The best line of defense against seasonal allergies is to avoid what causes them, but that isn't always possible. You can't stay indoors all the time or only take a walk after a long rain. So you'll need help with your symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, sneeze, nasal congestion.

Over-the-counter painkillers, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin can help with a sinus headache, and a saline nasal spray (especially a hypertonic saline spray) can temporarily loosen mucus so you can blow your nose. But the following medications and treatments target the underlying issues that cause most allergy symptoms to offer more complete relief.

Over-the-counter allergy medications

• Antihistamines. Used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, antihistamines actually disrupt the allergy-causing histamine molecules in your bloodstream, halting the allergy process midstream. They are most effective if you take them regularly, especially if you take them three to five hours before coming into contact with an allergen. Learn more about antihistamines.
  
  
• Decongestants. These medications reduce nasal congestion, swelling and redness. While decongestants are effective at providing you with relief from allergy symptoms, they do not disrupt the allergy process itself. Caution: Overusing these meds can cause irritation and actually worsen symptoms on some occasions. Learn more about decongestants.
  
  
• Mast Cell Stabilizers. When taken regularly, mast cell stabilizers are able to reduce or prevent many of the typical allergy symptoms such as swelling, itching and a runny nose. Like antihistamines, these medications work by suppressing certain cells in the body and interrupting the allergic process, though they are not as effective as antihistamines and they take longer to work. Learn more about mast cell stabilizers.