Seasonal allergies are not fun—especially when pollen is everywhere. But with the right steps, you can manage symptoms and keep enjoying time outdoors.
Revised 04/17/26
Contributed by: Kholoud Wishah, MD | Allergy and Immunology
Aaaaaachooo! Seasonal Allergies Are Here
Stuffy nose. Sneezing. Watery eyes. Headache. That tired, blah feeling that won’t go away.
Sound familiar?
With the warmer weather, many people start sneezing and hear lots of “Gesundheit!” or “Bless you!”
If your symptoms seem to start earlier and last longer, you’re not imagining it. Allergy season now lasts several weeks longer than it used to. Pollen levels are higher, too.
“In the Cleveland area, tree pollen appears in early spring, while grass pollen season begins in late spring,” says Kholoud Wishah, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at MetroHealth.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to things like pollen from trees, grass and weeds.
In Northeast Ohio, that usually looks like:
- Spring: Tree pollen
- Late spring to early summer: Grass pollen
- Late summer and fall: Ragweed
Some people have mild symptoms. Others feel tired, can’t sleep well or avoid being outside.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergies can affect your nose, eyes and skin.
Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Skin irritation or hives
Help Prevent Seasonal Allergies
Before seeing an allergist, try these simple steps to lower pollen exposure and prevent seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Check daily pollen counts on local news or sites like pollen.com. “On high pollen count days, let your kids play inside,” says Dr. Wishah.
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning.
- Use a HEPA air filter to help trap pollen indoors. If you already have one, check if it needs to be replaced.
- Bathe pets often, especially dogs that spend time outside
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
How to Find Relief
While allergies can’t be cured, there are plenty of ways to manage symptoms.
Start with everyday habits:
- Limit outdoor time when pollen counts are high
- Keep windows closed
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also help, including:
- Antihistamines (like Claritin®, Zyrtec® and Allegra®)
- Nasal sprays
- Saline rinses
A pharmacist can help you choose the right option. Many OTC medications are available at affordable prices at MetroHealth Pharmacies.
Allergy medicines come in many forms—pills, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops and skin creams. A pharmacist can help you decide what works best for your symptoms.
When to Get More Help
If allergies are making daily life harder and over-the-counter medicines aren’t helping—it may be time to see your doctor.
They may suggest:
- Prescription medications
- Allergy testing
- Allergy shots
Allergy shots help your body get used to allergens. They are given over time and can reduce or even rid people of their symptoms.
Take Control of Allergy Season
Seasonal allergies are common—but they don’t have to stop you from enjoying spring and summer.
With a mix of prevention, the right treatments and help from your care team, you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors—and less time reaching for tissues.
The MetroHealth Advantage
The Allergy and Immunology Clinic treats adults and children with a variety of symptoms, including:
- dermatitis
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy eyes, mouth or skin
- hives
- food or drug allergies
- recurrent sinusitis or other recurrent infections
MetroHealth provides allergy services at the following locations:
If seasonal allergies are keeping you from enjoying the outdoors, talk to your primary care provider. They may refer you to a specialist for allergy testing or discuss treatment options.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an allergist, call 216-778-2213. Referrals are not required.
Your Questions Answered
Q. Are seasonal allergies contagious?
A. No, allergies aren’t contagious. They are caused by your immune system — not germs. You can’t catch allergies from someone else.
Q. How can I tell the difference between allergies and a cold?
A. Allergies often cause itchy eyes, nose and throat. Mucus is usually clear and symptoms can last for weeks. Colds may cause body aches, thicker mucus and sometimes a fever. They usually go away in 7-10 days.
Q. Can indoor air quality make allergies worse?
A. Yes. Dust mites, mold and pet dander inside your home can make allergy symptoms worse, especially when mixed with outdoor pollen. Keeping indoor air clean can help you feel better.
