What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies happen when your body reacts to things in the air, like pollen, mold, or dust. These allergies are also called hay fever. They usually cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. For many people, this happens in spring, summer, or fall, when pollen is more common.

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Common Symptoms seasonal allergies

The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Sneezing: Your body reacts to allergens like pollen by sneezing.
• Runny or stuffy nose: Allergens cause your body to produce more mucus.
• Itchy, watery eyes: Allergens can irritate your eyes.
• Coughing: Mucus buildup can cause a dry or wet cough.

• – **Tiredness**: These symptoms can make you feel fatigued or less energetic.

These symptoms are often confused with a cold, but they last longer and can come back year after year.

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What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are caused by allergens in the air. Some common allergens are:

• Pollen: Trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air during certain seasons.
• Mold: spores grow in damp areas and are released into the air.
• Dust mites: These tiny insects live in carpets, bedding, and furniture, causing allergic reactions.
• Pet dander: This comes from the skin flakes of pets like cats and dogs.

Identifying what causes your symptoms can help you manage them better.

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How to Manage Your seasonal allergies

There are many ways to control your symptoms. Here are some tips:

1. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high: Check daily pollen reports and try to limit your time outside when levels are high.

2. Close windows and doors: This helps keep pollen out of your home.

3. Use air filters: Air purifiers or filters can help clean the air in your home.

4. Shower after being outside: Pollen can stick to your skin and clothes, so it’s helpful to wash off when you come inside.

5. Wear a mask: If you’re outside during allergy season, wearing a mask can help reduce exposure to pollen.

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Over-the-Counter seasonal allergies Relief

If avoiding allergens doesn’t fully control your symptoms, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These include:

• Antihistamines: These block the chemical histamine that your body releases during an allergic reaction. Common options include loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
• Decongestants: These can help reduce stuffiness in your nose. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is one example.
• Nasal sprays: These help clear up nasal congestion and reduce inflammation.

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about which medications are right for you.

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Natural Remedies for Allergy Relief

Many people also find relief from natural remedies. Here are some options:

• Nasal rinses: Using a saline rinse or neti pot can help clear your nasal passages of allergens.
• Local honey: Some people believe eating local honey can help build a tolerance to pollen.
• Vitamin C: Taking vitamin C may help reduce your body’s reaction to allergens.
• Herbal teas: Teas like peppermint or chamomile may soothe your symptoms.

While natural remedies can help, they work best when combined with other treatments.

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When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms are very bad or last a long time, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. A doctor may recommend:

• Prescription medications: If over-the-counter options don’t work, stronger prescription medications might help.
• Allergy shots: These shots help reduce your body’s reaction to allergens over time.

A doctor can help you create a treatment plan that works best for your symptoms.

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