Updated by Mary E. Bollinger, DO – March 26, 2026
The beauty of spring can be overshadowed by the sounds of sneezing, sniffling and coughing from people experiencing spring allergies. An abundance of blooming trees, grasses and weeds release pollen—the culprit that triggers allergy symptoms.
From Runny Nose to Itchy Eyes to Coughing and Wheezing
Signs and symptoms of spring allergies include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Throat clearing
- Congestion
- Sinus pressure
- Dark circles under the eyes
Patients with seasonal allergies who have asthma may also experience coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Some of these symptoms are similar to the common cold, but if they are persistent, especially if they worsen with outdoor exposure, you should see a primary care provider to determine whether you may have seasonal allergies. Some people refer to allergies as “the cold that won’t go away.”
Aside from causing discomfort and lowering quality of life, seasonal allergies can exacerbate asthma, and lead to sinus and ear problems, headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Patients with asthma and seasonal allergies should be followed closely by their primary care provider and/or asthma specialist and should adhere to their preventive asthma medication plan. Adjustments to these medications may be needed to keep asthma well-controlled, particularly during this time of year.
Seasonal Allergy Treatment
Some preventive measures and medications can be taken to minimize or alleviate symptoms.
Tips for Minimizing Symptoms
Here are a few ways you may help reduce your spring allergy symptoms:
- Shower or rinse off after outdoor activities.
- Keep windows and doors closed during pollen season (“Airing out the house” is letting the pollen in!).
- Change or clean air filters in your home often.
- Wash pets after they have been outdoors, as they may carry pollen on their fur.
- Consider wearing a mask when mowing the lawn or gardening.
- When possible, limit outdoor activities when pollen levels are high (they are usually highest at dusk and dawn)
- Try over-the-counter allergy medication, with permission from your primary care provider or allergist.
Allergy Medications
Patients with allergies should not have to “live in a bubble.” There are a number of over-the-counter medications available to treat and prevent allergy symptoms, but these should be used under the direction of your primary care provider or specialist. Some examples include:
1. Antihistamines, which help with itchy, runny, sneezy symptoms. Of note, diphenhydramine or Benadryl should be avoided due to side effects. So-called “second generation” antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine and loratadine are safer and preferred over Benadryl.
2. Saline sinus rinse is a safe and effective way to clear out the nasal passages.
3. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine should be used with caution due to side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, shakiness and anxiety.
4. Nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline (ex: Afrin, Dristan) can often cause rebound congestion and should never be used for more than 3 days.
5. Nasal steroids such as fluticasone (Flonase), Triamcinolone (Nasacort) are very effective in preventing allergy symptoms, but should also be used with oversight of your primary care provider or specialist. Other over-the-counter allergy medications include eye drops and antihistamine nasal sprays, as well as prescription allergy medications that can be recommended and/or prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Referral to a Specialist
When allergy symptoms are persistent and/or bothersome, or if your asthma is not well-controlled, you may be referred to an allergist.
An allergist can perform allergy testing to identify your environmental triggers, recommend ways to avoid them, and develop a treatment plan. For patients who have persistent symptoms despite medications and/or their allergies are preventing them from participating in activities, allergic immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, may be prescribed.