Why Your Allergy Meds Aren't Helping
May 22, 2025 – One in four Americans face an annual showdown with the air they breathe. Pills and sprays are their traditional weapons against seasonal allergies. But is this battle plan all wrong? That's a crucial question right now as the air warms and the changing climate supercharges pollen production. Doctors say too many people still use their allergy medications incorrectly – they wait until symptoms appear (too late!) or they rely too much on nose sprays and decongestant pills. Here's a guide to help you breathe easier this year. Why Is Your Body Reacting Like This? A seasonal allergy is just an overreaction to pollen. Call it hay fever or allergic rhinitis – it's your body treating as dangerous threats these basically harmless reproductive particles of plants, distributed by the wind. It's literally in the air you breathe, so it's hard to escape. Tree pollen is worst in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen in the fall. Indoor allergens like mold spores, pet dander, or dust mites can trigger hay fever as well. Your body releases histamine, molecules that trigger inflammation as a defense. This widens blood vessels and produces mucus to trap invaders. Hence: a runny nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, coughing, a sore throat, clogged ears, even tiredness and headaches. So you, understandably, try to get rid of this congestion. But Levi Keller, MD, an allergist and immunologist at UCHealth, says about a quarter of his patients misuse decongestants. Surveys have shown that many people still rely on decongestant pills, though doctors recommend nasal steroids and antihistamines as first treatment options. Follow these guidelines instead: 1. Don't Wait for Symptoms Many people wait for that first sniffle or throat itch before using meds, which makes them less effective, according to a survey published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Instead, beat allergies to the punch. "Start prior to allergy season and continue through the season to prevent the development of symptoms, rather than treating symptoms reflexively," Keller said. Starting antihistamines early gives the medication time to block histamine receptors before allergens hit. This helps your body stay ahead of flare-ups instead of working extra hard to relieve symptoms after they strike. Aim to start one to two weeks before your first pollen exposure. For most people, that means setting the clock around February-April for tree pollen, April to early June for grass pollen, and from August onward for weed pollen. 2. Make Sure You Have the Right Meds There's an allergy treatment for every symptom, from a clogged nose to watery eyes. But that doesn't mean you should grab one of everything from the allergy aisle. Research shows that a more targeted approach, tailoring treatment to specific symptoms, works better. For best results, use: Decongestants for a stuffy nose Antihistamines for sneezing and itching Steroid nasal sprays to relieve inflammation in the nasal passages Some treatments can work better together. "For moderate to severe symptoms, combining non-sedating antihistamines with nasal corticosteroids is effective," said Brian Greenberg, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Pediatric Group of Southern California. He also recommends combining nasal steroid sprays and nasal antihistamines to relieve symptoms. But Greenberg added that the specific symptoms you get and how hard they hit can depend on genetic, environmental, and immune factors. 3. Spray the Right Way Do you tilt your head back when using nasal spray? Many do – but the correct move is to lean slightly forward when spraying. This helps the medication remain in the nose to work its magic, instead of dripping down the throat. That fast relief is great, right? But don't go overboard. Decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) shouldn't be used for more than three days in a row – any longer and you risk rebound congestion that makes your symptoms worse. 4. Be Consistent It's tempting to stop allergy meds when you start feeling better. But that can let inflammation creep back in. Be sure to use daily meds like antihistamines or nasal sprays as recommended by your doctor, including taking them for the time advised. That said, don't go overboard. "Increasing antihistamines like cetirizine, fexofenadine, or loratadine beyond once-daily dosing likely won't make much of a difference," said Keller. Maybe try this: Take daily antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine at night, especially if they make you drowsy, Greenberg suggests. Some people prefer nighttime dosing to stay ahead of morning symptoms – though he notes there's little solid evidence that it works better than daytime use. And if you're worried about side effects, don't be – Greenberg said that antihistamines are generally well tolerated with few serious concerns. 5. Don't Put Those in There! Keep your allergy meds in a dry place, like your bedroom. Bathroom humidity can trigger chemical reactions in pills that weaken the active ingredients. For liquid medications, such as antihistamine syrups, avoid storing them in the fridge unless the label says otherwise. Cold air can change their structure, causing ingredients to crystallize or separate, which may make them less effective or make dosing less accurate. 6. Try These Prevention Tricks The best way to manage allergies is to stay two steps ahead of potential triggers. "Proactive management is key," Greenberg said. "Monitoring local pollen counts … using HEPA air purifiers, installing allergy-proof mattress and pillow encasements can help reduce exposure." If you're doing yardwork, consider wearing a mask to limit pollen exposure, said Keller. Showering and changing clothes afterward can limit exposure to lingering pollen, he said. Pets can bring allergens in too, he said. Before letting them back indoors, wipe down their coat with a damp towel to reduce the pollen they may have picked up outside. 7. Go to an Allergist Over-the-counter meds can be a big help when allergies hit. But if you're battling problems – sinus infections, constant congestion, or hay fever – that last for months, it's worth checking in with an allergist. These experts do more than treat symptoms – they dig deep to figure out what's causing them. Through testing, allergists can pinpoint triggers and build a customized plan for you, including strategies for avoiding those triggers and keeping flare-ups in check.
CBC
17-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Seasonal allergies are getting worse, but newer medications could offer relief
Most people with seasonal allergies have likely noticed an uncomfortable trend over the past few years. In parts of Canada, allergy season not only seems to be lasting longer, it seems to be more intense. Experts like Dr. Anne Ellis, chair of the department of allergy and immunology at Queen's University, say the roughly one in five Canadians who experience respiratory allergies aren't imagining things. The past few years have brought some seasons with a lot more pollen than Canadians are used to, she told Dr. Brian Goldman, host of The Dose podcast. "Definitely last year's birch pollen season, and it looks like this year is going to be a doozy as well, has certainly been higher than we've seen in the last 10 years," said Ellis. Thankfully, newer medications and treatments, including allergy tablets that dissolve under the tongue, are offering seasonal sufferers more relief. What are seasonal allergies? Allergic rhinitis, the more technical term for seasonal allergies, is the body's response to stimuli like ragweed, pollen, dust and mould. Typical allergy symptoms include a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, as well as coughing and sneezing. Allergy seasons vary slightly across Canada, says Ellis, adding that allergy seasons in Ontario and Quebec are among the worst in the country. "We have nice, robust summers with lots of trees and lots of pollen, but importantly also ragweed," she said. "Come late summer, early fall, we tend to get the biggest hits in terms of seasonal allergies across the country." Dr. Angeliki Barlas, president of the B.C. Society of Allergy and Immunology, grew up in Saskatchewan and says that she found her seasonal allergies were worse in the prairies than in B.C. But for some of her patients it's the opposite. "There's different allergens across the country, so it affects everybody differently," she said. While ragweed is more common in eastern Canada, Ellis said western provinces get a longer tree pollen season instead. Why are seasonal allergies getting worse? Experts agree that climate change is the primary driver for worsening conditions across Canada. "That spring to summer shift has gotten much shorter," said Ellis. "It just means that it changes how trees pollinate, it changes when the seasons start and stop, and leads to things being different than they were 20 years ago." In Ontario, Ellis says allergy season used to start around May with pollen, and last into July with a slight reprieve before ragweed season kicked in from around mid-August until the end of autumn. Now, however, pollen allergies begin when the weather warms up and continue until it starts to snow. WATCH | How to manage seasonal allergies this spring: How to manage seasonal allergies this spring 3 days ago Duration 2:52 Warmer temperatures overall mean plants produce more pollen, says Barlas. Plus, it takes smaller amounts of pollen to cause symptoms. Ellis says there's some evidence that suggests increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to more allergenic and robust pollen. Additionally, the long-standing practice of planting male trees in urban areas has exacerbated seasonal allergies, says Ellis. Female trees bear fruit that creates mess when it drops on sidewalks and in parks, while male trees produce pollen. "So we're getting more allergens in the air because of some of those city planning decisions," Ellis said. The future of allergy relief? Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can offer temporary relief for seasonal allergies. But allergy shots and sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue are longer-lasting immunotherapy solutions, says Barlas. "You are desensitizing the body to the allergen and you become less allergic — about 30 to 50 per cent less symptoms." Most people who suffer from seasonal allergies have likely heard about immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots. Allergy shots can be given year round, and usually consist of six months of weekly injections to help build-up resistance to the problem allergen, followed by monthly maintenance shots for the rest of the year. Most allergists start their patients on seasonal allergy shots in the fall when pollen counts are typically lower, says Ellis, so that by the time tree pollen season starts in March or April, they only need their monthly maintenance shots. WATCH | Your allergies are about to get worse: Your allergies are about to get worse 8 days ago Duration 3:05 In contrast, Ellis says sublingual tablets are taken every day during allergy season, until the first frost, when allergens typically subside, and resume once allergy season starts again. Ellis acknowledges that allergy shots can be cumbersome for many patients. "I definitely am prescribing much more immunotherapy in total, but particularly I'd say at least half of my practice has switched to tablets as opposed to injections," said Ellis. Immunotherapies can only be provided by a certified allergist, and treatment can last anywhere from three to five years, though some patients may need to keep receiving allergy shots to keep their symptoms at bay. Allergy shots are available for a wide range of allergens, but you can only get sublingual tablets for grass and tree pollen, dust mites and ragweed. Additionally, a medication used to treat allergic asthma is now receiving attention for its seasonal allergy-fighting potential. Xolair is the generic name for the omalizumab, a lab-made protein that mimics the body's ability to fight off harmful antigens. It works by targeting IgE, an antibody responsible for allergic reactions, says Ellis. Xolair isn't currently used to treat allergic rhinitis, but Ellis's patients who take the drug for allergic asthma have noticed improvements in their hay fever symptoms. In the U.S. it's also used for food allergies, but isn't yet prescribed for that use in Canada, says Ellis. A 2022 retrospective cohort study looking at Xolair's effects on seasonal allergies found that taking the drug before allergy season "could significantly relieve … related symptoms and reduce medication use." However, that study only looked at the medical records of 64 patients. Another small study in 2024 that examined its effects on seasonal cedar allergies in Japan, also suggested Xolair can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines, environmental control are still options too While more research is conducted on the future of seasonal allergy treatments, Ellis and Barlas say that existing over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines are still relatively effective. And Barlas says there's no single best treatment option. "Sometimes you have to do trial and error with different patients in terms of medications," she said. Nonetheless, experts recommend using some of the newer over-the-counter antihistamines, like cetirizine and loratadine. "We're trying to move away from first-generation or sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine, which has a lot of side effects," said Ellis, adding that these medications can cause issues like delirium and other cognitive difficulties. Stronger prescription antihistamines, like bilastine and rupatadine are also good options. When it comes to nasal sprays, Ellis recommends inserting the spray into the nasal passages and pointing the nozzle toward the ear, rather than spraying straight up the nose. "Don't put it into the middle of your nose, because, one, the medication isn't getting where it needs to, and, two, you're more likely to have side effects like nosebleeds, nasal dryness and headaches," said Ellis. Some research suggests there are "uncommon side effects," including gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. But Ellis says taking antihistamines every day doesn't usually cause long-term harm, and nor do they really lose their effectiveness if taken every day for many years. "Sometimes patients have reported to me that they feel like it's not working anymore," she said. "Chances are good that means you need to move on to something beyond an antihistamine, but certainly it's safe to take an antihistamine on a daily basis all the way through the year if you need to." Ellis adds that neti pots or other saline sinus rinses are a good non-pharmacological options for patients looking to avoid medication by cleaning the nasal passages of allergens instead.
New York Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
The Wirecutter Show Bonus Episode: Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse
CHRISTINE: I'm Christine Cyr Clisset. CAIRA: I'm Caira Blackwell. ROSIE: I'm Rosie Guerin, and you're listening to The Wirecutter Show. CAIRA: Today's episode is called: Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse ROSIE: Today we're doing a quick bonus episode on something many people are currently struggling with: It's been a rough spring for seasonal allergies, and I feel like a broken record because I keep saying that year after year after year. But because of climate change, allergy seasons are becoming longer and they really are becoming more intense. One in four adults in the US suffer from allergies. It's definitely on a lot of people's minds right now. I've been struggling with seasonal allergies for most of my life since I was a very, very young kid. There's this juxtaposition that you're excited for spring and you're really looking forward to the energy that longer days, the blooms of the flowers, but it's tough not to feel well. CHRISTINE: That's right. If you believe that you have to pay for things, like maybe you're having to pay for the beauty outside. ROSIE: Karmically. CHRISTINE: Yeah. Karmically, you're paying for it. ROSIE: It's not right. CHRISTINE: Caira and I are going to speak with one of our colleagues from The New York Times who's been reporting about what to do if you have seasonal allergies. Nina Agrawal, a Health Reporter at The Times, is joining us to talk about how to determine if you're suffering from allergies or something else, what you should know about different medications and some of the other strategies you can use to combat seasonal allergies. CAIRA: Yeah. We'll also talk about what Wirecutter recommends for helping reduce the pollen in your own home. And even if you can't control the pollen swarming around outside, you can do some things to improve your indoor air quality. So we're going to take a quick break and then we'll be here with Nina. Be right back. CHRISTINE: Nina, welcome to the show. NINA: Hi. Thanks for having me. CHRISTINE: It's great to have you. So a lot of people are struggling right now. It's allergy season. We've been in allergy season for a little while now. This can really span from spring to the end of summer at this point, and it does seem like allergy season is just getting worse year after year. Is that just my imagination or is that true? NINA: No, there is actually data to show that the allergy seasons are getting longer and the pollen counts are increasing, and they have been over time. So global warming has caused the season to start about 20 days earlier than it used to. CAIRA: Yikes. NINA: And pollen concentrations have risen about 20% nationwide since 1990. Texas and the Midwest have seen the greatest increases. CAIRA: But why is that? NINA: I think that with global warming, it means that the plants are able to flourish earlier in the season and flourish later in the year as well. And also, they're able to grow bigger and produce more pollen per plant. CHRISTINE: So that's almost a month more of allergy season that's happening. NINA: Yeah. And so, when I spoke to physicians about this, some have been treating allergies for a long time, and they said that... One of the physicians I spoke to who has been treating patients for 40 years said when he started, there were kind of these three discrete allergy seasons: eight weeks in the spring, eight weeks in the summer, and eight weeks in the fall, and you would get a break in between. But now it's kind of one long-running season. CHRISTINE: Yeah. CAIRA: I really do feel that. Sometimes it's just hard these days to tell if maybe you have allergies, maybe you have a cold, maybe you have Covid. So how can somebody tell if they're suffering from allergies or it's something else? NINA: So some of the symptoms are definitely overlapping, but the key thing with allergies often is itchiness: the eyes, nose, throat, mouth, ears even, itchy. Allergies can also cause congestion, post-nasal drip, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. But if you have a viral infection, you might have muscle aches or joint aches or a fever that you wouldn't have with allergies. And if you typically see symptoms around the same time every year, and if you have a family history or a history yourself of asthma or eczema, those could also be clues that you're having allergies. CHRISTINE: I always feel like I forget that I have allergies, and then it comes up again and it takes me a few days to remember, "Oh, this isn't maybe a cold. It's actually maybe allergies." At which point I usually think, "Should I take a Claritin?" Should taking a medication be the first step if you think you're having allergies? NINA: I think it depends on how severe your symptoms are. But most of the experts I spoke with said first, try to manage your environment. You can just try to limit the exposure to pollen on really high pollen count days. There are trackers you can use to see how high the pollen levels are, so limit your exposure. Also, try to limit your exposure inside: keeping your windows closed, if you go outside on those high pollen days wearing a well-fitting mask, as soon as you get home, shower and change. Keep pets out of your bedroom or when they come into the home, wash them. And if you use a saline spray or a neti pot, that can also help a lot of people. CAIRA: So listeners can also go back and listen to our second episode of the show about how to keep your indoor air quality clean. In that episode, we talk a lot about using an air purifier to reduce particulate matter and using a high quality vacuum and other cleaning tools to just reduce dust, which can help reduce pollen in your home. So we will link to that episode in the show notes. CHRISTINE: Nina, I know you did not come here today to give us medical advice, but I would like to talk a little bit about medication for allergies because you've done a lot of reporting on this. I kind of get confused by all of the different allergy medications. In one of your pieces, you break down the differences between nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. So I'm wondering if you could start with nasal sprays. What should people know about these when they're dealing with allergies? NINA: So nasal sprays like Flonase is one you might've heard of contain a type of steroid. They're called corticosteroids, and these help reduce inflammation in the eyes, in the nose, in the throat. But for them to work, you have to start taking them a few days to a week or two before your symptoms hit so they can really kick in. So a lot of times people who are regular seasonal allergy sufferers, physicians recommend that they get their prescription or go and get their over-the-counter drugs and start using them a week or two ahead of when they typically begin to experience symptoms. And just a note that even though they're steroids, they're not absorbed systemically like an oral steroid would be, so they're considered low risk. CHRISTINE: Okay. So you can still do the Olympics and do nasal sprays. NINA: I don't know what the Olympic policy is, but I think so, yes. CHRISTINE: Okay. CAIRA: So what about that second one, the antihistamines? I think this is what a lot of people use during allergy season. What should people know about these? NINA: For people who have moderate to severe allergies, doctors often recommend the nasal sprays. They tend to work really well. But if you're somebody who is using a nasal spray and have breakout symptoms or it's a really particularly bad day, or you just occasionally have allergies, sometimes the antihistamines can be enough, and they help manage the itchy symptoms. So that itchiness and inflammation is caused by histamine, a chemical that your immune system releases when triggered by an allergen, and these antihistamines can work kind of immediately or pretty quickly. CAIRA: So you wouldn't recommend that somebody take them on a daily basis? NINA: I think you would have to talk to your doctor about what is the best. I know a lot of allergy sufferers do take them frequently. But sometimes you can manage it better if you have the steroid, like the nasal steroid, and then sometimes use the antihistamine as a backup. CAIRA: Backup. NINA: Yeah. Sometimes doctors say if you try one of these second generation antihistamines and it's not working for you, try another. CHRISTINE: And there are different generations of antihistamines, right? I think I read in one of your pieces that the second generation are things like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra. But then there's this first generation of antihistamines, which is Benadryl. And you're not necessarily supposed... There's some problems with Benadryl, right? NINA: Yeah. Obviously, it's still available and I think widely used. But a lot of doctors, this was one of the surprising things I heard in my reporting, many doctors I spoke with really said they steer clear of Benadryl, especially in older patients because it can cause confusion and drowsiness. There's been some research linking prolonged long-term use of Benadryl to an increased risk of dementia. But those studies weren't causational, and we do know though that the use of Benadryl can be associated with increased confusion. And the second-generation antihistamines don't do that as much. CHRISTINE: Okay. Great. Well, what should people know about decongestants, that third category? NINA: Yeah, so some antihistamines like Claritin D and Allegra D that come combined with pseudoephedrine, Sudafed, and doctors say they shouldn't be used in kids at all. Adults if they do use them, should only use them for a few days at a time because they can increase heart rate and blood pressure. CHRISTINE: Okay. So let's say someone has tried these various medications, they're just not getting relief. They've still got their runny nose and the itchy eyes, and they're just miserable. What is another thing that they could do? NINA: So ultimately, if you've tried limiting exposure in your environment and limiting your outdoor exposure and tried these various kind of shorter-term medications, you might be referred to an allergist, and you might have a talk about starting allergy shots. These are shots that allergists administer, starting with a very small dose and then going progressively higher to sort of increase the amount that you are able to tolerate. But they're not something that's going to give you relief tomorrow or this season. They take a number of years to work. CHRISTINE: Years? NINA: But they can have effects that last years as well. CHRISTINE: Wow. So it's a long-term investment in your allergy relief. NINA: Yeah. CHRISTINE: Okay. CAIRA: Nina Agrawal, Health Reporter at The Times, thank you so much for joining us today. NINA: Thanks for having me. CHRISTINE: Thanks, Nina. Okay, Caira, we covered a lot in this episode. CAIRA: Yes. CHRISTINE: So I just want to briefly recap for listeners who are struggling with allergies right now, and they just kind of want an easy step-by-step how to approach this problem. So first line of defense, reduce your pollen exposure. So that could be wearing a mask outside, and then really thinking about your indoor air quality. When the pollen count is high, close your windows, take off your shoes and clothes when you come inside the house, probably wash your clothes, take a shower, and keep your home clean. You can use an air purifier to reduce particulate matter. Use a good vacuum cleaner and other tools to get the pollen off your furniture, off the floors, all of that good stuff. The next step is to understand the differences between the different allergy medications. You're of course going to want to talk to your doctor if you're having really bad symptoms. We are not giving medical advice here, so you should consult your doctor. The main categories of medications are nasal sprays, the kind with corticosteroids in them, antihistamines, and those you'll want to use second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra. Use the decongestants like Claritin D and Allegra D sparingly. You don't want to use those every day. And if you can't get relief, that is the time to talk to an allergist. You may want to having immunotherapy like allergy shots. CAIRA: If you want to find out more about Wirecutter's coverage go to or find a link in the show notes. That's it for us. Till next week, thank you so much for listening. Bye. CHRISTINE: Bye. The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel, engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pittman. Today's episode was mixed by Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter's Deputy Publisher and General manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter's Editor-in-Chief. I'm Christine Cyr Clisset. CAIRA: I'm Caira Blackwell. ROSIE: And I'm Rosie Guerin. Thanks for listening.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Why Are My Allergies Bad This Year? An Allergist Shares Relief Tips
Thanks to pollen and other tiny particles that cause inflammation, seasonal allergies have arrived -- and there's reason to believe they're getting worse. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 60 million people in the US may have symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also called seasonal allergies or hay fever) each year. Plants spread pollen in the air as part of their reproductive cycle, often triggering seasonal allergies. These symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and congestion, are caused by the body's overreaction to allergens it perceives as a threat. To loosen symptoms, Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist at NYU Langone Health, recommends avoiding the outdoors early in the morning, as well as opening your windows at that time. She also suggests changing clothes and showering when you get home. You can minimize other indoor allergens by getting dust mite covers, a HEPA air purifier, vacuuming and dusting frequently, and washing bedding frequently. Read more: Allergy Hacks for Pollen Season and Apps to Stay Ahead of the Game Don't Settle for Sneezes. Here's How to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies Don't Settle for Sneezes. Here's How to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 8:07 Loaded : 1.22% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 8:07 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Here's How to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies How to treat seasonal allergies If you're reaching for an over-the-counter medication, make sure it's the right one by asking your pharmacist or doctor for their recommendation on an antihistamine or over-the-counter medication. A stuffy nose caused by allergies has a different cause than one caused by a cold, so you need to target your symptoms and their cause specifically. If you have severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray or allergy shots to dampen symptoms. It's always a good idea to try your best to avoid your allergy triggers, but that doesn't mean you have to hole up inside with a box of tissues. Parikh shares a few ways to get ahead of allergy season: Take OTC antihistamines like Allegra, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays and eyedrops. If you're prone to asthma, start your preventative inhalers as soon as possible. Parikh told CNET that "It's much easier to control symptoms proactively, and asthma can be dangerous if uncontrolled. If you don't know what to take, see a board-certified allergist to help you." When you come home from outside, change your clothes and take a shower to wash pollen off and decrease your exposure. Avoid being outside in the early morning, when pollen counts are highest, and keep windows closed early morning for the same reason. Other ways to lessen allergy symptoms: Use an air purifier if you're sensitive to indoor allergens. Wear a dust mask while doing yard work. Check your local weather network for pollen forecasts. 4 ways to tell you have seasonal allergies The type of pollen and how much there is largely depends on where you live. In addition to affecting the nose, pollen can cause inflammation in other areas. It's estimated that seven out of 10 people who experience nasal allergy symptoms also experience itchy, red or watery eyes. Here's how to know if your symptoms are allergy-related or not and ways to find relief. Common allergy symptoms you may experience If you think of sneezing and watery eyes when you think of seasonal allergies, you'd be on the right track. There's a good chance you have seasonal allergies if you experience any of the following common symptoms: Frequent sneezing Watery or itchy eyes Runny nose Congestion in your nose, ears or chest Postnasal drip Itchy throat Puffy eyelids Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. If you have winter allergies, you're probably allergic to an indoor allergen like dust allergy symptoms you may experience The symptoms above are extremely common, but your allergies might show up differently. These less common symptoms may also indicate seasonal allergies: Wheezing Coughing Sudden lack of exercise endurance Mild headache Read more: 5 Ways an Air Purifier Will Boost Your Health Symptoms you shouldn't experience Remember, some of the symptoms in the first two sections may also be symptoms of a cold or the flu, so if you feel under the weather, you should visit your doctor or get tested for COVID-19. Parikh says that some symptoms are identical, like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough and wheezing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, there's a good chance you have a cold, COVID-19 or another virus: Fatigue Aches and pains throughout your body Weakness Severe headache Sore throat (different from the itchiness caused by allergies) If you know you're allergic to pollen, you can try an app like Zyrtec AllergyCast to check the pollen counts and see if it's a good idea (or not) to go outside. Zyrtec/Screenshot by Amanda Capritto/CNET Symptoms that show up seasonally If you have seasonal allergies, your symptoms likely arise and go away around the same time each year. For most people, seasonal allergy symptoms begin in the spring and end in the fall. You may experience allergic rhinitis in any of the four seasons, depending on your allergy triggers. Parikh shared that these plants commonly cause seasonal allergies: Spring: Grasses, such as ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass and Bermuda grass, and tree pollen, particularly from oak, elm, birch, cedar, willow, poplar, horse chestnut and alder trees. Summer: Weed pollens like mugwort and pigweed. Fall: Pollen from weeds is the main concern in the fall months. Many people are allergic to the pollen in ragweed, tumbleweed, pigweed, sagebrush, Russian thistle and other plants. Winter: Most people find their allergies dormant during the winter months because most plants don't pollinate during winter. If you still get watery eyes and a runny nose during cold weather, you might be allergic to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold or animal dander.
