Plagued by Spring Allergies? When to See Your Doctor

Spring brings trees in bloom, warmer weather, and longer days, things most of us relish. However, if you’re among the 25% of people who struggle with constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose, you may dread the change of season.

At Keven Tagdiri, MD, in Encinitas, California, we help patients manage seasonal allergies and determine what treatments offer the best relief.

Causes of spring allergies

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (spring allergies or hay fever) is a widespread problem affecting people of all ages. It happens when your immune system overreacts to pollen, the dust that plants use to enable insects to fertilize their flowers.

Trees release pollen early in the season, while grasses follow later in spring and early summer. When you breathe in pollen, your immune system mistakes it for something harmful and triggers the release of chemicals like histamine. The result is symptoms such as:

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery, red eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Postnasal drip
• Fatigue

While these symptoms aren’t dangerous for most people, they can disrupt sleep, make it hard to work, and impact many aspects of daily life.

Managing spring allergies

Mild allergy symptoms don’t require a doctor’s visit. Many people manage occasional symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops.

Practical at-home strategies to manage spring allergies include:

• Keeping windows closed during high pollen days
• Showering after spending time outdoors
• Using high-efficiency air filters
• Washing bedding frequently

Sometimes what seems like allergies turns out to be a sinus infection or other condition. Around 10% of people with allergic rhinitis develop asthma, and many people with asthma develop symptoms after pollen exposure.

Visit us if:

• Symptoms last for weeks without improvement
• You feel constant sinus pressure or facial pain
• You develop thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• You experience wheezing or shortness of breath
• Your symptoms severely interfere with sleep or daily life
• Over-the-counter medications don’t help

Allergies and infections share similar symptoms, but they require different treatments; for example, allergies don’t cause fever.

How we treat spring allergies

At Keven Tagdiri, MD, we take a personalized approach to treating spring allergies. We begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and triggers, as well as your medical history, to develop a clear understanding of the cause. Treatments we may recommend include:

Prescription-strength antihistamines

Antihistamines block histamine, the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. 

Many versions are available over-the-counter, but prescription-strength antihistamines often provide stronger or longer-lasting relief. We may recommend these if sneezing, itching, and a runny nose don’t improve with standard doses.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Inflammation causes congestion, swelling, and that “blocked” feeling many allergy sufferers know too well. Corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation inside your nasal passages.

These sprays don’t just mask symptoms — they calm the underlying allergic response. Consistent use can reduce nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure. Many patients notice improvements within a few days, but full benefits often develop after regular daily use.

Leukotriene modifiers

Leukotrienes are chemicals your body releases during an allergic reaction. They contribute to swelling, mucus production, and airway tightening.

Leukotriene modifiers block these chemicals, helping reduce nasal symptoms and asthma-related issues. We sometimes prescribe them for patients who struggle with allergies and mild asthma, especially when antihistamines alone don’t provide enough relief.

Allergy eye drops

If itchy, red, watery eyes cause most of your frustration, targeted prescription eye drops can make a big difference by reducing inflammation directly on the eye’s surface. 

Unlike artificial tears, which only temporarily soothe dryness, allergy eye drops address the allergic reaction. Many patients feel noticeable relief within minutes of using them.

Inhalers (if asthma symptoms develop)

Spring allergies can trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If that happens, we may prescribe an inhaler.

Rescue inhalers relax the muscles around your airways and open them quickly when breathing feels difficult. We may also recommend a daily maintenance inhaler to reduce airway inflammation and prevent flare-ups before they start.

Many people assume they must push through allergy season, but you shouldn’t live in constant discomfort. Untreated allergies can lead to poor sleep, brain fog, irritability, and even recurrent sinus infections.

If you can’t control your symptoms with simple measures, or you’re unsure whether allergies are causing your discomfort, schedule a visit to Keven Tagdiri, MD by phone or online. We can help you breathe more easily, sleep better, and feel like yourself again.