Seasonal Allergy Medications: Your Full Guide to Relief That Works

If you’re one of the 60 million Americans living with seasonal allergies—also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis—you know how quickly a beautiful spring day can turn into a sneezy, itchy, stuffy nightmare. From runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion, to watery eyes and sore throat, allergy symptoms can seriously affect your quality of life.

Thankfully, seasonal allergy medications are better than ever—and choosing the right one could help you finally enjoy the outdoors again.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to airborne substances like:

• Tree pollen (spring)

• Grass pollen (late spring/summer)

• Weed pollen (fall)

• Dust mites and mold spores

Your body treats these harmless particles as invaders and releases histamine—a chemical that causes runny nose, nasal stuffiness, itchy nose, and itchy watery eyes.

When pollen counts rise, so do symptoms. That’s where allergy medications come in.

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Types of Allergy Medications (And What They’re Used to Treat)

1. Oral Antihistamines

These block histamine to reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose.

Used to treat allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose itchy eyes

• Mild congestion

Common brands:

• Zyrtec (cetirizine) – can cause drowsiness

• Claritin (loratadine) – usually non-drowsy

• Allegra (fexofenadine) – fast-acting

• Xyzal (levocetirizine) – helpful for nighttime symptoms

Side effects may include:

• Dry mouth

• Headache

• Drowsiness (varies by drug)

2. Antihistamine Nasal Sprays

Deliver fast, targeted relief for nasal allergy symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing.

Popular options:

• Astepro (azelastine) – OTC

• Olopatadine – Rx only

Works in 15–30 minutes and can be used to treat symptoms during peak pollen season.

3. Antihistamine Eye Drops

Designed to relieve itchy watery eyes, redness, and swelling.

Examples:

• Ketotifen (Zaditor) – OTC

• Olopatadine (Pataday) – OTC

• Azelastine or epinastine – Rx

Tip: Chill them in the fridge for extra soothing relief.

4. Nasal Steroids

These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are recommended as a first-line allergy treatment.

Used daily to treat allergies and prevent flare-ups.

Popular brands:

• Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate)

• Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR)

• Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide)

• Nasonex (mometasone) – Rx only

Side effects:

• Nasal dryness

• Nosebleeds

• Minor sore throat

Important: Use daily for full effect—can take up to 2 weeks to relieve symptoms.

5. Decongestants

Target nasal and sinus congestion, often used short-term.

Common OTC options:

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) – oral

• Afrin (oxymetazoline) – nasal spray

**Don’t use sprays for more than 3 days in a row—risk of rebound congestion.

Side effects:

• Increased blood pressure

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

Avoid if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or glaucoma.

6. Combination Medications

Mix an antihistamine + decongestant for broad symptom control.

Examples:

• Claritin-D

• Allegra-D

Useful for severe symptoms, but may increase risk of side effects.

7. Allergy Shots (Allergen Immunotherapy)

Best for people with year-round or severe allergy symptoms.

• Weekly injections, then monthly

• Long-term reduction of immune system overreaction

• Especially useful for dust mites, pollen, and pet dander

Can also help prevent asthma and future allergic reaction episodes.

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8. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

A tablet that dissolves under your tongue. FDA-approved for:

• Ragweed (Ragwitek)

• Grass pollens (Grastek, Oralair)

• Dust mites (Odactra)

Great for those who want to treat allergies without injections.

Natural & Alternative Treatments

• Nasal irrigation (saline rinses)

• HEPA filters in your home

• Herbal options (butterbur, spirulina)

These can help relieve allergy symptoms, but talk to a doctor first.

Common Side Effects by Category

Medication Type	Potential Side Effects
Oral Antihistamines	Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache
Nasal Steroids	Nosebleeds, dryness, irritation
Decongestants	Increased blood pressure, insomnia, fast heartbeat
Eye Drops	Blurry vision, stinging
Allergy Shots	Redness, swelling, rare allergic reaction
SLIT Tablets	Throat itching, mouth swelling

When to See a Doctor

If you:

• Have symptoms worse than usual

• Need other allergy medications often

• Experience side effects that disrupt your life

• Have underlying conditions like blood pressure problems

It’s time to see a provider. You might need oral corticosteroids (short-term), allergy testing, or customized treatment.

👉 Book Now: Primary Care or Allergy Evaluation

FAQs – Seasonal Allergy Medications

Final Word

Finding the right allergy medicine is all about matching your symptoms to the right treatment, understanding side effects, and knowing when to involve a provider.

Whether you’re battling nasal stuffiness, sinus congestion, or need help with peanut allergy or dust mites, we’re here to help.

Let Dr. Syra Hanif and our team at Manhattan Medical Arts guide you to the best solution.

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– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.