Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Seasonal Allergy

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Dec 2022
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Get the full details
Topic Resources

What are seasonal allergies?

An allergy Overview of Allergic Reactions The immune system is your body's defense system. It helps protect you from illness and infection. The immune system usually reacts to and attacks bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. An allergy... read more is when your body's immune system Overview of the Immune System The immune system is your body's defense system. It helps protect you from illness and infection. The immune system's job is to attack things that don’t belong in your body, including: Germs... read more reacts to something harmless, such as food, plants, or medicine. Seasonal allergies are allergies that happen only during the time of year when a certain substance you're allergic to (allergen) is in the air. Seasonal allergies are sometimes called “hay fever.” Grass, pollen, or mold are common allergens that cause seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies can happen in the spring, summer, or fall, depending on what you're allergic to.

  • Seasonal allergies are your body’s reaction to pollen, grass, or mold in the air

  • Usually they cause a runny, itchy nose and itchy eyes

  • Medicine can help with your symptoms

What causes seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are often caused by:

  • Pollens

  • Grasses and weeds

  • Mold spores

The amount and type of pollens, grasses, and other allergens in the air changes depending on where you live.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

  • Itchy, red, watery eyes

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sneezing

Your symptoms come and go depending on the season.

How can my doctor tell if I have seasonal allergies?

Your doctor can tell if you have seasonal allergies by asking questions about your symptoms and whether they happen during certain seasons. This can also help doctors tell which allergen causes your symptoms.

Skin tests can help doctors know which allergen is causing your allergy.

How do doctors treat symptoms from seasonal allergies?

Your doctor will have you treat your allergies with:

  • Corticosteroid nose sprays

  • Antihistamines

  • Decongestants

  • Eye drops

If these medicines don't help and your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend you get:

  • Allergy shots (desensitization)

In desensitization, the doctor gives you shots of the substance you're allergic to. At first the shots have only a very, very tiny amount of the substance. The amount is too small to cause a severe reaction. Then the doctor gives you shots that have more and more of the substance. That way, your body can become used to the substance and not have an allergic reaction. Allergy shots don't always work. And when they do work, you may have to keep getting the shots.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP