Allergy season can feel like a cruel joke. You step outside, ready to enjoy the sun, and boom—sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose. If you’re one of those people who dread spring or fall because of allergies, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Every year, it hits me like clockwork.

But you don’t have to suffer endlessly. I recently had a long chat with my general physician, who’s been helping patients with seasonal allergies for over 20 years. His advice? Simple, actionable, and surprisingly doable.

Let’s get into it. Here are 7 tips to survive the allergy season straight from a trusted general physician.

7 Tips to Survive the Allergy Season from the Best General Physician

1. Know Your Allergens

First things first—you need to figure out what’s causing your misery. Not all allergies are the same.

1. Is it pollen?
2. Dust mites?
3. Mold?
4. Pet dander?

If you’re not sure, a simple allergy test can clear that up. My doctor told me this is where most people mess up. They just assume it’s “spring pollen” and start popping random antihistamines. But if you’re allergic to dust or mold, pollen meds won’t help much.

When I got tested, I found out I was allergic to tree pollen and dust mites. Two very different triggers. Once you know your enemy, you can fight it.

2. Watch the Daily Pollen Count

This one changed everything for me.

Every morning, check your local pollen forecast. You can find it online or in most weather apps.

1. High pollen day? Stay indoors as much as possible.
2. Low pollen day? Go outside, enjoy yourself.

My doctor called it “pollen radar.” Just like you wouldn’t go out in a storm, don’t expose yourself on heavy pollen days.

Also, pollen counts are usually highest between 5 AM and 10 AM. So if you need to run or walk, aim for late afternoon. It sounds simple, but this tiny shift in timing can make a huge difference.

3. Keep Windows Closed

I used to love opening my windows in the spring. Fresh air, birds chirping, the whole thing. But my physician gave me a reality check:

“You’re inviting allergens into your home.”

Pollen doesn’t knock before entering. It sneaks in and settles on your furniture, carpets, and even your bed. Then you wonder why you’re sneezing inside the house.

1. Keep your windows shut during high pollen days.
2. Use air conditioning if you need to cool down.
3. Make sure your AC has a clean HEPA filter.

Since I started doing this, my indoor symptoms have dropped by half.

4. Change Clothes After Being Outdoors

This tip feels a bit extra at first, but trust me, it works.

When you come back inside, change your clothes immediately. Toss them in the laundry. Pollen sticks to your clothes, hair, and skin like crazy.

1. Take a quick shower.
2. Rinse your hair.
3. Change into clean clothes.

My doctor said, “Treat outdoor clothes like they’re contaminated.” It’s a bit dramatic, but after trying it for a few weeks, I saw fewer flare-ups in the evening.

If you’ve got kids, it’s even more important. They’re pollen magnets.

5. Rinse Your Nose

This one surprised me. My physician swears by nasal irrigation.

He explained it like this:

“Imagine your nose is a sponge. Allergens get stuck inside. Rinsing flushes them out.”

Use a saline rinse or a Neti pot. It’s not the most glamorous part of your day, but it helps clear out trapped pollen and reduces inflammation.

A few tips from my experience:

1. Use distilled or boiled (and cooled) water.
2. Follow the instructions carefully.
3. Don’t overdo it—once or twice a day is enough.

After a week, I felt like I could finally breathe through my nose again.

6. Pick the Right Medication

Not all allergy meds work the same. My physician broke it down for me:

1. Antihistamines: Good for sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
2. Nasal steroids: Great for nasal congestion and long-term control.
3. Decongestants: Short-term relief for stuffy noses.

He also warned against relying on one type. Sometimes, a combination works best.

For me, a daily nasal steroid spray plus an antihistamine on bad days made all the difference. But your mix might be different. Always talk to your doctor before starting anything new. Self-medicating can backfire.

Also, don’t wait for symptoms to explode. Start medication early, as allergy season approaches.

7. Boost Your Indoor Air Quality

Your home should be your safe zone during allergy season. But it’s often full of hidden triggers.

Here’s what my physician recommended:

1. Use HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms.
2. Vacuum regularly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
3. Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
4. Keep pets off the bed if you’re allergic to dander.

I invested in a decent air purifier last year. Wasn’t cheap, but totally worth it. My nighttime coughing and sneezing dropped significantly.

Also, be careful with houseplants. Some people think they clean the air, but certain plants can make allergies worse by collecting mold or releasing pollen indoors.

What Happens If You Ignore Allergy Symptoms?

My doctor didn’t mince words here. Uncontrolled allergies aren’t just annoying. They can lead to:

1. Sinus infections.
2. Ear problems.
3. Poor sleep quality.
4. Fatigue and brain fog.
5. Asthma flare-ups.

I used to think allergies were just seasonal annoyances. But when I started waking up exhausted every day, I realized it was affecting my whole life. Allergies mess with your mood, focus, and even your relationships. You snap at people. You lose patience. It’s not just sneezing—it’s a whole package of misery.

A lot of people just try to “deal with it.” They wait for the season to pass. I used to be one of them. But once you take a few simple steps, allergy season becomes manageable.

Is it perfect? No. But now, I can enjoy being outside without feeling like my face is falling apart. Small changes can lead to huge relief.

So if allergy season is creeping up again, don’t wait. Start preparing today. Your nose (and your sanity) will thank you.

Why Trust This Advice?

This isn’t random internet advice. These tips come straight from my general physician, who’s treated hundreds of patients with seasonal allergies for over two decades. Plus, I’ve personally tested every single one of these tips. They’ve worked for me, and they’ve worked for others.

When you combine medical experience with real-life trial and error, you get advice that works. Not magic. Just common sense, backed by expertise.