How Long Do Allergies Last?

Seasonal allergies can last for weeks, or for as long as the substance you are allergic to—called an allergen—remains in the environment. Some people only experience a few days of allergy symptoms, while others experience six weeks or more.

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How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last?

An allergic reaction lasts as long as your body is exposed to the allergen. Seasonal allergies can start when plants begin releasing pollen. Each release of pollen can last for a few weeks, and people who are allergic will experience symptoms during that time.

How long you experience allergy symptoms depends on your sensitivity to pollen. Some people have symptoms for only a few days, while pollen counts are highest, while others will experience symptoms that last for weeks.

Not all plants release pollen at the same time. In North America, trees usually release pollen first, followed by grasses. Some plants, like ragweed, release pollen in the late summer and/or early fall. If you are allergic to all types of pollen, you may experience seasonal allergies for months at a time. 

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

The symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Nasal symptoms, like sneezing, stuffiness, or itchiness
• Eye symptoms including red, swollen, watery or itchy eyes
• Itching
• Skin rashes, including hives
• Cough
• Shortness of breath, and increased asthma symptoms

Why Do Allergies Come and Go?

Allergy symptoms worsen when pollen counts are higher, or when you’re doing activities that expose you to more pollen, like when cutting grass. The weather can play a role too; rain can wash pollen from the air, while a windy day can blow it around, increasing your allergy symptoms.

How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms?

While you cannot control the pollen count, there are ways that you can prevent allergy symptoms or make them less intense, such as:

• Track pollen counts on your local news and weather. When the counts are high, stay indoors.
• Keep windows closed in your home and vehicle, so pollen cannot blow in.
• Wear an N-95 mask if you know you’ll be exposed to allergens.
• Shower before bed and after exposure to allergens. 
• Change clothes after you’ve been outside to avoid bringing pollen into the house.

You can also adjust your schedule to avoid being outside when pollen counts are highest. Check local pollen counts for more information about when particular pollen(s) might peak during the day.

Treating Seasonal Allergies

Antihistamines, like Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), are medications that fight allergy symptoms. Non-sedating antihistamines like these are all available over the counter now, and these are generally preferred over their sedating counterparts. If you have multiple nasal symptoms like sneezing or congestion, a steroid nasal spray can help.

You can also talk with your healthcare provider about prescription medications and longer-term treatments like allergy shots (immunotherapy). After three to five years of allergy shot treatment, many patients have long-lasting cure of some or all of their environmental allergies without continued need for shots.

Treating allergies can be difficult. It may take some time to find a treatment that works for you or what is helpful may change with time. Working with your primary care provider or an allergist can help you create a treatment plan that works. 

Key Takeaways

• Seasonal allergies last for as long you’re exposed to the allergen.
• Allergy treatments like antihistamines and nasal sprays can treat symptoms, and lifestyle changes like keeping the windows closed and wearing a mask when you’re exposed to allergens can prevent symptoms.
• If allergies are impacting your life, reach out to your healthcare provider.