Skip to main content
Miguel Ayala, MD

Medically reviewed by:
Miguel Ayala, MD

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever and/or allergic rhinitis, are an allergic reaction that can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Seasonal allergies can affect several people, and you may feel that seasonal allergies can get in the way of daily living and activities. This doesn’t have to be the case. Read this article for everything you need to know.

When is allergy season?

Allergy season may vary depending on where in the world you live. In the United States, allergy season is typically towards the beginning of the year, starting in February, and may last until early summer. They occur when pollination begins in most places. During this time, certain plants release pollen into the air, causing the allergens in the air you breathe to increase.

However, some people may experience allergies year-round. In addition, allergy symptoms may increase if you live in an area with a lot of rain. More rain causes more plant growth, which can cause more mold to be produced, increasing symptoms of allergies as well.

Seasonal allergies/hay fever symptoms

If you have hay fever, several symptoms can be experienced. These can include:

  • Congestion or stuffiness of the nose
  • Lots of sneezing
  • Itchiness of the nose, throat, and/or eyes
  • Headaches
  • Increased levels of mucus
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing

If you are dealing with hay fever symptoms, you may have all or just a few of these symptoms. Typically, you will know the difference between having seasonal allergies and/or just feeling like you have a cold due to the repetition in symptoms and when they appear. Also, suppose you notice more symptoms when you are around specific environmental exposures, like being outside. In that case, this may indicate you are dealing with allergies and not coming down with a cold.

Allergist near me

If you are experiencing hay fever symptoms, you can likely get an initial evaluation with your primary care provider. They may ask you about the symptoms that you have been experiencing and may run some blood tests.

If your primary care provider runs some initial testing and you are still having symptoms that are not improving, they may recommend you see an allergist. A referral to an allergist is often necessary if you have more severe allergies that are difficult to manage and/or full-blown hay fever. Allergic Rhinitis is an immune system overreaction to harmless allergens like pollen, not an autoimmune disease. Some of these symptoms can include:

  • Inflammation in the body
  • Inflammation in the nose, eyes, and throat
  • Allergic reactions that cause swelling or throat closure

If you are having some more severe symptoms, seeing a specialist such as an allergist is warranted. WellMed offers several options for allergists who are contracted clinicians who may be able to help you take the next steps you need. Find an allergist near you today.

Frequently asked questions about seasonal allergies

How long do seasonal allergies last?

Allergy season can look different from person to person, depending on what you are sensitive to. For this reason, seasonal allergies can last a month, can last during the transition between seasons during the year, or may persist year-round. Different allergens peak during all seasons, so seasonal allergies may come and go throughout the year based upon your specific allergies. For this reason, it is good to keep track of patterns and symptoms you experience during different times of the year.

Do allergies go away?

Allergies can come and go depending on what is causing them. It is also possible to have allergies diminish or go away as the immune system develops. This is more common in children. Therefore, if a child has seasonal allergies, they may outgrow them naturally as they get older. For some people, allergies do not go away, and the symptoms must be managed long-term. For this reason, being managed by a health care provider is advised so that you can get comprehensive, step-by-step care.

How are seasonal allergies treated?

The treatment for seasonal allergies will also vary depending on your unique circumstances and your symptoms. Simple, at-home steps include reducing exposure to high-pollen areas or reducing time outside when symptoms worsen. Keeping the indoor air as clean as possible may also help. If more intervention is needed, there are over-the-counter antihistamine medications that can be prescribed, and, in more severe cases, allergy shots can be given. Your health care provider will provide you with a treatment plan that is best for you.

Related resources

For more information on allergies and other illnesses, check out these helpful blogs:

Bibliography