Allergy Season in Columbia: What ENT Specialists Want You to Know

Imagine waking up with persistent and frustrating allergy symptoms such as frequent and uncontrollable sneezing, nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, itchy and watery eyes, and postnasal drip. More than just frustrations, these symptoms can impact daily life, productivity, sleep quality, and comfort.

South Carolina is known for its beautiful landscapes, warm weather, and diverse plant life. While enjoyable and beautiful for the most part, the state capital, Columbia, SC, is ranked 27th in the 2026 Allergy Capitals® list from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

This guide from Columbia Breathe Free can help patients in Lexington and the rest of the state capital, Columbia, understand what might be triggering their symptoms and what they can do to manage their symptoms.

Seasonal Allergies in Columbia, SC: Causes and Symptoms

Seasonal allergies, also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are triggered by plant, tree, grass, and weed pollen.

Because plants release pollen at varying times, seasonal allergies, as the name suggests, occur during certain times or seasons of the year. Depending on what potentially triggers your allergies, you may experience symptoms at different times of the year, only during certain seasons, or throughout the rest of the year.

What are the common symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Symptoms of seasonal allergies vary per individual, depending on their allergy triggers, the severity of their allergic reactions, and the manner in which they were exposed to their triggers. Common symptoms may include:

• Nasal congestion causing breathing difficulties
• Frequent and uncontrollable sneezing
• Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Runny nose with thin, clear, and watery nasal discharge
• Itchy, watery, and red eyes
• Itchy nose, throat, or roof of the mouth
• Coughing
• Poor quality of sleep or lack of sleep, potentially causing daytime fatigue

When Is Allergy Season in Columbia and Lexington, SC?

Lexington, Columbia, and the rest of South Carolina have a relatively mild climate and a rich and diverse plant life, which makes for a tough allergy season for many sensitive individuals.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the allergy season in South Carolina:

• Spring

The spring season is tree allergy season, with major culprits such as oak, pine, and cedar trees causing major issues for many sensitive individuals across the state.

• Summer

During the summer season, grass pollen levels tend to be at their highest in Columbia and the rest of the state of South Carolina. During this time, ryegrass, Bermuda grass, and sweet vernal grass can cause major issues for many residents. Additionally, mold spores can become more prevalent in the warm and humid climate throughout the state, which may exacerbate allergy symptoms.

• Fall

During the fall season in South Carolina, ragweed becomes the major contributor to allergic reactions throughout the state. In addition to that, mold spores may continue to thrive through the fall season, causing major issues for many sensitive individuals.

• Winter

During the colder winter months, outdoor pollen levels may decrease as many plants become less active. This may provide some relief for people whose allergies are primarily triggered by outdoor pollen. However, indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can continue to trigger symptoms, particularly as people spend more time indoors. 

How to Manage Seasonal Allergies in Lexington & Columbia, SC

• Limit and minimize your exposure to potential allergens and triggers

While you can’t 100% avoid exposure to all allergens and irritants, you can limit and minimize the level of your exposure to them:

✅Monitor and track daily pollen and allergen levels. Plan your day around these forecasts accordingly. If allergen levels are high, it might be a good idea to stay indoors instead.

✅Keep your home clean and free from allergens and irritants. If you’re mowing the lawn, trimming trees, or removing weeds, make sure to wear proper protective gear.

✅Keep doors and windows closed during high pollen and windy days.

✅Plan outdoor activities appropriately. If you have to go out, do so at night, when pollen counts are usually lower.

✅If you’re heading out, don’t forget to wear a protective mask to keep allergens and irritants from your airways.

✅Use high-quality HEPA filters in your home’s HVAC system and vacuum cleaners to filter out allergens and irritants.

✅Once you get home from spending time outside, immediately change out of your outdoor clothes, get in the shower to wash away pollen and irritants you might have picked up, and get into new clothes to prevent the spread of allergens inside your house.

• Try some over-the-counter medications for allergy symptom management

Some over-the-counter medications can help some patients with symptom management. These medications may include:

✅Antihistamines

✅Decongestants

✅Saline nasal sprays

✅Eye drops

✅Pain relievers

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which over-the-counter options are appropriate for you, particularly if you have other health conditions or take other medications. 

• Talk to your ENT doctor about allergy drops

Your ENT doctor in Columbia, SC, may recommend sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops if your symptoms do not respond to other forms of treatment. This may be a recommended treatment option depending on your allergy profile, clinical findings, symptom severity, treatment goals, and your individual health factors.

Allergy drops may be recommended for patients who are needle-averse and are looking for an alternative to allergy shots. A consultation with your ENT care provider can help assess your condition and determine if this may be the appropriate treatment option for you.

In the United States, certain sublingual immunotherapy tablets are FDA-approved for specific allergens. Custom-compounded sublingual allergy drops are not FDA-approved, although healthcare providers may prescribe them off-label when clinically appropriate. 

Conclusion: Learn More About Your Allergy Triggers and Treatment Options With Columbia Breathe Free

Columbia Breathe Free provides ear, nose, and throat care services in Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, West Columbia, and the surrounding Midlands communities. Our team provides allergy testing, sinus evaluations, and personalized treatment planning and guidance based on each patient’s allergy profile, clinical findings, and other individual health factors.

If you are experiencing chronic or frustrating allergy symptoms, contact our team to find out what you can do to manage your symptoms.