Allergy Season & You: How to Stay Comfortable with Chronic Conditions

By Lauren Monteverde May 22, 2025

Spring brings sunshine and blooms, but for 25% of American adults suffering from seasonal allergies, especially those with chronic health issues, it can also bring added difficulties. Climate change is intensifying pollen seasons, and for those with asthma, COPD, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions, the impact can bring added discomfort and challenges. Fortunately, with a proactive plan, you can manage symptoms and protect your health.

Allergy Basics & Common Triggers

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when your immune system treats substances like pollen or mold as threats, even though they’re generally harmless to most people. The resulting symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes) can overlap with colds or flu, but allergies typically last longer and don’t include a fever.

Top Seasonal Triggers:

Spring: Tree pollen (oak, birch, cedar)
Summer: Grass pollen (timothy, Kentucky bluegrass)
Fall: Weed pollen (ragweed, sagebrush)
Year-round: Mold and dust mites, especially in damp areas

Regional Allergen Hotspots:

Northeast: High tree pollen in spring and ragweed in late summer/fall
Midwest: Grass and weed pollen dominate late spring through fall
South: Long allergy seasons due to mild winters—trees, grasses, and molds persist almost year-round
West Coast: Seasonal variability; pollen from olive trees, cypress, and grasses, with higher mold issues in wetter years
Mountain West: Dry air limits mold, but grass and weed pollen are still problematic in late spring/summer

Impact on Chronic Conditions

Asthma & COPD: Allergens inflame airways, making breathing more difficult. Start controller meds early, use a peak flow meter, and keep rescue inhalers handy. Monitor air quality (AQI >100 can worsen symptoms).

Diabetes & Heart Conditions: Allergies increase inflammation and stress, which can spike blood sugar and strain your heart. Stay hydrated, check blood sugar frequently, and avoid decongestants that raise blood pressure.

Autoimmune Disorders & Chronic Pain: Allergies can intensify symptoms like joint pain and fatigue. Coordinate meds, prioritize sleep, and consider nasal sprays or masks to reduce exposure.

Reduce Exposure: Home & Lifestyle Strategies

Outdoor Tips:

Limit outdoor activities early morning (5–10 AM) when pollen is highest.
Wear sunglasses and pollen masks.
Change clothes and shower after being outside.

Indoor Air Quality:

Keep windows closed and use AC with HEPA filters.
Use air purifiers, especially in bedrooms.
Control humidity (30–45%) to prevent mold and dust mites.
Vacuum with HEPA filters and wash bedding weekly.
Bathe pets regularly and keep them out of bedrooms.

Nutrition & Hydration:

Stay hydrated to thin mucus.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods (salmon, berries, flaxseed).
Limit dairy, processed foods, and alcohol if they worsen symptoms.
Some try local honey, though evidence is limited.

Relief Options: Medications & Natural Remedies

Medications:

Antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec): Start 2 weeks before allergy season.
Nasal sprays: Most effective for nasal symptoms.
Decongestants: Use with caution if you have heart issues or hypertension.
Eye drops: Help relieve itchy, watery eyes.

Natural Options:

Saline rinses: Use neti pots with distilled water.
Butterbur (PA-free) and acupuncture may help some.
Steam inhalation provides temporary comfort.

Safety Note: Always consult your doctor before starting new medications, especially with chronic conditions, to avoid drug interactions or side effects.

Support Your Respiratory Health Naturally

In addition to lifestyle strategies and medical treatments, certain supplements can provide extra support during allergy season. One option is Aller Calm, a proprietary blend of seven standardized herbal extracts.

Clinically formulated and tested, Aller Calm promotes overall health, supports normal breathing, and helps maintain clear airway passages, seasonally and all year round. Its natural ingredients can complement your allergy management routine, especially if you're balancing chronic conditions.

Explore more or purchase here.

Monitoring Health & When to Seek Help

Allergy season may require adjusting your chronic condition management plan:

Asthma/COPD: Use your peak flow meter daily.
Diabetes: Monitor blood sugar more frequently.
Cardiovascular Disease: Watch blood pressure with decongestants.
Autoimmune Conditions: Track flares and inflammation.

Call your doctor if you experience:

Difficulty breathing or wheezing unrelieved by medication
Fever >101.5°F
Severe headache or facial pain
Blood sugar spikes or blood pressure changes
Signs of anaphylaxis (swelling, hives, rapid heartbeat)

Plan Ahead with Tools & Support

Tech tools like pollen-tracking apps and air quality alerts help you plan your day wisely. Keep medications stocked and develop an action plan with your healthcare team for when symptoms escalate.

At Complete Care Medical, we’re here to help you manage both seasonal allergies and chronic conditions. From air purifiers to medication organizers, our team offers personalized solutions, product samples, and insurance support so you can breathe easier all year long.

Don't let allergies derail your health. Contact us today for tailored support and supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How early should I start allergy meds?
Start 2–4 weeks before symptoms usually appear. Many people use Valentine's Day as a reminder to start spring medications. Consider tracking your symptoms each year to find your best start date.

Q: Can allergy shots help if I have chronic conditions?
Yes, especially if you have well-controlled asthma or severe allergies. But if you have autoimmune diseases or heart problems, consult both your allergist and specialist before starting immunotherapy.

Q: What allergy symptoms require immediate care?