An allergist can also help you find relief by determining which medications will work best for your set of triggers. Home Allergies Allergic Conditions Pollen Allergies. On this page. Trees, grass or weeds making you sneeze and wheeze? Find an Allergist. Symptoms If you have a pollen allergy and breathe in pollen-heavy air, you may experience symptoms such as: Sneezing Nasal congestion Runny nose Watery eyes Itchy throat and eyes Wheezing Pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, including increased coughing and wheezing.

Management and Treatment Find an allergist to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and help you find relief. Two immunotherapy options are available for those with severe pollen allergies: Allergy shots can help your body build resistance to pollens. Tablets that dissolve under the tongue are now available by prescription for people suffering from grass and ragweed allergies.

These medications must be started 12 weeks before symptoms are expected to begin. Submit site search Need an Allergist? Expand Navigation What Does An Allergist Treat?

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A rash is not one of the main symptoms of hay fever, but high pollen counts can trigger skin allergies. Learn about the causes and treatment of a rash…. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is an allergy that causes sneezing, watery eyes, and itching, often in response to pollen.

Find tips here for…. Pink eye and allergies can cause similar eye symptoms. Learn the differences between pink eye and allergic conjunctivitis here. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Pollen allergy: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Symptoms Types Treatment Home remedies Takeaway. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

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Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest A pollen allergy can cause a runny or stuffy nose. Share on Pinterest Nasal sprays may relieve the symptoms of a pollen allergy. Home remedies. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

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Related Coverage. How to identify a grass allergy Medically reviewed by Marc Meth, MD, FACAAI, FAAAI. Can pollen cause a hay fever rash? Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN.

It requires weekly shots for about six months, followed by years of less-frequent maintenance shots. Gabriele de Vos, an associate professor of allergy and immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Immunotherapy using pills that dissolve under the tongue, instead of shots, is now available for dust-mite and grass allergies , and studies have shown that this method can be effective.

The caveat, Sokol says, is that people who are allergic to many things may still experience symptoms, since the pills are specific to dust or grass. Research has also shown that injecting allergens directly into the lymph nodes can be effective.

Biologics —protein-based drugs that, in the case of allergies, neutralize parts of the immune system that cause inflammation—are an up-and-coming treatment option. Biologics are still the subject of active research, but some can already be prescribed to patients who need something stronger than over-the-counter treatments.

Write to Jamie Ducharme at jamie. ducharme time. Getty Images. By Jamie Ducharme. October 21, AM EDT. The organisation representing allergists Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy recommends that you do not use certain methods to have potential allergies tested.

These methods include:. Always speak with your doctor if you are thinking of using a complementary medicine or therapy to test for allergies. A direct way to manage pollen allergies is to reduce your exposure to pollens. Pollen counts External Link can help you to plan to avoid exposure.

If you are unable to avoid pollen, your doctor may suggest medication to reduce hay fever symptoms including:. Decongestant tablets and sprays can cause side effects, so use with caution or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you have asthma caused by pollens, your doctor will prescribe the correct medication and help you to develop a plan to manage your asthma. Make sure you follow your asthma action plan.

Asthma can be well controlled with the appropriate medication in almost all people. The main types of medication are:. If you have an asthma attack , follow your asthma action plan.

In case of emergency, call triple zero and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that someone is having an asthma attack. It involves a series of injections, tablets, sprays or drops given under the tongue of very small doses of the allergen over a long time.

This can help to improve tolerance of the pollens that are triggering your allergy and reduce symptoms. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.

Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis.

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Skip to main content. Home Allergies. Pollen allergies. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is pollen? Symptoms of pollen allergies Causes of pollen allergies Diagnosis of pollen allergies Treatment for pollen allergies Where to get help.

Keeping a record of your symptoms Keep a diary that describes your symptoms and when and where they occur. Your diary could include information about whether your symptoms occur: inside your home, outside or both for a short time or longer at night, during the day or when you wake up at a particular time of the year near animals after you have been stung or bitten by an insect after you have had a particular food or drink after you have taken a particular medication, either prescription or over the counter from a pharmacy or supermarket after you have taken a herbal medicine.

Asthma from pollen allergies Pollen can be breathed into the lungs and directly cause asthma in some people. Symptoms of asthma include: chest tightness or pain shortness of breath difficulty breathing wheezing — whistling noise when breathing coughing.

Hay fever symptoms from pollen allergies Hay fever may also be referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis, if the symptoms appear only when it is pollen season External Link. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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Here's more information. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Allergy meds could affect your driving.

Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Feb. Overview of allergy and atopic disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version. deShazo RD, et al. Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis. AAAAI allergy and asthma drug guide. Burks AW, et al. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.

In: Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. Elsevier; Hamrah P, et al. Allergic conjuctivitis: Management. Accessed March 3, Weston WL, et al. Treatment of atopic dermatitis eczema.

AskMayoExpert, Allergy immunotherapy. Mayo Clinic; Sublingual immunotherapy SLIT. Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store. See also Allergies Allergies and asthma Allergy education Allergy skin tests Allergy-proof your home Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis: First aid Aspirin allergy Atopic dermatitis eczema Atopic dermatitis: 6 ways to manage itchy skin Atopic dermatitis: Proper bathing can reduce itching Atopic dermatitis: Understand your triggers Bradycardia Breastfeeding and medications Can I exercise if I have atopic dermatitis?

Cough COVID, cold, allergies and the flu Dermatitis Drug allergy Ease stress to reduce eczema symptoms Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?

Food allergy Food allergy or intolerance? Hay fever Hives and angioedema Honey: An effective cough remedy? How to treat baby eczema I have atopic dermatitis. How can I sleep better? Living better with atopic dermatitis eczema Nasal Cleaning Nasal congestion Nausea and vomiting Ozone air purifiers Peeling skin Prednisone risks, benefits Prednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?

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Two immunotherapy options are available for those with severe pollen allergies:. If you are planning to be outside working around plants or cutting grass, a dust mask can help. There are many types of pollen — from different kinds of trees, from grass and from a variety of weeds.

The opposite can be true, too: The pollen count might be low, but you might find yourself around one of the pollens that triggers your allergies. Through testing, an allergist can pinpoint which pollens bring on your symptoms. An allergist can also help you find relief by determining which medications will work best for your set of triggers.

Home Allergies Allergic Conditions Pollen Allergies. On this page. Trees, grass or weeds making you sneeze and wheeze? Find an Allergist. Symptoms If you have a pollen allergy and breathe in pollen-heavy air, you may experience symptoms such as: Sneezing Nasal congestion Runny nose Watery eyes Itchy throat and eyes Wheezing Pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, including increased coughing and wheezing.

Management and Treatment Find an allergist to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and help you find relief. Two immunotherapy options are available for those with severe pollen allergies: Allergy shots can help your body build resistance to pollens.

Tablets that dissolve under the tongue are now available by prescription for people suffering from grass and ragweed allergies. These medications must be started 12 weeks before symptoms are expected to begin.

Many medicines that used to be available by prescription only are becoming available OTC. Talk to your doctor before using pseudoephedrine.

Beclomethasone Beconase AQ, Qnasl Budesonide generic Ciclesonide Omnaris, Zetonna Flunisolide generic Fluticasone furoate Flonase Sensimist Fluticasone propionate Flonase Allergy Relief Mometasone Nasonex 24 HR Allergy Triamcinolone GoodSense Nasal Allergy, Nasacort Allergy 24 hour.

Cetirizine ZyrTEC, others Desloratadine Clarinex Fexofenadine Allegra, others Levocetirizine Xyzal Loratadine Claritin, Alavert, others. Chlorpheniramine Chlor-Trimeton Clemastine Tavist Diphenhydramine Benadryl. They can relieve burning sensation, itchiness, redness, increased tearing, and swelling.

Common eye drops include SYSTANE® ZADITOR®, Optivar, and Pataday®. In addition, artificial tears can be helpful. Antihistamines: Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form.

They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness. Look for a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine. Examples include ZYRTEC®, Claritin®, Allegra®, CLARINEX®. Decongestants : Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops.

They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. Check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.

Leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast : This medicine can help by blocking chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction. Examples include SINGULAIR®, Zyflo CR®, ACCOLATE®. Note: Montelukast brand name SINGULAIR® has a black box warning.

This is a safety warning from the Food and Drug Administration FDA. We encourage you to speak with your health care provider before, during, and after the start of any new medicine.

If your doctor recommends montelukast, talk with them about possible risks and concerns. Cromolyn sodium: This is a nasal spray that blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, including histamine and leukotrienes.

This medicine has few side effects, but you must take it four times a day. Examples include NasalCrom®. If you have a pollen allergy and do not get complete relief from medicines, talk with your doctor about immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that can help prevent allergic reactions or make them less severe.

Allergy shots — subcutaneous immunotherapy SCIT has been around for more than years and can provide long-lasting symptom relief.

SCIT is a series of shots that have larger amounts of allergen in each shot. The allergen will be injected into the fat under the skin. Over time, allergic symptoms generally improve. Many people get complete relief within one to three years of starting SCIT. Many people also feel the benefits for at least several years after the shots stop.

Sublingual immunotherapy SLIT involves placing a tablet with the allergen under your tongue for one to two minutes and then swallowing it. In , the Food and Drug Administration FDA approved three types of under-the-tongue tablets to treat allergies to grass GRASTEK®, Oralair® and ragweed RAGWITEK® pollens.

You take SLIT tablets daily before and during grass or ragweed season. This treatment offers people with these allergies a potential alternative to allergy shots.

Your doctor may also customize SLIT for you, although this is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA at this time. Talk with your allergist about your allergy symptoms and your allergy treatment plan. Closed Accordion References 1.

Lo, F. et al. Pollen calendars and maps of allergenic pollen in North America. Aerobiologia 35, — Salo, P. Arbes, Jr. Jaramillo, A. Calatroni, C. Weir, M. Sever, J.

Hoppin, K. Rose, A. Liu, P. Gergen, H. Mitchell, and D. Prevalence of allergic sensitization in the United States: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NHANES — Allergy Clin.

Oral allergy syndrome OAS AAAAI. Your location can have an impact on your seasonal allergies.

This table includes medications commonly used for treating symptoms of allergic rhinitis seasonal allergies , including some sample brand names. These can be sold under many different brand names and store brands. Always read the generic names on the label of your OTC medicines to be sure you are not taking more than one product containing the same medicine, as this can be harmful.

If you are also taking other medicines or have health problems, check with your doctor to be sure OTC medicines are safe for you to use. Many medicines that used to be available by prescription only are becoming available OTC. Talk to your doctor before using pseudoephedrine.

Beclomethasone Beconase AQ, Qnasl Budesonide generic Ciclesonide Omnaris, Zetonna Flunisolide generic Fluticasone furoate Flonase Sensimist Fluticasone propionate Flonase Allergy Relief Mometasone Nasonex 24 HR Allergy Triamcinolone GoodSense Nasal Allergy, Nasacort Allergy 24 hour. Cetirizine ZyrTEC, others Desloratadine Clarinex Fexofenadine Allegra, others Levocetirizine Xyzal Loratadine Claritin, Alavert, others.

By winter, most outdoor allergens lie dormant. As a result, cold weather brings relief to many people with hay fever. But it also means that more folks are spending time indoors. Indoor allergens are often easier to remove from your environment than outdoor pollens.

Here are a few tips for ridding your home of common allergens:. Hay fever is usually easier to diagnose than other allergies. Your doctor may also check your ears, nose, and throat to make a diagnosis.

Your treatment for allergic rhinitis will likely be the same, no matter what type of allergen you react to. If you need help finding an Allergist and Immunologist, then check out our FindCare tool here. The best medicine for hay fever and year-round allergic rhinitis is avoidance of allergens that trigger symptoms for you.

Medications are also available to treat symptoms of hay fever. Some people also try alternative treatments. Take steps to avoid seasonal allergens.

For instance, use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter to cool your home in summer, rather than ceiling fans. Check your local weather network for pollen forecasts, and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high.

At times of year when your hay fever is active:. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. Some allergy medications may have unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

Shop for over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines online. Few studies have been done on alternative treatments for hay fever. Some people believe the following alternative treatments may provide relief:. The symptoms of seasonal allergies can be uncomfortable.

If you suspect you have seasonal allergies, talk to your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe a treatment plan. They will likely encourage you to take steps to avoid your allergy triggers. They may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Takeaway. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful?