Seasonal Allergies Got You Down? Tips to Manage Symptoms and Breathe Easier

Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, grass, mold, and dust. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Coughing
• Postnasal drip (mucus that drips down the back of your throat)
• Fatigue or difficulty sleeping due to congestion

If your symptoms are persistent or worsen over time, it might be more than just a minor nuisance—and that’s when it’s time to seek help.

Prevention Tips to Minimize Exposure

You may not be able to avoid pollen entirely, but a few proactive steps can significantly reduce your exposure:

• Stay informed – Check daily pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when counts are high.
• Keep windows closed – Use air conditioning instead of opening windows during peak allergy season.
• Shower and change clothes – Wash pollen off your skin and hair after spending time outdoors.
• Use a HEPA filter – Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap allergens inside your home.
• Limit outdoor activity – Especially in the early morning when pollen levels are typically at their highest.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

For many people, non-prescription medications provide effective symptom relief:

• Antihistamines – Help reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching
• Nasal corticosteroids – Reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion
• Decongestants – Provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness
• Eye drops – Alleviate itching and redness in the eyes

Always read the labels and talk to your healthcare provider about which option is best for your needs.

Over-the-Counter Medications Not Working? See a Primary Care Physician for Help!

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, seasonal allergies become more than just an annoyance. Consider seeing a doctor if you:

• Experience symptoms lasting longer than a few weeks
• Don’t get relief from over-the-counter medications
• Have asthma symptoms that worsen during allergy season
• Suffer from frequent sinus infections or persistent congestion
• Want to explore long-term treatment options like immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets that help your body build tolerance to allergens)

At St. Mary’s, our compassionate primary care providers can help determine whether allergies are the root of your symptoms and guide you toward relief that fits your lifestyle.

View All St. Mary's Medical Group Locations

Personalized Allergy Care Across Northeast Georgia

Our dedicated team at the following primary care locations is ready to support your allergy management: 

• Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens, GA
• Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens, GA
• Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville, GA
• Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greensboro, GA
• Sacred Heart Primary Care – Lavonia, GA
• St. Mary's Family Medicine – Bogart, GA
• St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – West Athens & North Athens, GA
• St. Mary's Primary Care – Athens, GA

You don’t have to suffer through allergy season. With the right care and strategies, you can feel better and breathe easier.

Let Us Help You Breathe Easier

Seasonal allergies may be common, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. From simple prevention tips to advanced treatment options, St. Mary’s is here to help you manage your allergies with care, compassion, and clinical expertise.

Contact your St. Mary’s primary care provider today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again, no matter the season.