How Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Feel

How do you tell if you have allergies or an infection?

As the seasons shift, many people find themselves grappling with an unwelcome guest: seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Allergies can significantly disrupt daily life, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, and an itchy throat are among the common signs of seasonal allergies. These symptoms can also extend beyond the expected seasonal time frame, persisting throughout the year for some people.

In this article, we will delve into when seasonal allergy symptoms start, types of seasonal allergy symptoms, the allergens that trigger these reactions, and various treatment options for finding relief from seasonal allergies.

When Do Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Ramp Up?

Seasonal allergy symptoms usually intensify when certain allergens, like pollen, are widespread in the environment. The timing of these symptoms can vary depending on where you live and the specific allergens that affect you.

In general, the earliest spring allergies are triggered by tree pollen and last until early summer. Summer allergies are often caused by grass pollen. Fall allergies, on the other hand, are commonly associated with weed pollen, such as ragweed.

As these plants release their pollen into the air, individuals who are allergic may start to experience symptoms like sneezing, itchiness, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. The intensity of symptoms can vary from person to person, but it is during these periods of increased allergen exposure that seasonal allergy symptoms tend to ramp up.

Timeline

Seasonal allergy timeframes may vary depending on your location and the specific plants prevalent in your area. Here is a general timeframe:

• Spring (February to May): Tree pollen
• Summer (April to August): Grass pollen
• Fall (August to November): Weed pollen

Mild Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Mild seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing and a stuffy, or runny nose
• Itchiness around the nose or mouth
• Red, itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
• Itchy skin
• Skin rashes of hives
  

Allergies and Mental Health

Research indicates that seasonal allergies can affect mental health and mood, potentially leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Severe Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

If you experience severe allergy symptoms or have a history of severe allergic reactions, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional or allergist can provide proper diagnosis, treatment, and guidance tailored to your individual needs.

Severe seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Facial swelling, swollen lips, tongue
• Cough
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
  
• Asthma attack

Anaphylaxis

When a severe allergic reaction involves two or more organ systems, it is referred to as anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can potentially life-threatening, affecting various organ systems including the skin, mouth, stomach, respiratory system, and heart.

The following symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis:

• Skin: Itchy skin, redness, swelling, and hives
• Mouth: Itchy mouth, swelling of the lips and tongue
• Stomach: Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps
• Respiratory: Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or pain
• Cardiovascular: Weak pulse, dizziness, faintness, and low blood pressure
• Headache, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and sweating
• Confusion and a feeling of impending doom
• Loss of consciousness

If you or someone around you experiences these severe allergic reaction symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Allergens That Trigger Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergy symptoms are triggered by specific allergens that are present in the environment during certain times of the year. These allergens can vary depending on the season and geographic location.

Tree pollen causes most spring seasonal allergies. The most common springtime allergens include tree pollen from:

• Oak
• Birch
• Maple
• Cedar
• Cottonwood
• Olive
• Willow
• Hickory
• Alder
• Beech
• Juniper

Grass pollen is a common culprit for summer allergens. The most common types of grass pollen includes:

• Bermuda grass
• Timothy grass
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Bahia grass
• Johnson grass
• Fescue grass

Weed pollen is the cause of many fall allergies. Types of weed pollen include:

• Ragweed
• Sagebrush
• Lamb's-quarters
• Mugwort
• Tumbleweed
• Burning bush
• Russian Thistle
  

Over-the-Counter Relief for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

If you're looking for over-the-counter (OTC) relief for seasonal allergy symptoms, there are several options available. It's important to note that while these medications can provide relief, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting any new medication.

Here are some common OTC options for seasonal allergy relief:

Antihistamines

These medications help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin, (loratadine), and Allegra (fexofenadine), may be preferred due to their non-drowsy effects. Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness but may be useful if sleep disruption due to allergies is a concern.

Nasal Corticosteroids

Nasal sprays, such as Flonase (fluticasone propionate) help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.

Decongestants

Oral decongestants can help alleviate nasal congestion. However, they should be used with caution and only for a short duration due to potential side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure. An example of an OTC decongestant is Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). Talk to a healthcare provider about the best way to use decongestants.

Combination Medications

Some OTC medications combine antihistamines and decongestants to provide relief for multiple symptoms. Examples include Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine) Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine). Again, caution should be exercised with decongestant components due to potential side effects.

Drug-Free Treatment for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Some may wish to avoid the sedating effects of certain drugstore options for seasonal allergies to maintain daytime alertness and productivity.

Saline Nasal Wash

Saline nasal washes can help clear out nasal congestion and reduce allergen exposure. They can be particularly useful for people who prefer drug-free options.

Allergen Barrier Balm

Applying a thin layer of allergen barrier balm around your nostrils can help trap and prevent allergens from entering your nasal passages. These balms are available over the counter and may help provide a physical barrier against allergens, but further studies are needed.

Long-Term Solutions for Dealing With Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

If your seasonal allergies significantly impact your quality of life, consider consulting an allergist. Allergies are not limited to pollen alone, and many individuals with spring allergies experience year-round symptoms. An allergist can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop strategies to avoid triggers instead of merely treating the symptoms.

While short-term relief measures like OTC medications can provide temporary relief, it's important to consider long-term solutions for managing and reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some strategies you can try:

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Determine the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms, such as pollen from certain plants, mold spores, or dust mites. Monitor pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high pollen days. Keep windows closed and use air purifiers with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters to minimize exposure to allergens.

Keeping Windows and Doors Shut During Allergy Seasons

Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home or car. Consider using air conditioning instead, but make sure to clean or replace the filters regularly to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

Allergen Immunotherapy

This approach entails gradually introducing your body to tiny quantities of allergens to desensitize your immune system.. It can be administered through injections or sublingual drops or tablets. Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term approach that aims to reduce the severity of symptoms and potentially provide lasting relief.

Summary

Seasonal allergies can manifest as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny or congested nose, and fatigue. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may be influenced by the specific allergens present during different times of the year. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for allergy symptoms to find effective relief.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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By Sarah Jividen, RN
Jividen is a freelance healthcare journalist. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room.

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