Three ways to survive the pollen this spring
From closing the windows to different medications, VCU Health experts share tips to reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms.
April 16, 2025
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds tend to dominant during the springtime. (Getty Images)
By Sara McCloskey and Shea Wright
Warm weather. Fresh cut grass. Blooming flowers everywhere you look. Springtime awakens so much beauty, but it also stirs up something millions of Americans struggle with every year – stuffy noses, watery eyes, or an icky cough that never seems to go away.
Seasonal allergies affect upwards of 26% of adults and 19% of kids in the United States. So, how can allergy sufferers still enjoy the spring?
VCU Health experts have three ways to help you survive pollen and seasonal allergies.
Reduce your exposure to pollen
Spring allergy season is tough because everyone wants to be outside. On days when the pollen counts are high, you should make sure all windows are closed around your home. If you’re driving, don’t roll your windows down. This will reduce how much pollen is coming into these spaces.
While it’s difficult to do on a beautiful day, staying indoors with the air conditioning can minimize the severity of your allergy symptoms. Using air filters indoors is also helpful for patients with severe symptoms.
Make sure you clean off everything pollen is touching – including yourself
This time of year, sometimes there is a layer of yellow and green on everything – cars, sidewalks, you name it! Even if you don’t touch it, that pollen can linger on you after being outside.
Consider showering after you come home to wash away all the pollen on your skin and hair. Then, change into some clean clothes. Saline sinus rinses also help to remove pollen from the nasal passages. And don’t forget your pets! Wipe off your pet’s paws since they may track pollen indoors too.
Talk to a doctor about what options are available to reduce seasonal allergies
If these lifestyle changes don’t work to reduce your symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Allergies don't just affect your sinuses – they can impact your whole body. Patients often report having ear infections, sore throat, swollen glands, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, rashes, and even dizziness.
There are a variety of different ways to treat seasonal allergies. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist P. Todd Nichols, M.D., at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital notes that choosing right over the counter medications can be “challenging.”
As an ENT specialist, Nichols provides tailored treatment options for patients dealing with persistent allergy symptoms, sinus issues, or chronic congestion.
In general, Nichols says oral antihistamines are best for itching, runny nose, and sneezing. Nasal steroid and antihistamine sprays work better for congestion and sinus pressure. Decongestants can be helpful but should be used with caution if there is a history of hypertension or prostate trouble.
“Seeing a medical professional should be considered if over-the-counter medications are not working or if you begin to experience shortness of breath or mouth or throat swelling,” Nichols said. “An ear, nose, and throat evaluation can help to identify structural nasal or sinus abnormalities and check for nasal polyps. We can also do allergy testing to determine your exact sensitivities.”
Nichols says providers will consider surgery for patients struggling with symptoms for more than three months despite taking medicine. If you're struggling with allergy symptoms that won't go away, scheduling a consultation with an ENT could be the key to breathing easier this spring.
Meet our team of ear, throat, and nose specialists at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital
