Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever)
Medically reviewed by [Clinician name, credentials] on [date]
If you sneeze your way through certain times of year, you're not alone. Seasonal allergies are common, and they can wear you down. The right plan can help you breathe easier and sleep better.
This page is for general education. It isn't a diagnosis and doesn't replace a visit with a clinician.
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happen when your immune system overreacts to something in the air. Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as mold spores. Some people have symptoms all year from dust mites, pet dander, or indoor mold.
Despite the name, hay fever doesn't cause a fever, and it isn't caught from other people. If you have a fever and body aches, a cold, the flu, or another infection is more likely.
Common symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy nose, mouth, throat, or roof of the mouth
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
- Mucus dripping down the back of your throat
- Cough
- Feeling tired, often from poor sleep
- Puffy, swollen eyelids
Symptoms often show up at the same time each year. They may get worse when pollen counts are high or wind is blowing pollen around.
When telehealth works — and when you need in-person care
Telehealth often works well for:
- Talking through your symptoms and when they happen
- Choosing medicines that fit your health history and other prescriptions
- Making a plan to reduce your exposure to triggers
- Checking in on how well your treatment is working
You may need in-person care if:
- You need allergy skin or blood testing
- You might benefit from allergy shots or tablets (immunotherapy)
- You have wheezing or asthma that isn't well controlled
- Your symptoms keep leading to sinus infections
How Oceanside Health can help
- Video visits to sort out allergies from a cold or sinus infection.
- A treatment plan built around you. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) notes that nasal steroid sprays are the most effective type of medicine for hay fever. Other options include antihistamines (pills, eye drops, or nasal sprays) and decongestants.
- Safety checks. ACAAI advises that people with high blood pressure or heart problems talk with a clinician before using decongestants. We'll review your other conditions and medicines.
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy when needed.
- Referrals to an allergist for testing or immunotherapy. [CONFIRM: referral partners]
We see patients by video across Brevard County, including Merritt Island, Viera, and Rockledge.
Tips to cut down on triggers (from ACAAI):
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen times, at home and in the car
- Use air conditioning
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes
- Don't hang laundry outside to dry
- Use dust-mite-proof bedding covers and wash bedding often in hot water
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses can help with dryness and thick mucus
Call 911 or go to the ER if…
Hay fever itself is not an emergency. But a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is. MedlinePlus says it can begin very quickly. Common causes include foods (especially peanuts), medicines, and insect stings. Call 911 right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or a tight throat
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Hives, itching, or swelling along with any of the signs above
- Dizziness, fainting, or a weak, fast pulse
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps along with other allergy symptoms
- Chest pain or tightness
If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it as directed and still call 911.
Also get urgent care for an asthma attack that doesn't get better with your rescue inhaler.
Frequently asked questions
Is it allergies or a cold?
They can be hard to tell apart. ACAAI says allergies tend to cause a thin, watery runny nose and last as long as you're exposed to the trigger. A cold often starts a day or two after exposure, may bring thicker or yellowish mucus or a low fever, and usually lasts a few days to a week. Hay fever doesn't cause a fever.
Which allergy medicine works best?
It depends on your symptoms. ACAAI says nasal steroid sprays are the single most effective type of medicine for hay fever. Antihistamines tend to work best when taken before symptoms start. Your clinician can help you pick what's safe for you.
Can allergies cause sinus infections?
Allergies can cause swelling in your nose and sinuses. The CDC lists allergies as one of the things that raise your risk of a sinus infection.
Can I get allergy testing through telehealth?
Testing usually needs a skin test at an allergist's office or a blood test at a lab. We can help you decide if testing makes sense and where to go.
Book a visit
Tired of sneezing season? Book a visit or call 321-878-8195. Please don't send health details through this website or by email. We'll go over everything privately during your visit.
If you think you're having an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Hay Fever. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/
- MedlinePlus (NIH). Anaphylaxis. https://medlineplus.gov/anaphylaxis.html
- CDC. Sinus Infection Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/index.html
- CDC. About Common Cold. https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
Medically reviewed by [Clinician name, credentials] on [date]. Next review due: [date + 12 months].