How to Keep Seasonal Allergies from Ruining Your Spring

After bone-chilling winters with minimal sunshine and lots of layers, most of us welcome the arrival of spring with open arms. But along with warmer temperatures and stunning foliage comes a slew of airborne allergies that can cause the runny noses, scratchy throats, itchy ears, and watery eyes we could all do without. While many of these seasonal allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, they may also be signs of something more serious, such as chronic nasal inflammation or sinus infections.

Dr. Zachary Rubin, a Chicago area-based allergist and author of All About Allergies, shares expert advice on how to navigate this beautiful—yet sometimes physically debilitating—time of year.

The most common allergens

The most common allergens are those people know the least about or are exposed to without realizing they are the root cause of seasonal allergy symptoms. Dr. Rubin highlights five of the most prevalent, which can be activated and exacerbated y factors such as home cleaning, airborne pollen content, and weather conditions.

Mold spores

“Mold spores are a common culprit, especially in damp bathrooms, basements, or humid environments,” he adds. Such moisture-prone areas of the home can quickly become breeding grounds for this powerful allergen.

Pet dander

Animals don’t have to be present for their allergens to affect indoor air quality. “Pet dander, particularly from cats and dogs but also from small mammals and birds, can cling to clothing and circulate in the air long after the pet leaves the room,” Dr. Rubin points out. 

Cockroach debris

In urban and multifamily housing environments, pests—like cockroaches—can be major causes of persistent allergy symptoms year-round, especially in larger cities.

Outdoor allergens

Seasonal allergies don’t always feel like allergies, especially when outdoor pollen levels spike. “Outdoor allergens like tree, grass, and weed pollens are responsible for many cases of what people assume is just a ‘spring cold,’” says Dr. Rubin.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Not all allergy reactions come from the air; many can be triggered by foods. “Some individuals experience mild itching in the mouth or throat after eating fresh fruits or vegetables,” Dr. Rubin explains. “[This is] due to cross-reactivity between pollen and foods, a condition known as pollen-food syndrome.”

How to prevent allergies

Complete and total allergy prevention sounds wonderful, but it’s a myth, according to Dr. Rubin.

“While you can’t completely prevent allergies from developing since genetics and immune programming play large roles, you can reduce exposure to allergens and minimize inflammation,” he says.

The single most important investment one can make is a high-quality air purifier. “Using a HEPA air purifier, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and washing bedding weekly in hot water can significantly reduce dust mite exposure,” he adds.

Additional products and habits to consider include the following:

Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent

Managing moisture levels at home can reduce the conditions that allow common indoor allergens to thrive. “This discourages both dust mites and mold growth,” says Dr. Rubin.

Wear a mask during high-exposure activities

Simple protective gear can significantly reduce the amount of allergens you breathe in while performing everyday chores, especially in situations such as yard work or heavy cleaning. “Particularly an N95 or KN95 while mowing the lawn, gardening or cleaning dusty areas to prevent inhalation of allergens,” says Dr. Rubin.

Use regular saline nasal rinses

Rinsing the nasal passages can provide relief by removing allergens before they trigger symptoms and, as Dr. Rubin explains, “help flush pollen and dust out of the nasal passages.”

Understand the role of early exposure

Exposure to pets and outdoor environments during childhood may influence how the immune system responds to allergens later in life. “This may help to train the immune system to tolerate allergens,” says Dr. Rubin. “But once allergies are established, continued exposure can worsen symptoms.”

The best over-the-counter allergy medications

When allergies and their dreadful symptoms rear their ugly head, there are a handful of over-the-counter (OTC) products that can temporarily relieve congestion.

“The mainstays include oral antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin), which block the effects of histamine—the chemical responsible for itching, sneezing, and a runny nose,” explains Dr. Rubin. “Cetirizine tends to work the fastest, while fexofenadine is least likely to cause drowsiness.”

“Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and mometasone (Nasonex) reduce inflammation inside the nasal passages and are most effective when used daily,” he adds. “Antihistamine nasal sprays such as azelastine (Astepro) can offer rapid relief of congestion and itching, and antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway) can help control itchy, watery eyes.”

Dr. Rubin notes that many people get the best results by combining a nasal steroid spray with an oral antihistamine, and that it may take some experimentation to find the combination that works best for you.

When to seek an allergist and get tested

If seasonal allergy symptoms become persistent, disruptive, or difficult to manage, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an allergist. Left untreated, recurring allergies can worsen over time and lead to additional health issues.

“Ignoring recurring allergy symptoms can have real consequences,” warns Dr. Rubin. You may want to see an allergist if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Frequent or chronic nasal inflammation

It can lead to sinus infections, ear fullness, or eustachian tube dysfunction.

Worsening respiratory symptoms

There’s an increased risk of developing asthma or flare-ups of existing asthma.

Sleep disruption caused by persistent congestion

Poor sleep quality can result in fatigue and daytime brain fog.

Noticeable impacts on daily life

This includes difficulty concentrating or reduced overall quality of life due to ongoing inflammation.

So, when is it time to pick up the phone and make a call?

Dr. Rubin recommends seeing an allergist if:

• your symptoms persist despite regular use of over-the-counter medications;
• you rely on OTC allergy medications for several months each year; or
• your allergies interfere with work, school, sleep, or daily activities.

“Allergy testing can identify specific triggers and guide personalized treatment,” says Dr. Rubin. For many patients, allergen immunotherapy through allergy shots or sublingual tablets offers the only long-term solution that can retrain the immune system to become less sensitive to allergens.” 

Immunotherapy is particularly beneficial for those who have year-round symptoms, reactions to multiple triggers, or related conditions such as asthma or chronic sinusitis.

. . . . .

Everything may be coming up roses—literally—this spring, but your body doesn’t have to suffer in the process. With the right prevention strategies and medical guidance, seasonal allergy symptoms don’t have to derail your health this season. By taking proactive steps to prioritize your health, you can breathe easier this season—and beyond.