April 24, 2026

Dr. Claire’s Tips for Seasonal Allergies

Dr. Claire’s Tips for Seasonal Allergies

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Allergy season comes every year and while we are not quite there yet, it is time to start thinking about how to avoid or reduce your signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies. It is a lot to cover so let us get into it, shall we?

Let us start at the beginning, how can you tell if it’s a cold or allergy? One way to tell the difference between a cold and allergies is how often they occur. Since colds are caused by a virus there tends to be no rhyme or reason to when they occur. Seasonal allergies as the name suggests tending to occur yearly during certain seasons of the year. This is because they are triggered by allergens such as pollen and this pollen occurs at specific times of the year. Another difference between a cold and seasonal allergies is how long the symptoms typically last. For example, a cold typically will last 3-10 days (although the cough may linger). In contrast the symptoms of seasonal allergies can last for several weeks. Seasonal allergies are also impacted by factors such as pollen count. On days with a high pollen count those with allergies will notice that their symptoms are typically worse. This is not true for those who have a cold. I would like to mention that if you have a cold and seasonal allergies high pollen count can make you feel worse because it triggers the allergies and many symptoms of a cold and seasonal allergies are very similar.

While some symptoms can be similar between a cold and seasonal allergies, others can be quite different. For example, both seasonal allergies and a cold can both present with a runny or stuffy nose. Very often there is sneezing with both a cold and seasonal allergies. However, there are some symptoms that can help differentiate between a cold and seasonal allergies. For example, with a cold you often have a sore throat or cough whereas with seasonal allergies you usually do not have any cough. Another difference is that with seasonal allergies you often experience puffy eyelids and with a cold you do not. Please see the following chart for a check list of symptoms that can help you differentiate between the 2. (1)

Symptom check: Is it a cold or allergy?
Symptom	Cold	Allergy
Fever	Sometimes	Never
Itchy eyes	Rarely	Usually
Sore throat	Usually	Rarely
Sneezing	Usually	Usually
Tiredness	Sometimes	Sometimes
Runny nose	Usually	Usually
Stuffy nose	Usually	Usually
Cough	Usually	Sometimes

In my clinical experience it is best to start allergy support before you experience symptoms. As I always say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!

All that being said just what can you do to help reduce the signs of seasonal allergies?

Quercetin: Studies have found that it is a powerful natural antihistamine and this is why it is one of my favorite things to recommend it for allergies. Please see Invite’s Quercetin with Vitamin C formula.
Vitamin C is another great nutrient for allergies. In fact, in a recent study it was found to cut allergy symptoms in half! Studies have also found that it can reduce the level of histamine in your blood! (3) Please see Invite’s Vitality Plus in both capsule and gummy form. There is also vitamin C in our Immunity Hx!
Bromelain is an interesting nutrient! You will find it in both our digestive health section and our immunity section! That is because if you take it away from food or with food you will find it can have different benefits. Studies have found it can be helpful for allergies. In my clinical experience in using, it helps allergies, I find that it works best away from food. (4) Please see Invite’s Bromelain formula and feel free to check out my blog on this amazing nutrient!
Stinging Nettle leaf has been found to help reduce signs of seasonal allergies such as a runny nose! It can even help reduce certain blood test markers that are associated with allergies. (5) Please see Invite’s Respiratory Hx!
Black Seed is a nutrient that you may recall from my blogs on colds and other upper respiratory infections. In fact, studies have found that it can reduce symptoms associated with allergies! (6) Please see Invite’s Black Seed with Rosemary.
NAC is a must have for seasonal allergies since it is so good at getting rid of mucus! (7) Please see Invite’s NAC.
Probiotics are for more than just our digestive health. In fact, studies have found it can help with signs of allergies such as allergic rhinitis! (8) Please see Invite’s extensive line of Probiotic products.