Seasonal Allergies & Allergic Rhinitis in Silver Spring, Maryland
Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, and fatigue. At Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland, our team treats seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis in children and adults, helping identify triggers and develop personalized treatment plans.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, occur when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens that are more common during certain times of year. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a frequent trigger.
Symptoms may appear during one season or across several seasons depending on which pollens affect you.
Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy nose or throat
- Watery, itchy, or red eyes
- Postnasal drainage
- Coughing
- Sinus pressure
- Fatigue or poor sleep
- Worsening
asthma symptoms in some patients
Maryland Pollen Triggers
Different plants release pollen at different times. Tree pollen is often prominent in spring, grass pollen commonly increases in late spring and summer, and weed pollens such as ragweed are common later in summer and fall. Weather patterns can affect the timing and intensity of pollen exposure from year to year.
- Trees
- Grasses
- Weeds and ragweed
- Outdoor mold may also contribute to seasonal symptoms
How Are Seasonal Allergies Diagnosed?
Evaluation begins with your symptom pattern, timing, exposures, medical history, and physical examination. When testing is appropriate, our team may recommend skin testing or other allergy testing to identify relevant environmental allergens.
How Are Seasonal Allergies Treated?
Treatment is based on the allergens involved, symptom severity, other conditions such as asthma, and your response to previous treatment.
- Environmental-control strategies and pollen avoidance
- Oral antihistamines when appropriate
- Intranasal medications
- Eye allergy treatment when needed
- Allergy immunotherapy for selected patients
- Asthma management when seasonal allergies worsen breathing symptoms
When Should You See an Allergist?
Consider an evaluation when seasonal symptoms are persistent, difficult to control, interfering with sleep or activities, worsening asthma, or when you want to identify specific triggers rather than relying only on symptom relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about seasonal allergies and treatments we offer at our office in Silver Spring.
Still have a question?
Call our office and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatments, scheduling, or anything else.
What is the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?
Seasonal allergies are triggered by allergens such as pollen and often cause itching, sneezing and recurring symptoms during certain seasons. Colds are caused by viruses and usually resolve within a limited period.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an allergic reaction. When symptoms are driven by seasonal pollen exposure, it is often called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
Can seasonal allergies trigger asthma?
Yes. Pollen and other environmental allergens can worsen asthma symptoms in some patients.
How do you test for pollen allergies?
Testing may include skin testing or other allergy testing based on the patient’s history and symptoms.
Can allergy shots help seasonal allergies?
Allergy immunotherapy may be appropriate for selected patients with confirmed environmental allergies and persistent symptoms.
Do you treat children with seasonal allergies?
Yes. Our team provides allergy and immunology care for children and adults.
Get Treatment for Seasonal Allergies & Allergic Rhinitis
If these symptoms or concerns are affecting you or your child, our team can help determine whether allergy or immunology evaluation is appropriate and create an individualized care plan.
Phone: (240) 531-2902
