The first thing to do
“Avoiding pollen is the best treatment,” says Jennifer Middleton, MD, a family physician in Toledo, Ohio. This means keep the windows closed at home and in the car, use the air conditioner, limit your time outside, avoid oak trees. Check daily pollen counts at websites like weather.com and you’ll know when it’s best to stay inside.

Know your triggers
“An allergist can help you pinpoint specific triggers, when certain plants pollinate in your region, and the best time to start medications,” says Kathleen May, MD, of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Ask your doctor about having an allergist do a “scratch test.” That’s an easy way to find out what’s triggering your symptoms.

Medicate at the right time
If medication has worked in the past, take it before your symptoms start. “Most allergy medications require a number of days for full effectiveness,” Dr. May says.

Don’t blame the dog
Although pet dander is a cause of allergic reactions, “don’t assume the dog is the reason you’re feeling poorly,” says Allen Meadows, MD, of the Alabama Allergy & Asthma Clinic in Montgomery. “Many people with allergies are not allergic to dogs. But if you want to be cautious, bathe pets once a week and keep them off beds.”

Cover up
Use hypoallergenic covers to keep dust mites out of your bed. Or, “turn up your hot water heater to scalding when washing bed linens,” Dr. Meadows says.

Keep a record
Jot down on a calendar or in a notebook when your symptoms start, and what you were doing when they kicked in. This could help you plan next year’s anti-allergy campaign.

Is it asthma?
Some things that cause the symptoms of allergy attacks—dust, mold, smoke, strong smells, exercise, for example—can also trigger asthma attacks. “Asthma is underdiagnosed and under-treated,” says allergist Myron Zitt, MD. Common asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and trouble breathing. Symptoms often occur at night or in response to activity like exercise. If you haven’t been diagnosed but have experienced some asthma symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. They can check your lung function with a simple test and make a diagnosis.