Environmental allergies

Request an online visit for Environmental allergies. A licensed provider reviews your case and prescribes treatment when appropriate.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About Environmental allergies

Environmental allergies are IgE-mediated reactions to airborne triggers — tree, grass, and weed pollens, dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, and cockroach proteins. They cause sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, post-nasal drip, and worsen asthma. Symptoms often follow seasonal patterns or specific exposures. Management starts with allergen identification and avoidance, intranasal steroids, second-generation oral antihistamines, and saline rinses. Allergen immunotherapy — subcutaneous shots or sublingual tablets for selected allergens — is the only treatment that modifies the underlying disease.

Common questions

Reference only. Not a substitute for medical advice. Not appropriate for emergencies or controlled substances.