Seasonal allergies, allergies to pollen or mold spores produced only during certain seasons of the year, can affect the nose, throat and eyes. Also called allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies are most common in the spring, late summer and fall.
Seasonal allergies affect a significant portion of Americans. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 10 to 20 percent of all Americans experience an allergy to the plant ragweed, the most common source of seasonal allergies. For some, seasonal allergies can cause insomnia, cloudy thinking or asthma attacks. According to the CDC, there were 13.1 million doctor or hospital visits in the U.S. caused by allergic rhinitis in 2006. Treatment for seasonal allergies helps ease the symptoms of those affected and gives those individuals a better quality of life.
Antihistamines block the chemical histamine, which causes many of the common allergy symptoms. Available as oral pills, nasal sprays and eyedrops, antihistamines are one of the most commonly used treatments for seasonal allergies. Corticosteroids dampen the activity of the immune system, stifling its reaction to allergens. Decongestants ease congestion in the nose and throat. Other options include medications that block compounds involved in an immune system response such as antibodies and leukotrienes. Medications for seasonal allergies come as pills, oral liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops.
Nasal irrigation can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms by clearing out allergens and mucus from the nasal and sinus passages. A squeeze bottle of saline solution can be easily purchased over the counter or a homemade solution of 1/4 tsp. salt and 2 cups water can be made at home and administered via a squeezebulb or neti pot, according to the Mayo Clinic. Butterbur, stinging nettle and Tinospora cordifolia are some herbal remedies used for treating seasonal allergies.
Most seasonal allergy treatments have few, if any, side effects if used short-term. Some types of seasonal allergy treatments, such as decongestants, stop working or cause a rebound effect, making symptoms worse, if they are used over long periods of time. Others, such as oral corticosteroids, may cause serious side effects such as cataracts when overused. Older versions of antihistamines may cause drowsiness, but newer formulas do not have this side effect.