Posted in Blog on March 30, 2026
What Causes Spring Allergies? (And How to Find Relief)
Reviewed by Michael C. Hollie, MD
Many people look forward to spring, where warmer and longer days mean spending more time outside. But for others, the change in season also brings sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and other frustrating allergy symptoms. Spring allergies can feel relentless, but understanding why symptoms are worse in the spring and learning how to manage them are the first steps toward finding lasting relief.
Why Spring Allergies May Feel Worse Than in Other Seasons
People with year-round allergies often find that their symptoms get worse in the spring, while others who don’t usually struggle with allergies may only notice allergy symptoms during this season. This is mainly due to seasonal environmental changes that increase pollen levels and overall exposure to allergens.
As temperatures rise, trees and grasses naturally release more pollen into the air. Additionally, spring weather patterns can also make symptoms worse. The windy days typical of spring can spread pollen more easily and circulate it more widely. While rain and common “spring showers” wash pollen out of the air, they also encourage tree and plant growth that results in even higher pollen levels afterward.
Together, these factors create a cycle of rising pollen counts and greater allergen exposure that makes spring allergy symptoms feel more persistent and severe than during other times of the year.
Common Causes of Spring Allergies
The biggest culprit of spring allergies is tree pollen, which spreads as trees bloom. Grasses and weeds also contribute to pollen allergy symptoms.
Indoor triggers like dust mites and mold can also worsen in the spring. They thrive in the warm, humid and damp conditions that are typical this time of year. Pets shedding their winter coats can increase the amount of animal dander in your home, which can cause allergic reactions.
Insects also become more active as the weather warms up, making insect bites and stings more common.
Common Spring Allergy Symptoms
Spring seasonal allergies often cause the same symptoms as year-round allergies but with more severity, sometimes resulting in hay fever. Common spring allergy symptoms include:
• Sneezing
• Postnasal drip
• Congestion
• Itchy, watery and/or swollen eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Coughing
If you suffer from asthma, you may also notice more respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness of the chest.
Insect stings are more frequent in the spring, so it’s crucial to be aware of the risk of anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
How Do You Know If It’s Allergies or a Sinus Infection?
It can be tricky to tell the difference between spring allergies and a sinus infection. Allergies typically cause the symptoms listed above, while sinus infections cause additional symptoms like yellow or green mucus, facial pressure, fever and a reduced sense of smell. Viral sinus infections often clear up on their own, while untreated bacterial sinus infections may gradually get worse. Allergy symptoms, however, are more consistent and related to exposure.
How to Manage Spring Allergies
While spring allergy symptoms can feel debilitating, there are ways to help find lasting relief!
Step 1: Identify Spring Allergy Triggers
Our board-certified allergy specialists can help identify what may be causing your allergy symptoms through environmental allergy testing. The results found through skin pricks are interpreted after a few minutes to help identify your allergen.
Step 2: Find Relief With Effective Spring Allergy Treatment
After identifying what’s causing your allergies, your doctor will create a personalized allergy treatment plan specific to your needs and the type of allergy. This may include allergy shots, auto-injectable epinephrines (Epi-Pen, AuviQ), allergen avoidance, medications and patient education.
Step 3: Support Spring Allergy Treatment With Lifestyle Tips
Part of the patient education is sharing tips for managing spring allergies that apply to anyone who deals with them, such as:
• Be Weather Aware: Check daily pollen count reports and try to stay indoors during midday and afternoons (when pollen is typically highest) or during windy days. The best time to go outside is right after a rain shower.
• Keep Indoor Air Clean: Dust and vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter, wash bedding frequently in hot water and use allergy-friendly mattress and pillow covers.
• Control Home Exposure: Keep windows closed and skip hanging laundry outside.
• Protect Yourself Outside: Limit yard work like mowing, raking or gardening. If you do yard work, wear a mask, long sleeves, pants and gloves. Sunglasses can also reduce pollen irritation.
• Rinse Off After Being Outside: Shower, wash hair and change clothes to remove pollen. Wipe down pets if they’ve been outdoors.
Breathe Easier This Spring With Lasting Allergy Relief
We want you to experience everything that spring in the Greater Chattanooga area has to offer, without allergies limiting your time outdoors. If you or a loved one is dealing with spring allergy symptoms, our board-certified allergy specialists are here to help. We will create a personalized treatment plan designed to improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations across Tennessee and Georgia!
See An Allergy Specialist Near You