Seasonal Allergies: What You Need to Know

When the flowers start blooming or the grass turns green, many of us begin to sneeze, itch, or feel a scratchy throat. That’s seasonal allergies at work. They’re caused by tiny particles in the air – mainly pollen – that your immune system mistakenly attacks. The good news is you don’t have to suffer in silence. Simple changes to your routine and a few over‑the‑counter options can make a big difference.

Common Triggers and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent culprits are tree, grass, and weed pollen. Trees release pollen in early spring, grasses take over in late spring to early summer, and weeds like ragweed dominate in late summer and fall. Checking a local pollen count (many weather apps include it) lets you plan activities when levels are low.

Here are easy ways to cut down exposure:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days, especially in the morning.
• Use air conditioners in your home and car; set them to recirculate air.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen particles.
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outside to wash off pollen.
• Dry laundry indoors instead of hanging it outside where pollen can stick.

Even indoor plants can release spores that aggravate allergies, so pick low‑allergen varieties like succulents or snake plants.

Fast‑Acting Relief Strategies

If symptoms strike, you have several options that work quickly and are easy to find at most pharmacies.

• Antihistamines: Oral tablets like cetirizine or loratadine block the histamine response that causes itching and sneezing. They usually start working within 30 minutes.
• Nasal sprays: Saline rinses wash out pollen from the nasal passages. For stronger relief, steroid nasal sprays (fluticasone) reduce inflammation.
• Eye drops: Over‑the‑counter antihistamine drops calm red, itchy eyes without a prescription.
• Decongestants: Short‑term use of pseudoephedrine can shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose, but avoid using them for more than a few days.

Combine a daily antihistamine with a nightly nasal spray for steady control, and keep a rescue inhaler (like a short‑acting antihistamine eye drop) handy for sudden flare‑ups.

Don’t forget lifestyle tweaks: stay hydrated, use a humidifier if indoor air is dry, and consider a HEPA filter for your bedroom. These steps lower the amount of pollen you breathe in while you sleep.

Seasonal allergies can be annoying, but with a bit of planning you can keep symptoms in check and still enjoy the outdoors. Track pollen levels, protect your home, and have fast‑acting meds ready – that’s the recipe for a clearer, less itchy season.