Are the sneezes, sniffles, scratchy throat and itchy eyes from seasonal allergies getting you down? It may be time to step up your treatment.

Fighting Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are always around. But based on what triggers your allergies, you may suffer more during different times of the year. The two periods of time that are toughest on allergy sufferers are usually spring and fall.

Spring allergies: In the spring, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes are known as “hay fever”. In reality, spring allergies have nothing to do with “hay” or “fever”. Instead, they are caused by pollen and mold. Pollen from grass, budding trees and flowering ragweed plants floats in the air. Outdoors, mold grows in fields and on dead leaves.

Fall allergies: Mold and ragweed show up in the fall as well. The time of shorter days and swirling leaves is a bad one for people who are sensitive to these two allergens. Mold counts can increase when humidity is high or when it’s windy. They also tend to be worse in warmer climates.

Here are some strategies to fight seasonal allergies and get your symptoms under control.

How to Relieve Seasonal Allergies

Take allergy medicine: You can use over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines to control symptoms. Or check with your doctor to see if allergy shots are an option.

Start your medicine early: For the best results, take your medicines before your symptoms start.

Track your symptoms: To better control your symptoms, track them.  Online trackers or smartphone apps can help you figure out what triggers your symptoms and when. Knowledge is power.

Limit Exposure to Seasonal Allergens

The surest way to fight seasonal allergies is to limit your exposure to them. Here’s how.

Stay indoors: When allergen counts are high, stay inside with the windows closed. Run the air conditioning in your home and car when needed.

Change your HVAC filter every three months: Choose a high-quality filter that will get the job done. Filters with a MERV rating of 11-13 are best for filtering pollen and mold, says the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology,

Wear a mask: Raking leaves, cleaning the house or even going for a walk can stir up allergens and trigger symptoms. Breathe easier with an N95 mask. These masks filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles and reduce your exposure to pollen, mold and other allergens.

Take a shower after exposure: When counts are high, it helps to rinse off in the shower to remove any allergens from your skin after exposure.

Keep your clothes and fabrics allergen-free: Change clothes when you go inside to make sure you don’t spread pollen or mold around the house. Leave your shoes at the door and avoid drying clothes, sheets and towels on a line outside.

Time to Test?

If OTC and prescription medicines aren’t working as well as you’d like, talk to your doctor about allergy testing. They may refer you to an allergy specialist called an allergist or immunologist. The doctor will test your skin with a test that places small amounts of common allergens on your forearm or back. If you are allergic, your skin will become red, swollen or itchy.

Allergy tests are used to help develop a treatment plan. The plan might include avoiding some things, using certain medicines or getting allergy shots.

The Mayo Clinic says allergy skin tests are generally safe for adults and children. They’re used to help find conditions like:

• Hay fever
• Allergic asthma
• Dermatitis (eczema)
• Penicillin allergy
• Bee venom allergy
• Food allergies (these may call for more tests)

Blood tests may be an option for people who can’t have skin tests because they:

• Have had severe allergic reactions
• Take medicine that might interfere with the results
• Have severe skin conditions

If you’re tired of your allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor about what next steps are best for you.

Sources: Autumn is coming: Get ahead of allergy symptoms now,  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2023; Allergy Skin Tests,  Mayo Clinic, 2024; Allergies,  Mayo Clinic, 2024.