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)