Seasonal Allergy and Allergic Rhinitis Care for Adults

Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happen when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens like pollen as if they were harmful. Each spring, summer, and fall, trees, weeds, and grasses release tiny pollen grains into the air, and breathing them in can trigger sneezing, a runny or congested nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Avita MD primary care providers diagnose and treat seasonal allergies for adults in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos, helping you control symptoms so they do not disrupt your days.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Allergic rhinitis symptoms tend to appear soon after exposure to a trigger and often follow a predictable seasonal pattern. Common signs include:

• Sneezing with a runny or congested nose
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Red and watery eyes
• Postnasal drip and cough
• Dark circles under the eyes

Unlike a cold, seasonal allergies do not cause a fever and can last for weeks as long as the trigger is in the air.

How does Avita MD diagnose and treat seasonal allergies?

At Avita MD, diagnosis begins with your symptom pattern, history, and a physical exam, which is often enough to identify allergic rhinitis and distinguish it from an infection. Same-day and next-day appointments mean you can be seen when symptoms are at their worst. We help you connect symptoms to specific seasons and triggers so you can plan ahead.

Knowing what tends to be in the air by season helps you prepare:

Season	Common pollen triggers
Spring	Tree pollen
Summer	Grass pollen
Late summer and fall	Weed pollen, including ragweed
Year-round and damp seasons	Mold spores

Treatment combines reducing exposure with medication. Practical steps include staying indoors on high-pollen days, keeping windows closed, and showering after time outdoors. Your provider may recommend antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or other medicines and will tailor the plan to your symptoms. We track what works for you over time through longitudinal records and adjust as needed. When allergies are severe, persistent, or tied to asthma, Avita MD coordinates referral to an allergist for testing or immunotherapy and manages the follow-up.

When should you see a doctor about seasonal allergies?

Make an appointment if over-the-counter medicines are not controlling your symptoms, if symptoms last for weeks or disrupt your sleep, work, or daily life, or if you have allergies every year and want a steady plan. You should also be seen if allergy symptoms come with wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, which can signal allergy-related asthma that needs its own treatment. Steady allergy care helps you stay comfortable and active through every pollen season.