Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies show up at the same time of the year every year,
if you continue to live in the same part of the country. Hay fever is the most
common seasonal allergy. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Itchy, watery
eyes.
- Sneezing.
- Runny, stuffy, or itchy
nose.
- Temporary loss of smell.
- Headache and
fatigue.
- Dark circles under the eyes ("allergic
shiners").
- Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat
(postnasal drip).
- Sore throat or
coughing.
- Snoring.
You can reduce your exposure to pollen by:
- Keeping your house and car windows closed.
- Limiting the time you spend outside when pollen counts are high (during midday and afternoon).
- Wearing a pollen or dust mask if you need to mow the lawn.
- Limit your mowing tasks if you can.
- Rinsing your eyes with cool water or saline eyedrops after you come indoors to remove clinging pollen.
- Taking a shower and changing your clothes after you work or play outside.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Revised | April 29, 2011 |