A physician is likely to conduct a physical examination and take a complete medical history in trying to diagnose seasonal allergies. Other allergies, asthma and eczema are all conditions that raise the likelihood of a person having seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies usually can be diagnosed through allergy skin tests. During this test, trace amounts of a variety of different allergens are introduced to the patient’s skin. For each specific allergen, a different area of skin is used. When an area of skin reacts with a wheal or a raised red bump (skin rashes), the patient is likely allergic to that specific allergen.

Some types of seasonal allergies require specific tests. For example, scrapings of the conjunctiva (the tissue lining the inside of the eyelid) may be performed when diagnosing vernal conjunctivitis. This usually will reveal elevated levels of activated T cells (a white blood cell involved in many immune system functions), eosinophils (a white blood cell involved in allergic reactions) and mast cells. Meanwhile, a physician may look for tenderness over the sinus cavities when trying to diagnose allergic rhinosinusitis.

Several types of medication can address symptoms triggered by seasonal allergies (e.g., antihistamines, corticosteroids).  Some medications are taken after the allergic reaction has occurred, to relieve symptoms. Others can help prevent the onset of symptoms before they occur. Depending on the patient’s specific symptoms and the severity of the condition, medications may be given orally or in the form of eye drops, nasal sprays or injection.

Allergy shots are one form of treatment that can prevent allergy symptoms from occurring for long periods of time. When using this type of immunotherapy, a person is gradually exposed to increasing amounts of a diluted allergen, administered through regular injections over a period of years. Eventually, a person builds up enough of an immunity to the allergen that symptoms are no longer a problem (when encountering that particular allergen).