If your eyes are itchy, your nose won’t stop running and you’re burning through tissues, you’re not alone. Allergy season is here — and in California, it’s sticking around longer each year.
Shifting climate patterns and California’s signature breezy weather mean pollen from grasses, trees and weeds travels farther and lingers longer.
A recent Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America survey ranks San Diego as the No. 2 most challenging U.S. city for allergies, with San Francisco at No. 11.
“Many people underestimate just how intense seasonal allergies can be in California,” said Dr. Scott Flinn, regional medical director at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “Because our climate doesn’t have a hard stop between seasons, allergens tend to linger and overlap.”
Common allergy symptoms
Seasonal allergies — also known as allergic rhinitis — can affect people of all ages. Symptoms can range from mildly irritating to downright disruptive, especially when sleep or concentration takes a hit.
Typical allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
- Itchy throat, ears or roof of the mouth
- Postnasal drip and mild fatigue
Unlike viral illnesses, allergy symptoms can last for weeks or even months, depending on allergen exposure.
Is it allergies or a cold?
Because spring allergy symptoms overlap with those of the common cold, telling them apart can be challenging. A few clues can help.
You’re more likely dealing with allergies if:
- Symptoms build gradually and stick around
- You don’t have a fever
- Nasal discharge is clear and watery
- Symptoms improve indoors or worsen after being outside
It may be a cold if:
- You have body aches, sore throat or a mild fever
- Nasal mucus becomes thick or yellow
- Symptoms resolve within 7-10 days
5 ways to ease spring allergies
You can’t control outdoor pollen — but you can take steps to reduce exposure and ease discomfort, shares Dr. Flinn. Here are his recommendations:
- Check pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activities when counts are high.
- Shower and change clothes after being outside to rinse away pollen.
- Keep windows closed and rely on air conditioning when possible.
- Use saline nasal rinses to flush allergens from nasal passages.
- Consider allergy medications, such as antihistamines or nasal sprays. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you.
Dr. Flinn emphasizes consistency: “Many allergy treatments work best when used daily during allergy season, not just when symptoms spike.”
When to seek medical care
If over-the-counter remedies aren’t cutting it — or if allergies are interfering with sleep, work or school — it may be time to seek a healthcare provider. A clinician can help identify your triggers, recommend prescription treatments, or determine whether your symptoms point to something else, such as asthma or sinus infection.
Seasonal allergies may be common, but they don’t have to ruin your quality of life. “With the right plan and support, hopefully you can breathe a little easier this season,” said Dr. Flinn.
Resources
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Virtual tools to help you understand your symptoms
- Pollen.com: National pollen maps with local forecasts by ZIP code
- AirNow: Environmental Protection Agency readings on local air quality
More information for Blue Shield of California members
- Price Check My Rx: Find lower-cost alternatives for your prescriptions at Price Check My Rx. Learn more: Pharmacy Care Reimagined: Simplifying the member pharmacy experience
- Amazon Pharmacy: Home-delivered medications, often at lower co-pays.
- Commercial plans: Amazon Pharmacy: Blue Shield of California
- Medicare plans: Amazon Pharmacy: Blue Shield of California Medicare