Adult Seasonal Allergies Treatment (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)
Fast MD-only seasonal allergy care by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Seasonal allergies (seasonal allergic rhinitis) are immune reactions to airborne allergens such as tree, grass, or weed pollen that trigger sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based evaluation to review your pattern, identify likely triggers, distinguish allergies from infection, and build a safe, evidence-based treatment plan that fits your symptoms and lifestyle.
- $49 flat-fee adult visit
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- No insurance required
- Secure video visits in 25+ states
Online MD-Only Seasonal Allergy Care
- Adult 18+ evaluation for seasonal nasal and eye allergy symptoms
- History-based distinction between allergies, colds, and sinus infections
- Topical nasal steroid, oral antihistamine, and eye-drop options when appropriate
- Clear criteria for when in-person allergy, ENT, or urgent care is needed
Adults 18+ only. No controlled substances are prescribed through TeleDirectMD. New severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or anaphylaxis symptoms require emergency care, not telehealth alone.
What Are Adult Seasonal Allergies (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds during certain seasons. This reaction causes inflammation in the nasal passages and sometimes the eyes, leading to sneezing, congestion, clear runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes.
Symptoms often follow predictable patterns each year, worsen outdoors on high-pollen days, and improve with allergen avoidance or allergy medications. Telehealth is well suited for evaluating typical seasonal patterns, optimizing medication regimens, and clarifying when symptoms suggest a viral infection, bacterial sinusitis, or asthma flare that may require in-person care.
Symptoms and Red Flags in Adult Seasonal Allergies
Most seasonal allergy symptoms are uncomfortable but not dangerous and can be managed through outpatient care, including telehealth. Certain patterns, however, suggest asthma, sinus infection, or another condition that may require in-person or urgent evaluation.
| Symptom or situation | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneezing, itchy nose, clear runny nose during pollen seasons | Typical seasonal allergic rhinitis | Yes, usually ideal for telehealth management | Not a red flag if breathing is comfortable and no fever |
| Itchy, watery, red eyes with nasal symptoms | Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis | Yes, appropriate for telehealth evaluation and treatment | Red flag if eye pain, vision changes, or purulent discharge |
| Thick yellow or green nasal discharge with facial pain and fever | Possible acute bacterial sinusitis rather than simple allergies | Telehealth can evaluate and manage many stable cases | Severe headache, high fever, swelling around eyes, or neurologic signs |
| Seasonal cough and wheeze that improves with inhaler | Possible allergy-triggered asthma or reactive airway disease | Telehealth may help with initial assessment and guidance | Marked shortness of breath, chest tightness, or speaking in short phrases |
| Sudden lip or tongue swelling, hives, or throat tightness | Possible anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction | No | Use epinephrine if available and call 911 immediately |
| Nasal congestion with high fever, body aches, and abrupt onset | Viral illness such as influenza or COVID-19 rather than pure allergies | Telehealth may be appropriate for triage and testing guidance | Red flag if breathing difficulty, chest pain, or confusion |
| Persistent one-sided nasal obstruction or recurrent nosebleeds | Possible structural or other non-allergic cause | Telehealth can identify concern and refer | Needs in-person ENT evaluation rather than telehealth alone |
| Severe sinus pain, swelling around eye, or double vision | Possible orbital or intracranial complication | No | Emergency or urgent in-person evaluation required |
| Unintentional weight loss, night sweats, or prolonged fever with “allergy” symptoms | Systemic illness rather than simple seasonal allergies | Telehealth may help triage | Needs prompt in-person workup and follow-up |
Differential Diagnosis: Seasonal Allergies vs Other Adult Conditions
During your TeleDirectMD visit, the MD will review the timing, duration, associated symptoms, and response to prior treatments to distinguish seasonal allergies from other common causes of nasal and respiratory symptoms.
Findings Consistent With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
- Recurrent symptoms in the same seasons each year
- Clear nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itch, and itchy, watery eyes
- Symptoms worsen outdoors or with open windows on high-pollen days
- Often responsive to antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroid sprays
Other Conditions Considered
- Viral upper respiratory infection: Sore throat, cough, low-grade fever, and body aches that resolve in about 7–10 days.
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: Persistent purulent discharge, facial pain or pressure, and possible fever after a viral illness.
- Nonallergic rhinitis: Nasal congestion and runny nose without itch, often triggered by irritants, temperature changes, or medications.
- Asthma or reactive airway disease: Wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath that may be allergy-triggered and needs separate assessment.
When symptoms are atypical, severe, or not responding to appropriate therapy, our MDs may recommend in-person primary care, allergy testing, or ENT evaluation and will explain why that step is important.
When Is a Video Visit Appropriate for Adult Seasonal Allergies?
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with recurrent seasonal sneezing, congestion, or itchy, watery eyes
- Stable symptoms without severe shortness of breath or chest pain
- Needs optimization of over-the-counter regimen or prescription add-ons
- Wants guidance on nasal sprays, eye drops, and non-sedating antihistamines
- No high fever, confusion, or signs of severe infection
- Open to trigger-reduction strategies such as pollen avoidance
- Willing to seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or feeling like you cannot get air
- New lip, tongue, or throat swelling or widespread hives
- High fever with severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, or vision changes
- Confusion, severe headache, or neck stiffness
- Asthma symptoms not improving with usual rescue inhaler
- Persistent one-sided nasal obstruction, recurrent nosebleeds, or visible mass
- Refusal of recommended in-person evaluation despite high-risk signs
If any red-flag symptoms are present, seek in-person or emergency care immediately. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service and is best used for stable adults needing evaluation and management of seasonal allergy symptoms.
Treatment Options for Adult Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergy treatment combines allergen reduction, scheduled preventive medications, and rescue options for breakthrough symptoms. Our MDs use guideline-based recommendations and tailor therapy to your symptom pattern, comorbidities, and preferences.
Allergen Avoidance and Environmental Strategies
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with clean filters during high-pollen seasons.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to reduce pollen on skin and hair.
- Avoid outdoor activities in early morning or on windy, high-pollen days when feasible.
- Use saline nasal rinses or sprays to help clear allergens from nasal passages.
- Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses and hats outdoors to limit pollen exposure to eyes and face.
Medication Options (When Appropriate)
- Once-daily intranasal corticosteroid sprays as first-line therapy for persistent nasal symptoms.
- Non-sedating oral antihistamines for sneezing and itching in adults without contraindications.
- Antihistamine eye drops for itchy, watery eyes when artificial tears are not enough.
- Short-term use of oral decongestants or combination products in carefully selected adults without cardiac risk factors.
- Referral for in-person allergy testing and consideration of allergen immunotherapy when symptoms are severe or refractory.
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances or chronic sedative medications for seasonal allergies. Certain decongestants and other agents may not be appropriate for adults with hypertension, heart disease, pregnancy, or specific medication interactions; your MD will review your history before recommending these options.
Common Medications Used for Adult Seasonal Allergies
The exact regimen is individualized based on symptom severity, patterns, and coexisting conditions such as asthma. The table below shows typical examples your MD may consider during a TeleDirectMD visit.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluticasone propionate nasal spray 50 mcg | 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, then 1 spray per nostril for maintenance as directed | Throughout allergy season with periodic reassessment | First-line controller for persistent nasal congestion and sneezing in adults |
| Cetirizine 10 mg tablet | 10 mg by mouth once daily | Daily during high-symptom periods | Non-sedating oral antihistamine option for sneezing and itch in adults without contraindications |
| Loratadine 10 mg tablet | 10 mg by mouth once daily | Daily during exposure season or as needed | Alternative non-sedating antihistamine for adults with mild to moderate symptoms |
| Ketotifen 0.025% ophthalmic solution | 1 drop in affected eye 2 times daily | As needed during allergy season | Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop for itchy, watery eyes in adults |
| Olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution | 1 drop in affected eye 2 times daily as directed | Short to intermediate term with reassessment | Prescription antihistamine eye drop for more persistent allergic conjunctivitis symptoms |
| Pseudoephedrine 60 mg tablet | 60 mg by mouth every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding label maximum | Short-term use only | Selected adults with significant nasal congestion and no cardiovascular contraindications |
These are example regimens only. Actual medications, strengths, and durations are determined by the MD after reviewing your history, allergy pattern, other diagnoses, and current medications. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances and uses decongestants cautiously, especially in adults with heart disease, hypertension, or pregnancy.
Home Care, Expectations, and Return to Work
Seasonal allergies are usually chronic and recurrent rather than curable. The goal is to control symptoms enough that you can work, sleep, and enjoy daily activities with minimal disruption during pollen seasons.
- Use prescribed nasal sprays, eye drops, and oral medications consistently as directed, not only on bad days.
- Combine medications with allergen-reduction strategies such as keeping windows closed and showering after outdoor time.
- Track which seasons, locations, and activities worsen your symptoms to inform future planning.
- Seek evaluation for asthma if you notice wheeze, nighttime cough, or shortness of breath with your allergies.
- Schedule follow-up if symptoms remain poorly controlled despite optimized therapy or if you are considering allergy testing or immunotherapy.
Most adults with seasonal allergies can safely attend work and usual activities. TeleDirectMD can typically provide documentation of evaluation and treatment rather than recommending time off, unless symptoms are severe enough to impair safety or job performance.
TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults using secure video visits to evaluate conditions such as seasonal allergies and related nasal and eye symptoms. Visits are $49 flat-fee with no insurance required and are available in 25+ states. Our physicians follow evidence-based guidelines, clarify what can be safely managed via telehealth, and explain when in-person primary care, allergy, ENT, or emergency evaluation is more appropriate. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service or a replacement for comprehensive in-person care.
Adult Seasonal Allergies Treatment FAQs
Seasonal allergies are immune reactions to airborne allergens like pollen that cause sneezing, clear runny nose, nasal itch, and itchy, watery eyes during certain times of the year. Colds are infections caused by viruses, often with sore throat, thicker nasal discharge, and body aches that usually resolve within about 7–10 days. Allergies tend to recur with the same seasons and are not contagious.
Yes. For adults 18+ with typical seasonal allergy symptoms and no red flags, our MDs can evaluate your history by video, review your current regimen, and recommend guideline-based medications such as nasal steroid sprays, non-sedating antihistamines, and allergy eye drops when appropriate. If your symptoms suggest infection, asthma, or another condition, we will explain whether in-person care is a better next step.
Not everyone with seasonal allergies needs formal testing. Many adults respond well to empiric treatment and simple pollen-reduction strategies. Allergy testing may be helpful if your symptoms are severe, year-round, poorly controlled despite optimized therapy, or if you are considering allergen immunotherapy. TeleDirectMD can help decide whether referral for in-person testing is appropriate in your case.
For most adults, intranasal corticosteroid sprays used at recommended doses are safe and very effective for long-term seasonal use. They act mainly in the nose with minimal systemic absorption. Common issues include mild nasal dryness or irritation, which can often be reduced with correct technique. Your MD will review proper use, duration, and when to check in about side effects or persistent symptoms.
Helpful steps include keeping windows closed and using air conditioning on high-pollen days, showering and changing clothes after being outdoors, using saline nasal rinses, and avoiding yard work or outdoor exercise during early morning or windy conditions when pollen counts are highest. Washing bedding regularly and using high-efficiency filters can also reduce indoor allergen levels over time.
Yes. In many adults, pollen and other allergens that cause nasal symptoms can also inflame the lower airways and worsen asthma, leading to cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath. If you notice these symptoms with your allergies, it is important to discuss possible asthma evaluation and controller medications. TeleDirectMD can help screen your symptoms and advise when in-person lung function testing is needed.
Some adults do well with non-sedating over-the-counter antihistamines alone, especially for mild symptoms. Others need the added benefit of intranasal steroid sprays, allergy eye drops, or combination therapy to control congestion and eye symptoms. During your visit we will review what you have tried, how well it worked, and whether adding or adjusting medications is likely to improve control without creating unnecessary side effects.
In-person specialty care is recommended if you have severe or year-round symptoms despite optimized medications, frequent sinus infections, suspected structural nasal issues, or if you are considering allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy. TeleDirectMD can help optimize your current regimen and then provide guidance or a summary you can share with an allergist or ENT if further evaluation is needed.
Seasonal allergies are not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person. They reflect a tendency of your immune system to overreact to otherwise harmless substances such as pollen, not a weak immune system. Many adults with allergies are otherwise healthy; the main issue is controlling symptoms and preventing complications like sinus infections or asthma flares.
Seek emergency care if you develop severe trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden wheeze that does not improve with usual inhaler, swelling of lips or tongue, throat tightness, high fever with facial swelling or vision changes, or new confusion or severe headache. These symptoms can signal asthma exacerbation, anaphylaxis, severe sinus infection, or other emergencies that require immediate in-person evaluation, not telehealth alone.
TeleDirectMD offers MD-only, guideline-based seasonal allergy care through secure video visits with a simple $49 flat-fee model and no insurance required in 25+ states. We emphasize practical pollen-reduction strategies, safe use of nasal and eye medications, and explicit instructions on when asthma or sinus complications should be evaluated in person by primary care, allergy, ENT, or emergency services.