Common Allergy Symptoms

  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Post-nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing

Common Allergens and Their Timing

  • Tree pollen — March/April
  • Grass pollen — June/July
  • Ragweed — Fall
  • Mold — Fall

Not all environmental allergies are. Some, known as “perennial allergies,” can affect you year-round. These include allergies to cat hair and dust mites.

How to Avoid Allergies: Reduce Exposure

  • Stay inside and stop the sniffles: On high pollen days, keep indoors as much as possible.
  • Change or clean your filters regularly: Ensure your air filter and air conditioner filters are clean.
  • Wash away allergens: Regularly clean fabrics in your home to remove allergens.
  • Use an air purifier: A HEPA air filter can help reduce allergens.
  • Seal doors and windows: Make sure they are properly sealed to keep allergens out.

Tips to Reduce Exposure to Allergy Triggers

  • Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
  • Avoid gardening chores: Mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, and other activities can stir up allergens.
  • Remove and wash outdoor clothing: Shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
  • Don’t hang laundry outside: Pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
  • Wear a face mask for outdoor chores.

    Flower in girl hand

Steps for High Pollen Days

  • Check pollen forecasts: Local TV, radio, newspapers, or the internet can provide current pollen levels.
  • Start medications early: If high pollen counts are forecasted, take allergy medications before symptoms start.
  • Close doors and windows: Especially at night or during high pollen times.
  • Avoid early morning outdoor activities: Pollen counts are highest in the early morning.

Keeping Indoor Air Clean

  • Use air conditioning: In both your house and car.
  • Maintain your HVAC system: Use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules.
  • Use a dehumidifier: Keeping indoor air dry can help.
  • HEPA filters: Use portable HEPA filters, especially in bedrooms.
  • Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Over-The-Counter Remedies

  • Oral antihistamines: Relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose (e.g., Zyrtec Allergy, Allegra Allergy, Claritin).
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Improve nasal symptoms (e.g., Flonase Allergy Relief, Rhinocort Allergy).
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal spray: Helps block allergy symptoms and is best started before allergen exposure.
  • Oral decongestants: Provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness (e.g., Sudafed).

Rinsing Your Sinuses

Rinsing nasal passages with saline solution is effective for relieving nasal congestion by flushing out mucus and allergens. Saline solutions can be bought or made at home (1 quart of water, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda). Always use clean water and air-dry the device after use.

Alternative Treatments

Some natural remedies like butterbur extract and spirulina might help, but their effectiveness and safety are not well-proven. Acupuncture shows mixed results. Consult your doctor before trying alternative treatments.

When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough

If symptoms persist despite avoiding allergens and using nonprescription medications, consult your healthcare provider. They might recommend:

  • Skin tests or blood tests: To identify specific allergens.
  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy): Regular injections that gradually reduce the immune system reaction to allergens.
  • Sublingual tablets: For some allergies, tablets placed under the tongue can be effective.

See an Allergist if:

  • You experience chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing due to allergies.
  • You have allergy symptoms for several months each year.

Taking these steps can help manage and reduce the impact of allergies, making your daily life more comfortable.