What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, happens when your nose and/or eyes come into contact with allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander. Your immune system mistakenly treats these harmless particles as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, many people notice hay fever symptoms in the spring and early summer when tree and grass pollens are high, but symptoms can occur in all four seasons.

Seasonal vs. Year-Round Hay Fever in Grand Rapids

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Spring and Summer “Hay Fever”)

Seasonal hay fever in Grand Rapids is most common:

  • Early spring: tree pollens (maple, oak, birch)
  • Late spring–summer: grass pollens
  • Late summer–fall: weed pollens (ragweed is common across Michigan)

Cold, wet springs and warm, windy days in West Michigan can increase pollen counts, especially around wooded areas, parks, and along the Grand River.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (Year-Round Symptoms)

When symptoms occur all year, it is called perennial allergic rhinitis. This is usually triggered by indoor allergens such as:

  • House dust mites
  • Indoor molds (common in damp basements and older homes in Grand Rapids)
  • Animal dander (cats, dogs, small mammals)
  • Occupational allergens (chemicals, wood dust, flour, etc.)

Perennial symptoms are often worse in winter in Michigan, when homes are closed up and heating systems circulate indoor allergens.

Common Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:

  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion (“stuffy nose”)
  • Sneezing, often in bursts
  • Itchy nose, throat, or ears
  • Postnasal drip and cough
  • Feeling tired, “foggy,” or unwell
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating because of symptoms

In Grand Rapids, many patients notice their asthma or breathing symptoms worsen when their hay fever is poorly controlled, especially during high-pollen days.

How Your Nose Acts as a Filter

The inside of your nose is lined with tiny hairs and mucus that act like a filter, trapping:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Mold spores
  • Other microscopic particles

If you have hay fever, your immune system is sensitized to one or more of these particles (allergens). When you breathe them in:

  1. Your immune system misidentifies them as dangerous.
  2. It releases chemicals (like histamine).
  3. Your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen.
  4. Extra mucus is produced, leading to a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and itching.

Diagnosing Hay Fever in Grand Rapids

Identifying the specific allergen(s) causing your symptoms is an important step in managing hay fever.

A Grand Rapids healthcare provider (such as your primary care doctor or an allergist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) may:

  • Review your medical history and symptom patterns
  • Ask about seasonal changes and home/work environment
  • Recommend allergy testing, such as:
    • Skin prick tests
    • Allergen-specific IgE blood tests

You may be referred to an allergy or immunology specialist for more detailed evaluation.

Evidence-Based Treatments for Hay Fever

Effective treatment usually combines medication with allergen avoidance. Always discuss options with your Grand Rapids doctor or pharmacist to choose the safest and most effective plan for you.

1. Antihistamines

Forms:

  • Tablets or capsules
  • Syrups (for children)
  • Intranasal sprays
  • Eye drops

Benefits:

  • Reduce sneezing
  • Decrease itchy, watery eyes
  • Help with runny nose and itching

Notes:

  • Modern, non-sedating antihistamines are preferred because they cause less drowsiness.
  • They are flexible: you can take them on days when symptoms are worse (for example, on high-pollen days in spring in Grand Rapids).
  • Antihistamine eye drops are useful if eye symptoms are your main problem.

Antihistamines are less effective for severe nasal blockage and heavy nasal discharge.

2. Intranasal Corticosteroid Sprays (INCS)

These are among the most effective treatments for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.

Key points:

  • Reduce inflammation in the nose
  • Help relieve congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching
  • Must be used regularly as directed, not just when symptoms appear
  • Different brands vary in strength and dosing—read labels carefully and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor

These are often prescribed by primary care providers and specialists in Grand Rapids, especially during peak pollen seasons.

3. Combination Intranasal Corticosteroid + Antihistamine Sprays

These sprays combine the benefits of both medications in one product and are helpful for people with moderate to severe symptoms.

Your doctor may recommend these if single-therapy sprays or tablets are not providing enough relief.

4. Decongestant Nasal Sprays

Decongestant sprays can provide quick, short-term relief of a blocked nose.

Important cautions:

  • Do not use for more than a few days in a row (usually no more than 3–5 days).
  • Long-term use can damage the nasal lining and cause “rebound” congestion.
  • People with certain conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or some thyroid problems) should avoid or use them only under medical advice.

Always discuss with your Grand Rapids GP or pharmacist before using decongestant sprays, especially if you are pregnant, have chronic health conditions, or take other medications.

5. Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT / Desensitization)

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) exposes you to gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to build tolerance and reduce symptoms over time.

It can be given as:

  • Regular injections under the skin
  • Certain prescription tablets or drops under the tongue (for specific allergens)

Benefits:

  • May reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms
  • May decrease your need for long-term medications
  • Can be helpful for people with both hay fever and allergic asthma

Important:

  • AIT should only be done under the supervision of a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.
  • In Grand Rapids, ask your primary care provider for a referral to an allergist within major systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Reducing Allergen Exposure at Home

Limiting your exposure to known allergens can significantly reduce symptoms, especially in Michigan’s long indoor seasons.

House Dust Mite Minimization

Dust mites thrive in bedding and soft furnishings.

  • Wash sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F / 54°C).
  • Use dust mite–resistant covers on your mattress, pillows, and comforters.
  • Remove sheepskin or wool underlays from the bed and bedroom.
  • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Consider hard flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpet, especially in bedrooms.

Pet Dander Minimization

Pet allergies are common in West Michigan households.

  • Keep pets out of the bedroom and off the bed.
  • If possible, keep pets mostly outdoors or out of main living areas.
  • Bathe and groom pets regularly (ideally by a non-allergic household member).
  • Use HEPA air purifiers in main living spaces and bedrooms.

Mold Minimization

Michigan’s humid summers and damp basements can increase indoor mold.

  • Remove visible mold using appropriate cleaners (such as diluted bleach or commercial mold removers).
  • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Ensure good ventilation in basements and crawl spaces.
  • Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity around 40–50%.
  • Fix leaks promptly and avoid letting water stand in sinks, tubs, or around windows.
  • Avoid working with garden compost, mulch, or mowing lawns if mold and outdoor spores trigger your symptoms.

Pollen Minimization in Grand Rapids

Pollen levels in Grand Rapids can be high from early spring through late fall, especially on warm, dry, and windy days.

To reduce pollen exposure:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible on high-pollen days, especially:
    • Windy days
    • After thunderstorms
  • Avoid or limit:
    • Mowing the lawn
    • Raking leaves
    • Gardening during peak pollen times (usually early morning)
  • Shower and wash your hair after outdoor activities to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
  • Change clothes when you come inside and avoid drying clothes and bedding outdoors during pollen season.
  • Use recirculated air in your car instead of bringing outside air in.
  • Keep windows closed at home and in the car during high-pollen periods; use air conditioning with clean filters.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes.

Staying Informed About Pollen Counts in Grand Rapids

Monitoring pollen levels can help you plan your activities and adjust medications.

You can:

  • Check the Grand Rapids pollen count and forecast through local weather websites, TV stations, or national allergy forecast services.
  • Use weather and allergy apps that include Michigan-specific pollen data.
  • Follow updates from local health resources such as:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Grand Rapids Public Health
    • Major health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)

On days with very high pollen counts, consider limiting outdoor time and using preventive medications as advised by your doctor.

Hay Fever and Thunderstorm Asthma

During certain spring and summer thunderstorms, especially when grass pollen is high, some people can experience thunderstorm asthma—a sudden and severe asthma attack triggered by storm conditions breaking pollen into tiny, inhalable particles.

People at higher risk include:

  • Those with hay fever who also:
    • Wheeze
    • Cough
    • Have tightness in the chest
  • People with current or past asthma
  • People with undiagnosed breathing problems

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, thunderstorm asthma is uncommon but can be serious and life-threatening when it occurs.

To reduce your risk:

  • Keep your hay fever well controlled with regular medications during pollen season.
  • If you have asthma, use your preventer inhaler as prescribed and carry your reliever inhaler at all times.
  • Stay indoors with windows closed during thunderstorms in high-pollen periods.
  • Seek urgent medical care if you have trouble breathing, chest tightness, or persistent wheezing.

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • Your symptoms are frequent or severe
  • Over-the-counter medicines are not helping
  • You have symptoms of asthma (wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath)
  • Your sleep, school, work, or daily activities are affected

Local Resources

  • In an emergency, always call 911.
  • Your GP / primary care doctor (through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or independent clinics)
  • Your local pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter treatments
  • Nurse advice lines offered by local health systems (check your insurance card or health system website)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for community health resources and education
  • National organizations:
    • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
    • American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)
    • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

Key Points

  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
  • When symptoms occur all year, it is called perennial allergic rhinitis.
  • Common symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and fatigue.
  • Identifying your specific triggers through allergy testing can greatly improve management.
  • Antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and combination sprays are evidence-based treatments that can relieve symptoms.
  • Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) may reduce the severity of hay fever and should be supervised by an allergy specialist.
  • Reducing exposure to dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen is an important part of treatment, especially in Michigan’s variable climate.
  • If symptoms are severe, affect your breathing, or do not improve with treatment, seek medical care from a Grand Rapids healthcare provider or call 911 in an emergency.