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Seasonal Allergies
Evidence-based treatments, remedies, and management strategies for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — from OTC medications and nasal sprays to natural remedies, prevention, and when to see a specialist. Solutions are ranked by community votes.
📅 Created: 2/7/2026, 9:32:16 PM
- Use washable slipcovers on upholstered furniture 3
- Clean or inspect HVAC ducts if you smell must or see debris 3
- Replace carpet with hard flooring if possible 3
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water 4
- Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% 4
- Create a pollen-free bedroom sanctuary 5
- Damp-dust and damp-mop instead of dry dusting 4
- Vacuum with a HEPA-equipped vacuum twice weekly 4
- Upgrade HVAC filters to MERV 11-13 4
- Run a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom continuously 5
- Have children shower after outdoor play during pollen season 4
- Use allergen-proof bedding in the child's room 4
- Avoid OTC cough and cold combos in children under 4 5
- Monitor allergic children proactively for asthma symptoms 5
- Evaluate for adenoid enlargement if congestion is chronic 4
- Communicate an allergy management plan with the school 4
- Consider immunotherapy early to prevent the allergic march 5
- Use intranasal corticosteroids safely in children 5
- Use age-appropriate antihistamine doses for children 5
- Recognize allergy symptoms in children — the allergic salute and other signs 5
- Request a comprehensive allergy evaluation including cross-reactivity 4
- Ask for a short oral steroid course only for severe flares 3
- Be cautious with montelukast (Singulair) — know the black box warning 3
- Ask about biologic medications for severe refractory allergies 4
- Rule out structural nasal problems if one-sided congestion persists 4
- Ask about prescription combination nasal sprays (Dymista, Ryaltris) 4
- Get evaluated for allergic asthma if you have cough or wheeze 5
- Consider sublingual allergy tablets (SLIT) for at-home treatment 5
- Consider allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) 5
- See an allergist if OTC medications are not enough 5
- Know your specific triggers with allergy testing 5
- Wipe down pets after they come indoors 3
- Exercise indoors on high-pollen days 3
- Remove shoes at the door 3
- Wear a pollen mask for outdoor yard work 4
- Dry laundry indoors or in a dryer, not on an outdoor line 4
- Start nasal corticosteroid spray 1-2 weeks early 5
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors 4
- Keep windows closed during pollen season 5
- Check daily pollen counts and plan around them 5
- Skip apple cider vinegar — no evidence for allergies 1
- Skip the local honey — it does not treat allergies 2
- Use eucalyptus steam inhalation for congestion relief 2
- Use stinging nettle leaf extract 2
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s 2
- Supplement with vitamin C (1000-2000mg daily) 3
- Try acupuncture as a complementary treatment 3
- Take a probiotic with allergy-specific strains 3
- Take quercetin supplement with bromelain 3
- Take butterbur extract (Petasites hybridus) 4
- Wash your face and eyelids after outdoor exposure 3
- Avoid OTC eye drops that "get the red out" 4
- Ask about prescription alcaftadine drops (Lastacaft) for severe eyes 4
- Do not rub your eyes — it worsens the itch 5
- Switch from contacts to glasses during peak pollen days 4
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors 4
- Flush eyes with preservative-free artificial tears 4
- Apply cold compresses to itchy eyes 4
- Use olopatadine eye drops (Pataday) 5
- Use ketotifen eye drops (Zaditor/Alaway) 5
- Use fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase) daily 5
- Stay hydrated to thin nasal mucus 3
- Try ipratropium nasal spray (Atrovent) for constant runny nose 4
- Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce overnight congestion 3
- Use cromolyn sodium nasal spray (NasalCrom) preventively 3
- Apply a warm compress over the sinuses 3
- Avoid oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray beyond 3 days 5
- Use Flonase Sensimist for a gentler mist 4
- Rinse sinuses with saline using a neti pot or squeeze bottle 5
- Use triamcinolone nasal spray (Nasacort) daily 5
- Use generic store-brand antihistamines to save money 4
- Use OTC pseudoephedrine for stubborn congestion 3
- Combine an oral antihistamine with a nasal corticosteroid 5
- Try switching antihistamines if one stops working 3
- Avoid first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl for daily use 5
- Start antihistamines 1-2 weeks before allergy season 4
- Use azelastine nasal spray (Astepro Allergy) 5
- Take fexofenadine (Allegra) 180mg daily 5
- Take loratadine (Claritin) 10mg daily 5
- Take cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg daily 5