Penn Medicine Becker ENT

  • Patient Forms
  • Reviews

Search

Facebook (opens in a new tab) Instagram (opens in a new tab) YouTube (opens in a new tab)
  • Request an Appointment
  • Find a Doctor
  • Our Locations
    • Our Locations
    • View More Locations
    • Freehold Township, NJ
    • Princeton, NJ (Bunn Drive)
    • Hillsborough Township, NJ
    • Princeton, NJ (Ewing Street)
    • Lawrenceville, NJ
    • Robbinsville Township, NJ
    • Monroe Township, NJ
    • Sewell, NJ
    • Mount Laurel Township, NJ
    • Voorhees Township, NJ (East Evesham Rd)
    • Mullica Hill, NJ
    • Voorhees Township, NJ (Haddonfield-Berlind Rd)
    • Philadelphia, PA (South St)
    • Voorhees Township, NJ (Sheppard Rd)
    • Philadelphia, PA (Walnut St)
    • Woodbury, NJ
    • Plainsboro, NJ
    • Yardley, PA
  • Our Services
    • Our Services
    • Read Our Articles
    • Ears
      • Hearing Loss Treatment
      • Tinnitus Treatment
      • Ear Infections
      • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
      • Hearing Aids
      • Comprehensive Ear Wax Buildup Care
    • Sleep and Snoring
      • Snoring & Sleep Treatment
      • Sleep Apnea Treatment
      • Turbinate Reduction
    • Nose & Sinus
      • Balloon Sinuplasty
      • Nasal Polyps
      • Sinusitis
      • Sinus Pressure and Pain
      • Sinus Headaches
      • VivAer® and RhinAer® Treatments
    • Allergy
      • Allergic Asthma
      • Allergic Conjunctivitis
      • Allergic Contact Dermatitis
      • Allergic Rhinitis
      • Anaphylaxis
      • Angioedema
      • Drug Allergy
      • Food Allergy
      • Latex Allergies
      • Mold Allergies
      • Penicillin Allergy
      • Pet Allergy
      • Pollen Allergy
      • Seasonal Allergies
    • Throat
      • Swallowing Disorders Treatment
      • Voice Disorders
      • Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy
      • Tonsil Infections
      • Professional Voice Disorder
      • Stroboscopy
      • Voice Therapy
      • FEES
      • Chronic Cough
    • Head and Neck
      • Airway Problems
      • Thyroid Disease
      • GERD
    • Pediatric
      • Pediatric ENT
      • Adenoid Hypertrophy
      • Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
  • Patients Forms
  • Reviews
Home / Blog / Seasonal Allergies in Pennsylvania: Is It Hay Fever or Something Else?

Seasonal Allergies in Pennsylvania: Is It Hay Fever or Something Else?

Posted by Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy

The information provided below and throughout this website is presented for general educational purposes only and does NOT constitute professional medical advice. This information is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice and NO material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

As the seasons change in Pennsylvania, do you find yourself grappling with a runny nose, incessant sneezes, and itchy eyes? You might brush these off as the common cold, but what if these symptoms persist longer than a usual cold? It’s likely you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. However, could it be something else? We’re here to help you navigate the world of seasonal allergies in Pennsylvania and understand whether your symptoms are due to hay fever or something else entirely.

The pollen count is typically highest in Pennsylvania during the months of May and June, making it an especially difficult time for allergy sufferers.
Common allergens in Pennsylvania include ragweed, grass pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.

Decoding Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, in essence, are the immune system’s exaggerated response to certain harmless substances or allergens. These allergies manifest at specific times of the year when allergens like pollen are rampant in the air. Imagine your immune system as an overzealous security guard who raises the alarm at the sight of these innocent allergens, causing you the discomfort of an allergic reaction.

Identifying Common Allergy Triggers in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the culprits triggering these allergies are primarily tree pollens in the spring, grass pollens in late spring and early summer, and weed pollens, particularly ragweed, in the fall. Indoor seasonal allergens like pet dander and dust mites, although present all year round, could also be triggered, causing allergic reactions at any time.

Distinguishing Between Hay Fever and Other Allergies

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common type of seasonal allergy, usually triggered by outdoor allergens like pollen. But is what you’re experiencing actually hay fever or another form of allergy, say, to pet dander or mold? The key to deciphering this lies in understanding your symptoms and their timing and consulting with an allergy specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Recognizing Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy throat and/or mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

If you ever feel like you’re stuck in a constant cycle of having a cold, especially during a particular season, then it’s likely you’re dealing with seasonal allergies.

    Woman suffering from seasonal allergies.
    Allergy symptoms may vary from person to person and can be triggered by different allergens depending on the season

Understanding Over-the-counter Allergy Medications

Various over-the-counter allergy medications are available that can help manage your symptoms. These include oral antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays. For itchy or watery eyes, eye drops or artificial tears can provide some relief. But remember, always use these under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The Importance of Professional Allergy Testing

Professional allergy testing, including skin tests, blood tests, and even allergen challenges, can help your healthcare provider identify what’s causing your allergic response. Consider these tests as detectives gathering clues to solve the mystery of your allergies!

A Closer Look at Allergen Immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy, including allergy shots and sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, can help reduce sensitivity to allergens over time. Think of it like slowly training your immune system to become less reactive to allergens.

Seasonal allergies in Pennsylvania are most commonly triggered by tree pollens in the spring, grass pollens in late spring and early summer
Common seasonal allergy symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.

Best Practices for Managing Indoor Allergens

To control indoor allergens, regular cleaning, using air purifiers, and, if necessary, limiting contact with pets can make a significant difference. It’s all about making your home a safe haven from allergens.

In addition to regular cleaning and using air purifiers, it is also important to identify potential sources of indoor allergens and take the necessary steps to avoid them. For example, if you have pets, it might be best to keep them out of certain rooms or areas in your home. Additionally, it is important to ensure that any fabrics used in your home are hypoallergenic and wash all bedding regularly. Lastly, keeping windows closed when pollen levels are highest can help limit the amount of outdoor allergens that get inside your home.

Coping with Outdoor Allergens

Managing outdoor allergens can involve tracking local pollen counts and planning your outdoor activities when these counts are low. Using air conditioning in your car and home can also help filter out pollen allergens.

The Role of Air Conditioning in Allergy Management

Air conditioning is more than just a luxury to beat the heat; it can filter out pollens and other airborne allergens, providing you some relief from allergic reactions. But it’s crucial to clean those air filters regularly!

What Can a Healthcare Provider Do?

A healthcare provider, such as a board-certified allergist or a nurse practitioner, can help you in your fight against allergies. They can diagnose your allergies, guide you on managing triggers, and prescribe medication or allergy shots if needed.

A healthcare provider can also provide you with lifestyle and dietary recommendations to help reduce your allergy symptoms. For example, they may suggest avoiding certain foods that can be potential allergens, such as dairy or wheat. They may also recommend reducing stress levels to help reduce the severity of your symptoms. Lastly, they can recommend other treatment plans, such as acupuncture or acupressure, that may provide additional relief from allergy symptoms.

Consider them your allies in your battle against allergies!

Lifestyle Adjustments for Allergy Seasons

Surviving allergy seasons can require some lifestyle adjustments. These could include wearing sunglasses outdoors, keeping windows closed, washing clothes and showering after being outdoors, and staying well-hydrated. It’s about learning to live harmoniously with allergens without letting them disrupt your life.

Surviving the Allergy Season: Conclusion

Seasonal allergies in Pennsylvania can pose a challenge for residents living in nearby cities such as Glenside, Ardmore, Kensington, Plymouth Meeting, and Springfield. However, understanding your triggers, managing your exposure to allergens, and seeking appropriate medical care can help you find relief. Remember, you may not control the seasons, but you can control how you handle them!

Some lifestyle adjustments for seasonal allergies include wearing a face mask outdoors, limiting time spent outdoors, and investing in an air purifier to help filter out allergens in the home
It is important to track local pollen counts and plan outdoor activities when the counts are low

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I have hay fever or a cold?

If your symptoms persist longer than two weeks and recur around the same time each year, you likely have seasonal allergies.

Can I manage my seasonal allergies without medication?

While lifestyle changes and allergen avoidance can help manage mild allergy symptoms, more severe allergies often require medication for effective management.

Are allergy shots effective for everyone?

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can be effective for certain individuals, but their suitability may vary. It is advised to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to determine their appropriateness for your specific situation.

Can allergies be prevented?

While you can’t prevent allergies, you can often prevent allergic reactions by avoiding your allergy triggers.

The content, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No content on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor represent the opinion of our physicians. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical condition or concern.

Book Your Consultation Today

Improve the quality of your life.

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use (opens in a new tab)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Background locations

Call now to schedule your appointment.

Appointments are available. Mon - Fri : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19 Safety Updates

Freehold, NJ

732-375-9550

Hillsborough, NJ

908-271-2102

Lawrenceville, NJ

609-303-5163

Monroe, NJ

609-831-0779

Mt. Laurel, NJ

856-724-4031

Mullica Hill, NJ

856-478-3111

Philadelphia, PA (South St)

215-671-6330

Philadelphia, PA (Walnut St)

215-929-8301

Plainsboro, NJ

609-681-6939

Princeton, NJ

609-430-9200

Princeton, NJ

609-759-8500

Robbinsville, NJ

609-436-5740

Sewell, NJ

856-589-6673

Voorhees, NJ

856-565-2900

Voorhees, NJ (Haddonfield-Berlind Rd)

856-375-1440

Voorhees, NJ

856-772-1617

Woodbury, NJ

856-845-8300

Yardley, PA

267-399-4004

SEE ALL LOCATIONS
Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Sinus Surgery

Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
The Rhinoplasty Center (opens in a new tab) | Schrader Facial Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Rhinoplasty Archive (opens in a new tab) | Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Becker Plastic Surgery (opens in a new tab) | Rejuvenation Resource (opens in a new tab) | Kam Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab) | Anni Wong MD Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab) | Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery(opens in a new tab)
Terms . Privacy . HIPAA . Sitemap(opens in a new tab).

Facebook (opens in a new tab) Instagram (opens in a new tab) YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Call one of our locations now!

  • Freehold, NJ: (732) 375-9550
  • Hillsborough, NJ: (908) 271-2102
  • Lawrenceville, NJ: (609) 303-5163
  • Monroe, NJ: (609) 831-0779
  • Mt. Laurel, NJ: (856) 724-4031
  • Mullica Hill, NJ: (856) 478-3111
  • Philadelphia, PA: (215) 671-6330
  • Philadelphia, PA: (215) 929-8301
  • Plainsboro, NJ: (609) 681-6939
  • Princeton, NJ: (609) 759-8500
  • Princeton, NJ: (609) 430-9200
  • Robbinsville, NJ: (609) 436-5740
  • Sewell, NJ: (856) 589-6673
  • Voorhees, NJ: (856) 772-1617
  • Voorhees, NJ: (856) 565-2900
  • Yardley, PA: (267) 399-4004
  • Woodbury, NJ: (856) 845-8300