Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month, an initiative led by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) since 1984. Observed during peak pollen season, the campaign raises awareness about asthma and allergic diseases affecting more than 100 million Americans.
Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Fortunately, a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications can effectively control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies—also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever—occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as:
- Tree pollen (spring)
- Grass pollen (late spring and summer)
- Weed pollen such as ragweed (fall)
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
When exposed to these allergens, the immune system releases histamine and inflammatory chemicals, triggering common allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and watery eyes.
Why Do Allergy Medications Matter During Peak Season?
Using allergy medications during peak pollen months helps prevent inflammation before symptoms worsen. Many treatments work by blocking histamine, reducing immune reactions, or controlling airway inflammation.
Early treatment can significantly improve symptom control and quality of life.
What Are the Most Effective OTC Antihistamines?
Second-generation antihistamines are typically the first-line treatment for seasonal allergies because they provide long-lasting relief with minimal sedation. Common options include:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
These medications block histamine receptors, helping reduce:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Nasal irritation
Compared with older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), these newer options cause much less drowsiness.
Which Nasal Sprays Provide the Strongest Relief?
Intranasal corticosteroids are considered the** most effective medications for moderate to severe nasal allergy symptoms.**
Common steroid sprays include:
- Fluticasone (Flonase)
- Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
- Budesonide (Rhinocort)
- Mometasone (Nasonex)
These medications reduce inflammation inside the nasal passages and can improve:
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sinus pressure
Antihistamine nasal sprays such as azelastine (Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase) can also provide rapid relief.
For some patients, combining an oral antihistamine with a nasal corticosteroid offers stronger symptom control.
Are Allergy Eye Drops Worth Using?
Allergic conjunctivitis often causes itchy, watery, red eyes. OTC antihistamine eye drops can provide rapid relief. Common options include:
- Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor)
- Olopatadine (Pataday)
These medications stabilize mast cells and block histamine to reduce eye irritation within minutes. Prescription-strength eye drops may be recommended for severe cases.
Do Decongestants Help with Stuffy Noses?
Decongestants reduce nasal swelling and improve airflow. Examples include:
Oral medications
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Phenylephrine
Nasal sprays
- Oxymetazoline(Afrin)
- Phenylephrine nasal spray
However, nasal sprays should not be used longer than three days, as prolonged use can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa).
Oral decongestants may also raise blood pressure and heart rate, so patients with hypertension should consult a healthcare provider.
How Does Montelukast Fit into Allergy Treatment?
Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions. It is often prescribed for patients who have:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm
However, the FDA has issued a boxed warning about possible neuropsychiatric side effects, including mood changes and sleep disturbances. Because of this risk, montelukast is typically reserved for patients whose symptoms are not controlled by other therapies.
What Biologics Are Prescribed for Severe Allergies?
Biologic medications target specific immune pathways responsible for allergic inflammation. Examples include:
These injectable treatments are typically used for:
- Severe allergic asthma
- Chronic hives
- Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps
- Severe allergic disease not controlled by standard medications
Biologics are usually administered every two to four weeks under medical supervision.
What Is Allergen Immunotherapy?
Allergen immunotherapy gradually trains the immune system to tolerate allergens over time. Options include:
Allergy shots
- Long-term injections administered by allergists
Sublingual allergy tablets Examples include:
- Odactra (dust mite allergy)
- Ragwitek (ragweed allergy)
- Grastek (timothy grass allergy)
- Oralair (grass pollen mix)
These treatments can reduce long-term sensitivity to allergens rather than simply treating symptoms.
Which Allergy Medications Are Safe for Children?
Several allergy medications are approved for pediatric use. Examples include:
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) – approved for infants as young as 6 months
- Fexofenadine (Allegra) – approved for children 2 years and older
- Fluticasone (Flonase) – approved for children age 4 and older
- Loratadine (Claritin) – approved for children age 2 and older
First-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are generally avoided for routine use due to sedation and short duration.
Do Combination Treatments Improve Results?
For moderate to severe allergies, combination therapy often works best. Examples include:
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) + Fluticasone (Flonase)
- Loratadine (Claritin)) + Nasacort
- Montelukast (Singulair) + antihistamines
Using medications that target different inflammatory pathways can improve overall symptom control.
What Side Effects Should You Watch For?
Most allergy medications are well tolerated, but possible side effects include:
- Mild drowsiness with some antihistamines
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure with decongestants
- Nasal irritation from steroid sprays
Patients should always follow recommended dosing instructions and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
When Should You See an Allergist?
Medical evaluation may be helpful if symptoms:
- Persist despite OTC treatment
- Interfere with sleep or daily activities
- Occur year-round
- Trigger asthma symptoms
An allergist may recommend allergy testing, prescription medications, or immunotherapy.
Can Lifestyle Changes Support Allergy Treatment?
Reducing allergen exposure can significantly improve symptom control. Helpful strategies include:
- Keeping windows closed during high pollen days
- Using HEPA air filters
- Showering after outdoor activities
- Washing bedding weekly in hot water
- Performing saline nasal rinses
Combining lifestyle changes with medication often produces the best results.
How Can You Save on Allergy Medications?
Allergy medications—especially prescriptions—can become expensive during peak allergy season.
The RxLess® Assurance Plan provides free digital prescription discount coupons and real-time pharmacy price comparisons at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. Patients can quickly compare prices and may save up to 88% on many generic medications, including common allergy treatments such as montelukast, fluticasone nasal spray, and cetirizine.
