Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Triggers and the Best Ways to Find Relief

Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as:

• Tree pollen (common in early spring, but in Atlanta pollen counts often start rising in mid-February)
• Grass pollen (late spring and summer)
• Ragweed (fall)
• Mold spores (year-round in warm, humid climates)

In Georgia, pollen counts are usually the highest between mid-March and mid-April.

When exposed, your body releases histamine — causing inflammation and classic allergy symptoms, which include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Sinus congestion or pressure
• Scratchy throat
• Fatigue

Allergies can look a lot like other common illnesses—but a few key differences can help you tell them apart.

Colds and sinus infections often come with fever, body aches and fatigue. Nasal drainage may be thick, yellow or green, and symptoms typically peak within three to five days before gradually improving on their own.

Allergies, however, do not cause fever or body aches. Instead, they’re more likely to trigger itchy eyes, an itchy nose or throat, sneezing and clear, watery mucus. Allergy symptoms can linger for weeks or even months and often return around the same time each year.

Treatment depends on symptom severity. For many people, over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra provide the relief they need. For those with more severe symptoms, Dr. Kumar recommends over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays, such as Flonase, Nasacort and Nasonex.

With either option, don’t wait until you start experiencing symptoms to begin. “For seasonal allergies, you should start treatment a week or two before the season even starts,” says Dr. Kumar. “In Georgia, that would usually mean starting by early to mid-February.”

Dr. Kumar cautions people to avoid Benadryl for seasonal allergies. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and is known for side effects such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth.

When over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough, prescription options include stronger nasal sprays and leukotriene inhibitors. And for very severe, persistent symptoms, allergy shots offer a good option.

“Allergy shots cause your immune system to develop resistance to the particular allergens that trigger your symptoms,” says Dr. Kumar. “It’s a slow process — you get weekly shots for up to six months and then monthly shots for three to five years. So it’s slow, but it’s effective.”

Limiting your exposure to pollen can significantly ease sinus congestion and prevent allergy flare-ups. Check daily pollen counts through trusted weather apps such as Pollen.com and IQAir, or tune in to WSB-TV for local updates during the weather report.

On high-pollen days:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use a HEPA air filter to improve indoor air quality.

If you need to be outside:

• Consider wearing a mask to reduce pollen inhalation.
• Avoid mowing the lawn or doing yard work, which can stir up allergens.
• Shower and change clothes as soon as you come inside to wash away lingering pollen.

Small steps like these can make a noticeable difference during peak allergy season.

If allergy symptoms are disrupting your sleep or affecting your daily routine, it may be time to see an allergist. An allergist can perform specialized testing to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel your best.

Allergies can also contribute to sinus infections and asthma flare-ups. By addressing the underlying allergies, an allergist can help manage these related conditions as well—providing coordinated care that improves your overall respiratory health.

Seasonal allergies are common — but suffering doesn’t have to be. With the right combination of prevention strategies, medication and medical guidance, most people can manage symptoms effectively.

If you’re struggling with persistent sneezing, congestion or itchy eyes, talk with your health care provider about testing and treatment options. Relief is possible — even during peak pollen season.