Millions of people in the U.S. have seasonal allergies, which flare up when lots of pollen or mold spores are in the air. They're allergic to the pollen made by:
- Grass
- Trees
- Ragweed and weeds
Could you have seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever? The signs include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or throat
- Cough
With seasonal allergies, your symptoms flare up at certain times of the year when the pollen counts are high. If you’re uncomfortable all year long, you probably have indoor allergies to things such as pet dander and dust mites.
Seeing a Doctor
First, try to keep your symptoms in check with over-the-counter medications. But if you're still miserable, it's time to see your doctor for treatment.
Your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist who can find out what kind of pollen you're allergic to and make a treatment plan. It might include medication or allergy immunotherapy with shots or tablets.
It also helps to know what triggers your allergies. If it's pollen, stay inside when the pollen count is high.
