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Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies show up at the same time of the year every year, if you continue to live in the same part of the country. Hay fever is the most common seasonal allergy. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

  • Itchy, watery eyes.
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose.
  • Temporary loss of smell.
  • Headache and fatigue.
  • Dark circles under the eyes ("allergic shiners").
  • Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
  • Sore throat or coughing.
  • Snoring.

You can reduce your exposure to pollen by:

  • Keeping your house and car windows closed.
  • Limiting the time you spend outside when pollen counts are high (during midday and afternoon).
  • Wearing a pollen or dust mask if you need to mow the lawn.
  • Limit your mowing tasks if you can.
  • Rinsing your eyes with cool water or saline eyedrops after you come indoors to remove clinging pollen.
  • Taking a shower and changing your clothes after you work or play outside.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised April 29, 2011

Last Revised: April 29, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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