Understanding the Most Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
If springtime has you reaching for tissues, sneezing non-stop, or rubbing your itchy eyes, you’re not alone. These symptoms are common signs of seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis. Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by this condition each year—especially when pollen counts rise during the spring, summer, and fall.
This blog post will walk you through the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies, explain what causes them, and give you practical tips to feel better. Whether you’re new to allergies or have been dealing with them for years, understanding your symptoms is the first step toward managing them effectively.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies happen when your body’s immune system overreacts to things in the environment—usually pollenfrom trees, grasses, or weeds. For most people, these are harmless particles floating in the air. But if you have allergies, your immune system sees pollen as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation and uncomfortable symptoms.
This group of symptoms is referred to as allergic rhinitis, and they typically come and go with the seasons.
Most Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
The symptoms of seasonal allergies can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:
1. Nasal Congestion (Stuffy Nose)
One of the most frequent complaints among allergy sufferers is a blocked or stuffy nose. The nasal tissues become swollen and inflamed as your immune system reacts to allergens. This can make it hard to breathe through your nose and may affect your sense of smell.
Tip: Using a saline nasal spray or doing a nasal rinse with a neti pot can help flush out allergens and reduce swelling.
2. Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose)
A constantly runny nose is another hallmark symptom. The clear, watery drainage is your body’s way of trying to get rid of the allergens. This may lead to frequent nose blowing, which can irritate the skin around your nostrils.
Tip: Keep soft tissues on hand and apply a gentle balm or petroleum jelly around your nose to prevent chafing.
3. Sneezing
If you find yourself sneezing several times in a row, especially outdoors, pollen is likely to blame. Sneezing is your body’s reflex to expel irritants from your nasal passages.
Tip: Try to limit time outside during high pollen days, especially in the early morning when pollen counts tend to peak.
4. Nasal Itching
That constant tickle in your nose that makes you want to scratch it from the inside? That’s nasal itching—a common symptom that often accompanies sneezing and congestion.
Tip: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help calm the itching sensation.
5. Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of your throat. This can lead to throat clearing, coughing, or even a sore throat.
Tip: Stay hydrated to thin the mucus, and try sleeping with your head elevated to reduce nighttime drainage.
6. Itchy, Watery, or Red Eyes
Many people with allergic rhinitis also experience allergic conjunctivitis, a condition that causes itchy, red, and watery eyes. This happens when pollen comes into direct contact with the eyes.
Tip: Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help block pollen, and using lubricating eye drops or allergy eye drops may provide relief.
7. Throat Clearing and Mild Coughing
Due to the combination of nasal drainage and throat irritation, people with seasonal allergies often feel the need to clear their throat frequently. This can also lead to mild, dry coughing, especially at night.
Tip: A humidifier can help soothe the throat and keep your airways moist.
Additional Symptoms You Might Notice
Beyond the classic symptoms listed above, there are several other issues that can occur in people with more severe or chronic allergic rhinitis:
8. Fatigue and Tiredness
Allergy symptoms can take a toll on your energy levels, especially when you’re not sleeping well due to congestion or postnasal drip. According to Skoner (2001), people with allergies often report daytime fatigue, malaise, and difficulty concentrating due to poor sleep quality and systemic inflammation .
Tip: Make sure to treat your allergy symptoms early, especially before bedtime, to improve sleep and reduce next-day fatigue.
9. Dark Circles Under the Eyes (Allergic Shiners)
These dark, bluish circles appear under the eyes due to restricted blood flow caused by nasal congestion. They’re often more noticeable in children but can affect adults too.
10. Pale or Swollen Nasal Tissue
Healthcare providers may notice pale or swollen nasal passages when they examine your nose. This is due to the chronic inflammation that allergies cause.
These findings, along with others like swollen turbinates (structures inside your nose) and clear eye discharge, are well-documented signs of allergic rhinitis, according to Weaver-Agostoni et al. (2023) .
How Do You Know It’s Allergies and Not a Cold?
Since colds and allergies share similar symptoms—like sneezing, congestion, and runny nose—it can be hard to tell the difference. Here are some clues:
How Do You Know It’s Allergies and Not a Cold?
If your symptoms last more than two weeks and follow a seasonal pattern, it’s more likely to be allergies.
Managing Symptoms: Practical Tips
The best way to control allergy symptoms is to reduce your exposure to allergens and treat symptoms early. Here are a few strategies:
1. Check the Pollen Forecast
Apps and websites like pollen.com let you check daily pollen levels. On high pollen days, limit your time outside and keep windows closed.
2. Shower and Change Clothes
After being outside, pollen can cling to your clothes, hair, and skin. Taking a shower and changing your clothes can help minimize indoor allergen exposure.
3. Use Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters
These help trap allergens in your home, especially in bedrooms where you spend a lot of time.
4. Medications
Several types of over-the-counter and prescription medications are effective:
Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) reduce inflammation and congestion.
Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) help with nasal stuffiness but should only be used short-term.
Eye drops treat allergic conjunctivitis symptoms.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new medication, especially if you take other medications or have chronic conditions.
When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms are severe, don’t respond to medications, or interfere with your daily life or sleep, it’s time to seek medical care. At Shreveport Direct Care, we provide personalized allergy care, including:
Expert diagnosis and symptom management
Prescription treatment plans
Referrals for allergy testing when needed
Direct access to your physician for follow-up questions and adjustments
Final Thoughts
Seasonal allergies are more than just a nuisance—they can seriously affect your quality of life. Understanding the most common symptoms like sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes can help you catch and treat allergies early.
With practical steps and personalized care, you don’t have to suffer through allergy season. If you’re in the Shreveport area and want help managing your symptoms, contact Shreveport Direct Care today. Let’s get you back to breathing easy.
References
Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis Executive Summary. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(2):197-206. doi:10.1177/0194599814562166
Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1 Suppl):S1-43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600
Bernstein JA, Bernstein JS, Makol R, Ward S. Allergic Rhinitis: A Review. JAMA. 2024;331(10):866-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.0530
Weaver-Agostoni J, Kosak Z, Bartlett S. Allergic Rhinitis: Rapid Evidence Review. Am Fam Physician. 2023;107(5):466-473.
Skoner DP. Allergic Rhinitis: Definition, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Detection, and Diagnosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;108(1 Suppl):S2-8. doi:10.1067/mai.2001.115569
Wheatley LM, Togias A. Allergic Rhinitis. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(5):456-63. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1412282