Outdoor Allergy Symptoms, Triggers and Tips

Outdoor allergies have a specific set of triggers that exist primarily in the outdoor environment. Grass, tree and ragweed pollen as well as mold can often set off an allergy response when you spend time outdoors.

Here are some of the key signs you may have outdoor allergies.

People enjoying a barbecue together outside

Outdoor Allergy Symptoms

While outdoor allergies have a different set of allergens and triggers to indoor allergies, their symptoms are often similar. Some of the most common outdoor allergy symptoms include:

Runny nose¹
Nasal congestion²
Itchy eyes¹
Sneezing¹
Stuffy nose¹
Scratchy throat¹
Coughing²
Postnasal drip²

If you start to notice any of these symptoms after spending long periods of time outside, such as a long walk or a picnic in the park, they could be signs of an outdoor allergy.

What Are Common Causes Of Outdoor Allergies?

There are several causes of outdoor allergies, most of which can be linked to seasonal allergens and triggers. Typically, the most common outdoor allergies are caused by pollen and mold. Here we take a look at the top allergens that could be behind your symptoms.

Tree pollen

Trees, like other plants, produce pollen, which some people may be allergic to³. Tree pollen is typically at its highest during the spring months, but in southern states, trees can start to release pollen into the air as early as January³. Because tree pollen is extremely fine, it is more likely to be blown about in the wind and find its way into the nose and eyes³.

Grass Pollen

Grass pollen is the most common allergy responsible for hay fever⁴. The grass pollen season hits its peak during late spring. So, if you notice your outdoor allergies getting worse between April and June, it could be that you have a grass allergy⁵.

Ragweed Pollen

Ragweed is another major cause of seasonal allergies, reaching its highest point in mid-September, although the pollen levels in some states starts to rise as early as June⁶. There are 17 different types of ragweed in 49 states across the US, any one of which could be behind your symptoms⁶.

Mold

Mold commonly grows on rotting logs, fallen leaves, grains and in compost piles⁷. When these areas are disturbed, mold spores are released into the air and can be breathed in by people in the area⁷. While most molds are not killed with the first frost of the year, they can become inactive during cooler months. However, some people still find their allergies are triggered all year round⁷.

How To Avoid And Reduce Outdoor Allergy Symptoms

While outdoor allergy symptoms can be frustrating, there are plenty of ways you can manage them. We’ve put together our top allergy tips and tricks to help you get a handle on your outdoor allergies.

Plan your outdoor activities around pollen levels
Checking daily pollen counts and forecasts, and staying indoors when pollen levels are highest (generally between 10am and 5pm) can help you manage outdoor allergy symptoms. While pollen counts can vary depending upon the time of year, the weather, and other environmental factors, try to spend your time outdoors in the early morning when the pollen is usually at its lowest.
Get to know your triggers
You could try using an app such as Zyrtec® AllergyCast®* to keep track of your activities and daily symptoms – including the time of day when symptoms occur and what helps lessen them. This could help your doctor identify your triggers and help you better manage your symptoms.
Keep your home clean to help keep allergens out
Using an air filter can help maintain indoor air quality. Keeping your windows closed during the day can also help prevent outdoor allergens from coming inside.
If pollen does get into your home, you can keep on top of your allergies by cleaning regularly. Vacuum, dust and wash your soft furnishings – including curtains.
Change your clothes, shower and wash your hair
Once you’re done with your outdoor fun, put your clothes in the laundry basket, take a shower and wash your hair. This helps reduce the allergens you bring into your home by cleansing them from your body. It’s also a good practice to shower before bed, keeping allergens out of your bedding.
Keep your furry friends groomed too
Pets, including cats and dogs, can carry pollen and mold on their coats, so bathing and grooming our furry friends can help keep allergen levels down. If your pet enjoys time outdoors, keeping them off your bed or out of your bedroom will help minimize both outdoor and pet allergens.
Use antihistamines
Antihistamines are designed to help reduce the effects of your allergy response to your triggers – whether that’s pollen or mold. Our antihistamine products get to work quickly and provide long-lasting relief from your outdoor allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat.