Hayfever and Antihistamines: Managing Hayfever the Smart Way

Summer can be great—unless seasonal allergies leave you dealing with sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as pollen. Antihistamines are often one of the first options people consider. They can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose, although they may be less effective for nasal congestion. But if you're taking them daily through peak pollen season, it's worth understanding how they work, what the side effects are, and whether there's anything else you can do alongside them.

What Are Antihistamines and How Do They Work?

Histamine contributes to allergy symptoms by acting on receptors in tissues throughout the body, leading to effects such as itching, swelling, sneezing, and increased mucus production.

Antihistamines block these effects at the receptors and can begin relieving some symptoms relatively quickly, although timing varies by medication and person. Follow the product label or instructions from a healthcare professional.

Types of Antihistamines: Older vs. Newer Options

• First-generation antihistamines include diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl. These medications can cause significant drowsiness and may affect concentration, driving, and the use of machinery.
• Second-generation antihistamines include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. They are generally less sedating than older antihistamines, although drowsiness can still occur with some products and in some people.

Read the Drug Facts label carefully, do not take more than directed, and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you take other medications or have a health condition.

Can nutrition help with hay fever symptoms?

A balanced diet supports overall health and normal immune function, but individual foods have not been shown to reliably prevent or treat seasonal allergies. Some foods contain nutrients or plant compounds that researchers have studied for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or immune-related properties. That makes them interesting from a nutritional perspective, but any potential effect on hay fever symptoms remains uncertain.

The foods below can be included as part of a balanced diet, but they should be viewed as supplemental rather than as alternatives to established allergy treatments.

Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. These fats are involved in the production of compounds that help regulate inflammatory processes in the body. Although this offers a possible reason for studying omega-3s in allergic conditions, eating more fatty fish has not been established as a treatment for seasonal allergies.

Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruit, and lemons provide vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds. Vitamin C plays several roles in normal immune function, and researchers have explored its relationship with histamine and allergic responses. However, there is not enough evidence to conclude that eating citrus fruit lowers histamine levels or meaningfully relieves hay fever symptoms.

Garlic and onions: Garlic and onions contain a variety of plant compounds, including quercetin. Laboratory research has explored whether quercetin may influence histamine release and inflammatory pathways, but evidence from human studies remains limited. These foods can add flavor and plant variety to meals, but they should not be relied on to prevent or treat seasonal allergies.

Local honey: Local honey is sometimes promoted as a way to gradually expose the body to pollen. However, the pollen found in honey is not necessarily the same windborne pollen that commonly triggers seasonal allergies, and there is no convincing evidence that local honey provides meaningful symptom relief. Honey should never be given to children younger than 1 year.

Probiotic-rich and fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso can contribute beneficial microorganisms or fermented-food variety to the diet. Researchers have studied whether probiotics may influence immune responses and seasonal allergy symptoms. Some studies have reported potential benefits, but the overall evidence is inconsistent, and results appear to depend on the specific probiotic strain or formulation.

These foods can contribute valuable nutrients and variety to a balanced diet. Any possible role in seasonal-allergy management is still being studied, so they are best considered an optional complement to—not a replacement for—medications, pollen-reduction measures, or advice from a healthcare professional.

Read more here.

What else can help?

Medication is only one part of managing seasonal allergies. Limiting pollen exposure may help, particularly on high-pollen days. Depending on your symptoms, a healthcare professional may also recommend a saline nasal rinse, an antihistamine nasal spray, or a corticosteroid nasal spray. If over-the-counter treatments are not controlling your symptoms, an allergist can help identify your triggers and discuss other options.

Always follow the device instructions and use distilled, sterile, or appropriately boiled and cooled water.

Key takeaways

• Antihistamines are commonly used during hay fever season.
• Newer antihistamines are generally less likely to cause drowsiness than older options, but side effects vary, so always check the label.
• Reducing pollen exposure, using medications correctly, and discussing persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional are evidence-based approaches.
• A balanced diet supports overall health, but individual foods should be viewed as an optional complement to, not a replacement for, evidence-based allergy management.
• Hay fever affects people differently, so finding an effective approach may involve a combination of strategies and professional guidance when needed.