Pollen can turn a nice day into a sneeze marathon. If you get watery eyes, itchy throat, a blocked nose or wake up congested every spring or fall, that’s seasonal allergies (hay fever) doing its thing. The good news: most people can get clear relief with simple steps and the right meds.
Start with the basics. Over-the-counter second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra) reduce sneezing, itching and runny nose without making most people drowsy. For nasal congestion, an intranasal steroid spray (fluticasone, budesonide) is more effective than antihistamines and works well when used daily for a few days.
Nasal rinses with saline clear pollen and cut symptoms fast—use a squeeze bottle or neti pot once a day after being outdoors. Eye drops with antihistamine or artificial tears soothe itchy, red eyes. If you’re heading outside on high-pollen days, try wearing sunglasses and a simple mask to block airborne pollen.
Small habit changes help a lot: check local pollen counts, keep windows closed on high days, run the air conditioner with a clean filter, and shower before bed to remove pollen from hair and skin. Wash clothes after outdoor activities so pollen doesn’t follow you inside.
If OTC meds and home measures don’t cut it, time to see a clinician. Prescription options include stronger nasal steroids, combination sprays (steroid + antihistamine), and leukotriene blockers like montelukast for people with asthma or nasal polyps. For severe or persistent cases, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) reduces sensitivity over months to years and can mean fewer meds long term.
Biologic treatments such as omalizumab can help people with severe allergic asthma or chronic hives that don’t respond to standard therapy. These are prescription-only and managed by a specialist.
See a doctor now if you have shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily life, or if your child’s growth seems affected by ongoing steroid use. Also seek help when sinus infections keep recurring or symptoms fail to improve after a full trial of recommended meds.
Quick checklist: try a second-gen antihistamine + daily nasal steroid, rinse your sinuses, limit pollen exposure, and talk to a clinician if symptoms persist. With the right plan you can enjoy spring hikes again—without the constant sneezing.
Seasonal allergies can greatly affect children's health and daily activities. They can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing, which can be very distressing for kids. It's important to identify what triggers these allergies and limit exposure to it. Allergy medications and immunotherapy can also help manage symptoms. Additionally, teaching kids to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their faces can reduce allergy flare-ups.