In case you couldn’t tell, allergy season is in full swing. Though for some, it’s always allergy season.
Common allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, itchy nose, eyes, ears or mouth, red and watery eyes and shortness of breath, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
The good news: “You don’t have to suffer,” says board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Sakina Bajowala. “Allergists have the expertise and tools to get you feeling better quickly.”
Here’s what allergists want you to know about how long you have to endure allergies – and what you can do about them in the meantime.
Allergies are bad right now. Here’s what you can do about it.
How long do allergies last?
Typically, seasonal allergies last as long as the specific pollen or mold you’re allergic to remains in the air.
“This can range from a few weeks if you’re sensitive to only one type of pollen to several months if you have multiple pollen allergies that span spring, summer and fall,” says board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Kara Wada. “Symptoms typically subside after the first hard frost kills off pollen-producing plants.”
There are three periods every year when different types of pollen reach their peak. The spring (roughly March through May or June) is dominated by tree pollen, late spring and summer (May to July) features grass pollen and late summer and fall (August to October or November) brings weed pollens such as ragweed, Wada says.
“The worst time of year for allergies depends on what an individual is allergic to,” adds Bajowala. “If you are allergic to multiple environmental allergens, symptoms may be most bothersome during those months when you have an overlap of multiple allergens.”
May sees an overlap between tree and grass pollen, which leads to “particularly high overall pollen loads, making it a notoriously difficult month for many allergy sufferers across the U.S.,” Wada notes.
There are also year-round allergies that can be triggered by causes including dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, indoor mold or food allergens.
Tired of suffering in allergy season? These tips from an expert may offer relief
How to get rid of allergies
Effective management of seasonal allergy symptoms often requires multiple approaches, Wada says. Key tactics include:
Avoidance. Wada recommends monitoring daily pollen and mold counts online and staying indoors with closed windows on days with especially high pollen counts. At home, Bajowala suggests installing HEPA filters and washing bedding weekly in hot water. When you do go outside, shower afterward and change your clothes. And if you’re doing yard work or spending a lot of time outside on high pollen days, an N95 or KN95 mask can help, too.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. A number of products found in your local drugstore can help, including nasal steroid sprays (which work best when used consistently beginning two to four weeks before allergy season), antihistamines (make sure to pick out a non-drowsy option) and saline nasal rinses (such as a neti pot or saline spray bottle, which can help flush pollen and mucus out of your nasal passages).
Consulting a doctor or allergy specialist. “If OTC measures aren’t providing enough relief, it’s time to see an allergist,” Wada says. “We can confirm your specific triggers through testing and discuss prescription medications or other therapies like immunotherapy.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long do allergies last?
