Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Triggers and Relief
Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happen when your immune system overreacts to airborne substances such as pollen, causing sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes. You can usually keep symptoms under control by avoiding triggers, simple home measures and the right medicines.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds is the most common trigger, and the season depends on where you live and which plants you react to. Mould spores, dust and pet dander can cause similar symptoms all year round. The body treats these harmless particles as threats and releases chemicals such as histamine, which cause the symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Allergy or Cold?
| Sign | Allergy | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Itching | Common (nose, eyes, throat) | Rare |
| Nasal discharge | Clear and watery | May thicken |
| Body aches and fever | No | Mild aches, sometimes mild fever |
| How long | As long as you are exposed | About 7–10 days |
Our guide on cold vs flu explains how viral infections differ. Remember that antibiotics do not treat allergies.
How to Reduce Exposure
- Check local pollen forecasts and limit outdoor time when counts are high
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
- Wear sunglasses outside
- Wash bedding in hot water and vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Drying laundry outdoors on high-pollen days
- Rubbing itchy eyes
- Using tap water for nasal rinses (use sterile or boiled and cooled water)
- Relying on honey as a cure
Medicines That May Help
Many people use over-the-counter antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine eye drops or decongestants. Some older antihistamines cause drowsiness, and decongestants may not suit people with high blood pressure. Ask a pharmacist which suits you and read the label carefully. Learn more in how to store medicines safely at home. If you have asthma, allergies can trigger flare-ups, so follow your asthma plan.
- Your lips, face or tongue swell
- You have trouble breathing or wheeze
- You develop sudden widespread hives
Looking for allergy care?
Browse our allergy category. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medicine.
Allergy medicinesFrequently Asked Questions
Can allergies develop in adulthood?
Yes. People can develop new allergies at any age.
Does local honey cure hay fever?
There is no good scientific evidence that it does, so do not rely on it in place of proven treatment.
Can poor sleep make allergies feel worse?
Blocked noses disturb sleep, and tiredness can make you feel worse. See how poor sleep affects your health.
More Reading
Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI); National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); Mayo Clinic patient information on hay fever.