Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are a very common condition in which the immune system overreacts to allergens present in the air in certain seasons of the year, the most famous being pollen flying from trees, grasses, and plants in spring and autumn. When these grains are inhaled, the affected person's body treats them as a danger and launches an allergic reaction causing the well-known symptoms. It is important to know that seasonal allergies are not contagious and recur in the same seasons annually.

The symptoms of seasonal allergies are concentrated in the nose, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, and include: repeated sneezing fits, a runny nose with clear watery secretions, nasal congestion and blockage, itching in the nose, throat, and roof of the mouth, itching, redness, and tears in the eyes, and sometimes cough, a feeling of fatigue, and difficulty sleeping due to the blockage. These symptoms may resemble a cold, but what distinguishes allergy is that it is usually not accompanied by fever, lasts throughout the exposure season, recurs at the same time each year, and the affected person often has a history of allergy, asthma, or eczema.

Although seasonal allergies are usually not dangerous, they can be very bothersome and affect quality of life, sleep, concentration, and productivity. Dealing with them rests on two axes: reducing exposure to the allergen as much as possible (such as following pollen peak times, closing windows on peak days, wearing a mask when needed, and bathing after outdoor exposure), and medication treatment to relieve symptoms. Effective medications include: antihistamines (relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose), steroid nasal sprays (effective for congestion and inflammation), eye drops, and decongestants for short periods. In severe cases or those that do not respond well to medications, the doctor may resort to immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) that gradually accustoms the body to the allergen. Seeing an allergist to identify the allergens and set an appropriate treatment plan is advised, especially when daily life is affected or there is accompanying asthma.

• Repeated sneezing, watery runny nose, and congestion.
• Itching in the nose, throat, and roof of the mouth.
• Itching, redness, and tears in the eyes.
• Cough and fatigue, usually without fever (distinguishing it from a cold).

• An overreaction of the immune system to pollen (trees, grasses, and plants).
• Concentrated in certain seasons (often spring and autumn).
• A link to a history of allergy, asthma, and eczema (not contagious).

• Family history of allergy or asthma.
• Having asthma or eczema.
• Repeated exposure to pollen.

• Diagnosis from the recurrent seasonal symptom pattern and allergy history.
• Skin tests or blood tests to identify the allergens when needed.
• Distinguishing from a cold (allergy without fever and lasting the season).

Reducing exposure

• Following pollen peaks, closing windows, a mask when needed, and bathing after exposure.

Medications

• Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops, and decongestants for short periods.

Severe cases

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) by the allergist's decision.

This content is educational and does not replace medical advice.

• Impact on sleep, concentration, and productivity.
• Worsening of accompanying asthma or sinus infections.
• Middle ear infection in children sometimes.

• Reducing exposure to pollen in peak seasons.
• Starting preventive medications before the season begins with the doctor's guidance.
• Controlling accompanying asthma and seeing an allergist.