Tips for seasonal allergy sufferers: GP-recommended 

Summary: Seasonal allergies, triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, affect many individuals each year, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. To manage these allergies, it's important to monitor pollen levels, limit outdoor exposure during peak times, keep windows closed, and use methods like nasal irrigation and air purifiers. A healthy diet, hydration, and stress management can also support immune function. While allergies don’t indicate a weak immune system, exposure to allergens can cause an overreaction. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a doctor is recommended for professional advice and treatment options.

Seasonal allergies, often caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, affect millions of people every year. Symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes can disrupt daily life, particularly during high pollen seasons. For example, pollen counts can be very high in October and November in Melbourne and Hobart, and in the spring and summer in Adelaide, Sydney, and Canberra. Brisbane and Darwin have high pollen for most of the year. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, several GP-approved suggestions can help manage allergies and improve the quality of life during allergy season. 

How to help relieve seasonal allergies?

Relieving seasonal allergies can be simpler with the right strategies. Here are some helpful tips: 

• Monitor pollen levels: Check the pollen forecasts and limit outdoor exposure during peak pollen hours, usually early mornings and on windy days.  
• Keep windows closed: Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home or car, especially during high pollen seasons.  
• Try nasal irrigation: A sterile saline solution rinse can help clear allergens and ease nasal congestion.  
• Stay hydrated: Drinking sufficient water helps loosen mucous, making it easier to flush allergens from your body.  
• Clean up and change clothes after being outside: Pollen can stick to your skin and hair, so a quick wash and change can help reduce exposure.  
• Use air purifiers: Invest in a portable HEPA air purifier to improve air quality and decrease allergens indoors.  
• Take antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.  
• Talk to your doctor: If your symptoms persist, see a doctor for professional advice and potential prescription options, like nasal sprays or allergy injections.  

Also read: How to stop allergies naturally - GP approved tips

Do seasonal allergies mean a weak immune system?

No, seasonal allergies don’t mean your immune system is weak. Rather, it shows your immune system is overreacting to harmless substances like pollen. When you are allergic to pollen, your immune system incorrectly recognises it as a threat and produces antibodies to combat it, causing symptoms like congestion, sneezing, or itching.   A strong immune system can sometimes be overly reactive to certain triggers, causing allergic reactions. Hence, it is not about weakness, but how the immune system responds to particular allergens. People with strong immune systems may still have allergies, just as those with weaker immune systems might not experience them.  

How to build immunity to seasonal allergies?

Building immunity to seasonal allergies involves strengthening your body’s natural defences and reducing sensitivity to allergens over time: 

1. Allergen immunotherapy: Gradual exposure to small amounts of allergens through immunotherapy can help to reduce your immune system’s sensitivity over time. These therapeutic options are considered long-term solutions that aim to diminish allergic reactions over time. 
2. Nutritious diet: It is advisable to maintain a healthy diet that is abundant in antioxidants, vitamins C and D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients play a significant role in regulating immune responses. Incorporating citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish can bolster overall immune health. 
3. Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome has been suggested in some studies to help modulate allergic responses.  Probiotics, which are present in yoghurt, kefir, and various fermented foods contain bacteria that support gut health. 
4. Reduce allergen exposure: It is prudent to limit outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons, utilise air purifiers, and keep windows closed to minimise allergen exposure. Additionally, washing hands, showering, and changing clothing after being outdoors can further mitigate exposure. 
5. Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated is essential, as consuming sufficient amounts of water aids in thinning mucous and flushing allergens from the system, reducing congestion and irritation. 
6. Stress management: It is necessary to manage stress and ensure adequate sleep, as chronic stress has been shown to impair immune function, exacerbating allergic reactions. Engaging in regular physical activity, practising mindfulness, and adhering to sound sleep hygiene can enhance overall immunity. 
7. Natural remedies: Exploring natural remedies may also be beneficial. Options such as local honey and butterbur supplements may help diminish allergic responses; however, individuals should consult a doctor before beginning any supplement regimen. 

Also read: What happens if you have allergies for a long time?

What worsens seasonal allergies?

Several factors can worsen seasonal allergies by increasing exposure to allergens or making your immune system more reactive: 

1. High pollen counts: High pollen counts are concerning, particularly during peak seasons and on windy days, as these weather conditions can incite severe allergic symptoms. 
2. Poor air quality: Poor indoor air quality is problematic. Dust, pet dander, mold, and pollen that invade the home can exacerbate allergic reactions. Employing air purifiers and maintaining cleanliness through regular surface cleaning can reduce indoor allergens. 
3. Exposure to smoke and pollution: Exposure to smoke and environmental pollutants, including cigarette smoke and vehicle emissions, can irritate the respiratory system, worsening allergy symptoms. 
4. Strong scents: Strong fragrances and certain chemicals found in perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning agents, and scented candles can irritate the respiratory tract, increasing susceptibility to allergic reactions. 
5. Untreated nasal congestion: Neglecting nasal congestion can lead to sinus infections, persistent inflammation, and heightened sensitivity to allergens. It is advisable to manage congestion using saline rinses, antihistamines, or nasal sprays. 
6. Stress and lack of sleep: Chronic stress and inadequate sleep are detrimental, as they can compromise immune function, making individuals more susceptible to allergens and increasing inflammation. 
7. Dietary triggers: Dietary triggers should also be considered, as certain foods, including dairy products, processed foods, or alcohol, may heighten mucous production and inflammation, aggravating symptoms for various individuals, although evidence for this remains inconclusive. 
8. Pets: Pet exposure must be managed. Pet dander (skin flakes) is a common indoor allergen. Pollen can also stick to pet fur, introducing allergens into the home. Regular grooming and restricting outdoor activities for pets during high pollen periods can help mitigate this risk. 

When to contact a doctor

Individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention if seasonal allergy symptoms persist despite treatment, interfere with daily activities, or worsen over time. Consultation with a healthcare professional is warranted if one experiences severe congestion, persistent coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties. Frequent sinus infections, headaches, or facial pain may require further evaluation. If over-the-counter medications prove ineffective or cause adverse side effects, a doctor can provide alternative treatment options, including prescription antihistamines or allergen immunotherapy. Furthermore, individuals who suspect that allergies are exacerbating asthma symptoms or impairing a pre-existing condition should consult a specialist. Immediate medical intervention is critical in the case of severe allergic reactions, such as swelling or anaphylaxis. 

Speak to an online doctor

Telehealth services allow individuals to consult with healthcare professionals about seasonal allergies from the comfort of their homes. Hola Health's telehealth platform provides a practical and supportive avenue for managing allergy symptoms, with services accessible around the clock, which include: 

• Telehealth appointments: Patients can consult with experienced healthcare providers to discuss their allergy symptoms. These professionals will assess the condition and offer informed recommendations for treatment and management. 
• Instant prescriptions: If treatment is needed, the healthcare provider can issue prescriptions electronically. Patients can retrieve these prescriptions from local pharmacies or arrange for same-day delivery through online pharmacy services. 
• Doctor referrals: When further evaluation or specialised care is indicated, the healthcare provider can supply referrals for allergy testing or consultations with specialists. 
• Online medical certificates: When severe allergies require time off from work or rest at home, Hola Health's online services can issue same-day or multi-day medical certificates tailored to individual needs. 

Managing seasonal allergies doesn’t have to be challenging. By tracking pollen levels, keeping windows shut, and using simple methods like nasal irrigation, you can minimise exposure to allergens and keep symptoms under control. With these GP-approved tips, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy allergy season with ease.