Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can cause sneezing, congestion, runny nose, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes. Symptoms often occur when pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds is in the air.
Many people can manage mild symptoms with exposure reduction and appropriate over-the-counter treatment. Persistent, severe, or unclear symptoms deserve professional evaluation.
Common Symptoms
Possible symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, postnasal drip, cough, fatigue, and poor sleep.
Allergies can resemble a cold, sinus infection, asthma flare, medication side effect, or another condition.
Reduce Pollen Exposure
Helpful steps may include checking pollen levels, closing windows when pollen is high, showering after outdoor activity, changing clothes, avoiding outdoor drying of laundry, and cleaning indoor surfaces and filters.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Options may include oral antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays, saline rinses, and allergy eye drops.
The safest choice depends on age, pregnancy, medical conditions, other medicines, and symptoms. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before combining products.
Decongestants
Decongestants are not appropriate for everyone. Extra caution may be needed with high blood pressure, heart conditions, glaucoma, prostate problems, pregnancy, thyroid disease, or certain medicines.
Some decongestant nasal sprays can worsen congestion when used too long.
Saline Rinses
Use only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water. Clean the device as directed.
Antibiotics Do Not Treat Allergies
Antibiotics do not treat seasonal allergies and should be used only when a qualified clinician diagnoses a bacterial infection.
When to Seek Prompt Care
Get urgent help for trouble breathing, severe wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, chest tightness, high fever, severe facial pain, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
Call 911 for a possible severe allergic reaction.
Finding Lower-Cost Care
Possible options include community health centers, primary-care clinics, public hospitals, teaching clinics, Medicaid or CHIP providers, telehealth, pharmacy consultations, and hospital financial assistance.
Sources
- CDC: Pollen and your health
- CDC: Seasonal allergies and antibiotics
- NCCIH: Seasonal allergies at a glance
- HRSA: Find a Health Center
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.