Seasonal Allergies and Everyday Management

Symptoms that come back each season

When sneezing, a clear runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes and nose show up at about the same time every year, many people suspect seasonal allergies. Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds is released in different seasons, so some people suffer most in spring and others from late summer into autumn. Symptoms overlap with colds, sinus infections and other allergies, though, which makes it hard to tell them apart yourself. This guide covers ways to reduce exposure in daily life; identifying the cause and deciding on treatment is a job for a medical professional.

Start with a record

Writing down when symptoms start and when they get worse shows you where to focus and is a real help when you see a doctor. Even a few weeks of notes often reveal a pattern tied to certain places, times of day or weather.

• The date symptoms began, and whether last year was similar
• The times and places they get worse: outdoors, at home, at work
• The weather that day: wind, clear skies, after rain
• Other symptoms that come with them: eyes, nose, cough, skin
• Any medicine you already take or use, and how well it works

Cutting exposure outdoors

Pollen tends to be heavier on windy, clear, dry days and lighter while it is raining. Many weather services publish pollen forecasts, so check them when your season arrives. On high-pollen days, move outdoor exercise indoors or keep it shorter, and when you go out, a mask plus glasses or a hat reduces how much reaches your eyes and nose. In the car, keep the windows closed and use the setting that limits outside air.

Keep it from coming indoors

Pollen picked up outside clings to clothes, hair and skin and travels into your home. Shake off your coat at the door and hang it there rather than carrying it to the bedroom, and wash your hands and face when you get in. In your worst weeks, washing your hair or showering before bed reduces what ends up on your pillow. On high-pollen days, drying laundry indoors is better than hanging it outside. If your pet has been out for a walk, a quick wipe of its coat helps too.

Managing the indoor environment

Fresh air matters, but air the room briefly and avoid the hours when pollen is heaviest. Wipe floors and furniture with a damp cloth rather than a dry one so dust does not fly back up. Wash bedding often, and if cleaning sets off your symptoms, wear a mask or ask someone else to do it. If you use an air purifier, change the filter on schedule or it will not do its job. Very humid rooms can encourage mould and dust mites, so if symptoms continue regardless of season, it is worth considering causes inside the home as well.

Discuss medicine and treatment with a professional

There are many kinds of allergy medicine, and some need care because of side effects such as drowsiness, interactions with other drugs or limits on how long they should be used. Some nasal sprays can even make congestion worse if used for too long. So rather than copying what a friend takes or reusing an old prescription on your own, it is safer to show a doctor or pharmacist your symptoms and notes and decide together. If you want to know the exact cause, you can ask at your appointment whether testing is an option. If you are pregnant, buying for a child or living with a long-term condition, talk to someone first.

Common mistakes and judgment calls

Many people shrug it off as just that time of year and spend weeks sleeping badly and struggling to concentrate. If it is getting in the way of daily life, getting checked is better than putting up with it. Rubbing itchy eyes hard can make swelling and irritation worse, so rinse with cool water or use a cold compress instead. If mucus turns thick and yellow, or comes with fever and facial pain, something other than allergies may be going on, so see a doctor. If the same season causes trouble every year, many people talk to a professional before symptoms start so they are ready.

Signs that need care right away

If you feel short of breath, your chest feels tight or you hear wheezing when you breathe, if your lips, tongue or face swell, or if hives spread across your body or you feel dizzy or faint, call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately. This article is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms continue or worry you, talk to a medical professional.