Hay fever symptoms: how to spot them and get relief

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) shows up as a set of clear signs: sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes, and a scratchy throat. Symptoms can start minutes after you meet an allergen or build slowly over days. Recognizing patterns—seasonal flares in spring or fall, or daily symptoms at home—makes it easier to link signs to triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold, or pets.

Keep a short symptom log for a week: note the time of day your symptoms hit, what you were doing, and the weather. That simple habit helps you and your clinician spot the main triggers faster than guessing.

Common symptoms and when they happen

Sneezing fits and a clear runny nose are classic. Itchy, red, or watery eyes often come with nasal symptoms. Nasal congestion and pressure can cause headaches and reduced smell. Post-nasal drip leads to throat clearing and a tickly cough. Some people feel tired or foggy after a day of constant symptoms—allergic inflammation uses up energy.

Seasonal hay fever usually lines up with local pollen seasons: tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in late spring and early summer, and weed pollen in late summer to fall. Mold spores spike after rain and on damp leaves. Dust mite or pet-related symptoms tend to be year-round, worsening indoors.

Quick fixes, home steps, and when to see a doctor

Start with non-prescription measures: check local pollen counts via apps, keep windows closed on high pollen days, shower and change clothes after being outside, and use air conditioning with a clean filter. A HEPA air purifier helps in bedrooms. Saline nasal rinses ease congestion—use sterile or boiled-and-cooled water, not straight tap water.

OTC antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose without heavy drowsiness for most people. For blocked noses, short courses of nasal decongestant sprays can help but avoid using them more than a few days. Daily intranasal steroid sprays (fluticasone, budesonide) are the most reliable long-term therapy for congestion and inflammation; they take several days to reach full effect.

If OTC steps don’t control your symptoms, ask a doctor about allergy testing (skin prick or blood IgE) and prescription options. Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) can reduce sensitivity over months to years and change how your immune system reacts.

Seek urgent care if you have wheezing or trouble breathing, facial swelling, high fever, severe sinus pain, or symptoms that won’t improve with treatment. Also see a clinician if you rely on daily decongestants, lose your sense of smell, or your symptoms disrupt work or sleep.

With simple tracking and the right mix of home care, meds, and medical advice, you can cut hay fever days and breathe easier through the seasons.