Allergy Survival Guide: Tips from Dr. Golnaz Saedi, MD

If you’re a mom or someone who is navigating seasonal allergies (and let's face it, who isn't?), you know they never seem to arrive at a convenient moment. One week you’re enjoying spring sunshine, and the next you’re juggling congestion, headaches, itchy eyes, and that foggy “allergy brain” feeling while still managing work, school drop-offs, activities, and everything else on your plate.

We’re always looking for simple, realistic ways moms can support their health without adding more overwhelm to their routine. That’s why we turned to Momgevity expert Dr. Golnaz Saedi, a primary care physician with decades of experience helping women manage everyday health challenges—including seasonal allergies.

Dr. Saedi shares a handful of practical habits she regularly recommends to patients that can make allergy season far more manageable. Think of these as small adjustments that can have a surprisingly big impact.

LaReine talks about how allergies are primarily related to pollen in the air.

Start allergy treatment before symptoms appear

One of the most common things Dr. Saedi sees is moms waiting until allergies are already in full force before starting treatment.

Many allergy medications actually work best when they’re started early—ideally one to two weeks before pollen levels rise. Nasal steroid sprays, for example, help calm inflammation in the nasal passages, but they need a little time to build up their effect.

Over-the-counter options like fluticasone (commonly known as Flonase) can be helpful for many people. If symptoms are persistent or severe, though, it’s always worth checking in with your doctor to find the right approach for you.

Getting ahead of allergy season can often mean the difference between mild symptoms and weeks of feeling miserable.

Turn your bedroom into a low-allergen zone

Sleep is when your body repairs and resets—but allergens in your bedroom can quietly make nighttime symptoms worse.

Dr. Saedi recommends focusing on a few small changes that can significantly reduce allergen exposure while you sleep:

• Wash pillowcases and sheets weekly in hot water

• Keep pets off the bed if possible

• Consider using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom

Because you spend hours there every night, even minor improvements in your sleep environment can help reduce congestion, sinus pressure, and nighttime coughing.

Shower before bed during allergy season

Pollen doesn’t stay outside. It clings to hair, skin, and clothing throughout the day—especially after time outdoors.

One simple habit Dr. Saedi often recommends during peak allergy months is taking a quick shower before bed and changing into clean sleepwear. This helps prevent pollen from transferring onto your pillow and bedding, where it can trigger symptoms overnight.

It’s a small step, but many people notice a real difference in how they feel in the morning.

Make sure you’re using nasal sprays correctly

Another thing Dr. Saedi frequently sees is people giving up on nasal sprays because they assume they “don’t work.” Often, the issue is actually technique.

Instead of spraying straight up the nose, she recommends aiming the spray slightly outward toward the ear on the same side. This allows the medication to reach the nasal lining where it can effectively reduce inflammation.

If you’re unsure which type of spray is best—steroid sprays, antihistamine sprays, or saline rinses—a quick conversation with your doctor can help you find the right option for your symptoms.

Not every runny nose is allergies

While seasonal allergies are common, Dr. Saedi reminds patients that similar symptoms can sometimes have other causes.

Runny noses, sinus pressure, or headaches may also be related to things like chronic sinus inflammation, indoor irritants, dehydration, or even reflux. If symptoms are happening year-round, worsening indoors, or not improving with typical allergy medications, it may be worth exploring other possibilities with your doctor.

Getting the right diagnosis can make a big difference in finding relief.

A small reminder for busy moms

Allergies can easily become something moms just “push through” while caring for everyone else. But a few small adjustments—starting treatment earlier, improving your sleep environment, and using medications correctly—can make allergy season much easier to manage.

And as Dr. Saedi often reminds patients, sometimes the best next step is simply asking your doctor the right questions and giving your body the support it needs.

Because when moms feel better, everything else tends to run a little smoother too.