• Posted March 1, 2025

How to Treat Spring Allergies: A Graduated Approach

Spring brings warmer weather, but for allergy sufferers, it also means sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. Instead of enjoying the season, you may be battling congestion and brain fog. So, what can you do to manage your spring allergy symptoms? 

Spring allergy treatments range from simple lifestyle changes to more advanced medical interventions. By taking a graduated approach, you may find an effective and workable system to relieve your symptoms. 

These tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) should help you tackle seasonal sniffles:

Step 1: Home remedies

Before turning to medications, or in addition to medication, consider lifestyle changes to minimize your exposure to pollen and other spring allergens. 

1. Close your windows: Most weather apps have pollen counters, but keep in mind that pollen counts are usually highest in the early morning and evening. Keep windows and doors closed in your home and car to prevent pollen from entering. Use air conditioning instead of opening windows to help keep indoor air cool and filter out allergens.

2. Shower and change clothes before bed: If you’ve spent time outdoors, allergens like pollen can gather on clothing, hair and skin. Consider showering and changing clothes before entering your bedroom, especially before going to bed. This reduces the chances of sleeping on a pillow full of pollen.

3. Use HEPA filters and air purifiers: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are designed to capture fine particles, including pollen, pet dander and dust. Installing HEPA filters in your home air system and using portable air purifiers can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms.

4. Limit outdoor activities during high pollen times: If you go outdoors during high pollen times, consider wearing a face mask to limit how much pollen you inhale. The N95 masks that became available at the height of COVID work to keep pollen exposure at bay.

5. Spring cleaning makes a difference: It’s not fun, but the dividends are great if you take the time to clean and dust surfaces to reduce the accumulation of pollen and other allergens. Mold is also a factor, so get rid of standing water and clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces thoroughly.

Step 2: Over-the-counter medications

If lifestyle changes aren’t making a positive impact on your allergy symptoms, consider over-the-counter (OTC) medications for additional relief. The following medications are readily available and can be effective in treating allergy symptoms.

1. Antihistamines: Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. OTC options like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are effective for daytime use because they typically don’t cause drowsiness.

2. Nasal sprays: Saline nasal sprays and Neti pots can help rinse pollen from nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion. In addition, corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase), help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, offering longer relief from symptoms.

3. Decongestants: If you are suffering from nasal congestion, you can try decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed.) Decongestants help by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and improving airflow. These medications should be used with care, as they can cause side effects like increased heart rate and insomnia.

Step 3: Prescription medications

If OTC medications don’t give you the relief you need, it may be time to see an allergist. These specialists can work with you to create a tailored plan specific to your allergies. They can also prescribe more targeted prescription medications.

1. Stronger antihistamines and nasal sprays: Some prescription antihistamines, such as desloratadine (Clarinex), may offer greater symptom control. In the same way, prescription nasal sprays that contain higher doses of corticosteroids or additional medications, such as azelastine (Astelin), can offer more potent relief from inflammation and congestion.

2. Oral corticosteroids: For more severe allergy symptoms, short-term use of oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) can reduce inflammation throughout the body. However, these should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects with long-term use. Pregnant women should also not use oral corticosteroids.

Step 4: Allergy immunotherapy (shots and tablets)

Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term solution that works to desensitize your immune system to specific allergens. Immunotherapy is generally considered when other treatments are ineffective or when allergies significantly impact daily life.

1. Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, SCIT): The treatment, which can take several years, builds up immunity to your offending allergens (pollens, dust mite, pets and mold). It works by injecting small amounts of the allergen in gradually increasing amounts over time. As the shots help the body build up a tolerance to the effects of the allergen, they eventually reduce and can even eliminate your allergy symptoms.

2. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): A newer option, SLIT involves placing allergen tablets under the tongue. It must be started several months before allergy season begins. Tablets work similarly to allergy shots, but they can be taken at home, making them more convenient. SLIT is available for certain allergens, including pollen, dust mites and grass. Treatment can continue for as long as three years.

Treating spring allergies involves a graduated approach, starting with simple lifestyle changes and ultimately moving to over-the-counter medications, prescription treatments or allergy immunotherapy.

Each level of treatment offers a solution that can be tailored to the severity of the symptoms.

More information

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has an allergist locator to help you find a board-certified allergist to get your symptoms under control.

SOURCE: Dr. Todd Mahr, executive medical director, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology