Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) — also known as hay fever — happen when your immune system overreacts to environmental allergens like pollen, grass, or mold spores during certain times of the year.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Allergic rhinitis is typically triggered by:

• Pollen from trees (spring), grasses (summer), and weeds (fall)

• Mold spores (especially in humid or rainy seasons)

• Airborne allergens like dust or pollution (can worsen symptoms)

When you breathe in these allergens, your immune system releases histamine, leading to classic allergy symptoms.

Common Symptoms

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Itchy nose, throat, or eyes

• Watery, red, or puffy eyes

• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Sinus pressure or mild headaches

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last for weeks during peak allergy seasons.

Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:

1. Antihistamines – reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching

   • Examples: Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra)

2. Nasal corticosteroids – reduce inflammation

   • Examples: Fluticasone (Flonase), Mometasone (Nasonex)

3. Decongestants – relieve nasal congestion (short-term use)

   • Examples: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Oxymetazoline spray (Afrin)

4. Eye drops – for itchy, watery eyes

   • Examples: Ketotifen, Olopatadine

Lifestyle & Home Remedies:

• Keep windows closed during high-pollen days

• Shower and change clothes after being outside

• Use air purifiers or HEPA filters indoors

• Rinse sinuses with saline spray or a neti pot

• Monitor pollen levels and limit outdoor exposure when high

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telehealth is great for:

• Diagnosing seasonal allergies based on symptoms

• Recommending or prescribing allergy medications

• Refilling antihistamines or nasal sprays

• Referring for allergy testing if needed

• Helping differentiate between allergies, a cold, or sinus infection

No need to leave your house during peak allergy season — get care from home!

When to See a Provider

• Symptoms persist despite OTC treatment

• You’re unsure if it’s allergies or another condition

• You experience sinus infections or asthma flare-ups

• You’re interested in allergy testing or immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)