Affordable seasonal allergy medication prescribed online.

Seasonal allergies, also referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, have a variety of symptoms that can vary based on the individual and the allergen. A few common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:¹

• Runny nose.

• Congestion.

• Watery, itchy, red eyes.

• Sneezing.

• Coughing.

• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.

• Postnasal drip and sore throat.

• Swollen, bruised-appearing skin under the eyes, known as allergic shiners.

• Extreme tiredness and fatigue.

Seasonal allergies are caused by environmental factors that can change with the season. The four most common types of seasonal allergies and when they occur are:

• Tree pollen allergies. Spring.

• Grass pollen allergies. Summer.

• Ragweed allergies. Fall.

• Mold allergies. Fall.

Environmental allergies are not necessarily impacted by the seasons. For example, dust and cat hair are common allergens that can be present year-round.²

Seasonal allergies are an immune response to an allergen from the environment like pollen or mold. While not harmful, the body identifies the allergen as an intruder and releases chemicals that can cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes.³

Allergy season is different depending on the allergen and the location. The four most common triggers and the season they occur are:⁴

• Tree pollen allergies. Spring.

• Grass pollen allergies. Summer.

• Ragweed allergies. Fall.

• Mold allergies. Fall.

Seasonal allergies will last as long as the allergen is present. Changing seasons, weather or environment can affect how long the allergies last. If you experience seasonal allergies, you will likely continue to have symptoms around the same time every year.⁵

It is common to develop seasonal allergies later in life. The reason isn’t clear, but new allergic reactions often occur after a change in the environment like moving to a new region. Allergies from childhood can also go away for a time and return.⁶

There are a few reasons why allergy symptoms may be worse at night, including:⁷

• A bedroom with dust or mold.

• Lying down can cause post-nasal drip and lead to more coughing or difficulty breathing.

• Sleeping with a pet nearby. Pet dander or pollen brought in from outside from your pet can trigger symptoms.

• Using a humidifier. While great for dry nasal passages, adding moisture to the air can increase dust mites and mold.

Cold vs. Allergies

Symptoms that occur commonly with a cold and with seasonal allergies include:⁸

• Sneezing.

• Tiredness.

• Runny nose.

• Stuffy nose.

Symptoms that occur primarily with a cold include:

• Fever.

• Coughing.

• Sore throat.

Symptoms that primarily occur with seasonal allergies include:

• Itchy eyes.

Sinus Infection vs. Allergies

The main way to tell if you have a sinus infection or allergies is if you have itchy eyes. Itchiness is rarely a symptom of a sinus infection and primarily occurs with allergies. The timing of the symptoms can also be a clue. If your symptoms coincide with common allergy seasons, it could point to allergies over a sinus infection.⁹

Pink Eye vs. Allergies

Both allergies and pink eye cause itchy, watery eyes and redness. Some key differences between the two include:¹⁰

• Pink eye is caused by a viral infection. Allergies are caused by environmental triggers.

• Intense itching is usually a symptom of eye allergies, not pink eye.

• Pink eye often starts in one eye and spreads to the other, while eye allergies usually affect both eyes at once.

• Pink eye is highly contagious, while allergies are not.

Strep vs. Allergies

Some differences between strep and seasonal allergies include:¹¹

• Strep is caused by a bacterial infection of Streptococcus pyogenes.

• Coughing is a common symptom of allergies. With strep, coughing is rare.

• Fever is a common symptom of strep but rare with allergies.

Seasonal allergies can resolve on their own. When the trigger is no longer present, seasonal allergy symptoms will stop. Also, allergies can fluctuate and change over time in individuals.¹²

To prevent seasonal allergies, you must avoid triggers. Some ways to reduce seasonal allergy triggers include:¹³

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days.

• Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.

• Remove clothes you've worn outside, and shower to rinse off allergens.

• Don't hang laundry outside. Allergens can stick to sheets and towels.

• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

There is no permanent cure for seasonal allergies, but symptoms can be managed by reducing exposure to allergens and treatments like antihistamines, corticosteroids, nasal sprays and decongestants.¹⁴

1. Mayo Clinic

2. Yale Medicine

3. Yale Medicine

4. Yale Medicine

5. Cleveland Clinic

6. Northwestern Medicine

7. Health.com

8. Mayo Clinic

9. Mayo Clinic

10. John Hopkins

11. Cleveland Clinic

12. Allergy Insider

13. Mayo Clinic

14. Mayo Clinic

Many people find allergy relief from over-the-counter products like antihistamines, decongestants and cough suppressants. If over-the-counter treatments do not work for you, prescription treatments for allergies include:¹⁵

• Prescription antihistamines. Azelastine (Astelin®) nasal spray, Levocetrizine (Xyzal®), Cetirizine (Zyrtec®).

• Steroidal nose sprays. Fluticasone (Flonase®).

• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). Montelukast (Singulair®).

• Allergen immunotherapy. Administration of small doses of allergens overtime to help the body adapt. These can be injections or oral tablets or drops.

In most cases, treatment options can apply to any form of seasonal allergy. With immunotherapy, the treatments will be tailored to the allergens.¹⁶

Yes, seasonal allergies can be treated at home with remedies and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines (Benadryl®), decongestants and cough suppressants. Some nonmedication home remedies include:¹⁷

• Reducing exposure to allergens.

• Nasal irrigation or rinsing sinuses.

• Cleaning indoor air with an air conditioner or a HEPA air filter.

You can also get allergy treatment at home from RedBox Rx. We offer online telehealth services with prescriptions sent right to your door. Get started with an assessment to connect with one of our U.S. licensed providers today and find the allergy treatment that is right for you.

If left untreated, seasonal allergies can develop into more serious issues. Allergens cause inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses which increases the risk of sinus infections.¹⁸

Start an online assessment and one of RedBox Rx’s licensed providers will help you determine if prescription allergy medication is right for you. Medication starts at $19 per month.

15. Yale Medicine

16. Yale Medicine

17. Mayo Clinic

18. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

View our telehealth and online pharmacy FAQs here.