Best Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

Targeted immunotherapy trumps both OTC and prescription drugs as the best treatment for seasonal allergies

By Dr. Jasdeep Sidana (MD, MHCM, FCCP)

According to the CDC, over 100 million Americans suffer from allergies. 25.7% of adults report having seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, ragweed, and other allergens. While reaching for over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines might bring temporary relief, the best treatments for seasonal allergies require a deeper look into root triggers. This approach also involves exploring long-term solutions tailored to your body’s sensitivities. Let’s examine why allergy testing matters, how OTC medications compare to prescription options, and how customized treatments like allergy shots can be a better long-term solution.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, or pet dander. The body’s immune system overreacts to these normally harmless substances and causes inflammation in the nose, throat, and eyes, resulting in these common symptoms:

  • Sneezing and nasal congestion
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Postnasal drip
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing or wheezing

This immunoresponse is why spring and fall can feel like a daily battle for allergy sufferers. Relief starts with choosing the best treatment based on your unique allergy profile through comprehensive testing. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) vs Prescription

You’ve seen it in TV ads, heard it on the radio, or perhaps in the middle of a sports game commercial break. OTC treatments can offer fast-acting solutions for allergy symptoms. But while they are generally accessible and often effective for mild cases, OTC drugs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s examine OTC treatments for allergies compared to prescription medicine:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Prescription Allergy Medications
Access
  • Can be bought without a doctor’s prescription  
  • Found in pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
  • Needs a doctor’s written order to purchase  
  • Only given out by licensed pharmacists at pharmacies
Safety 
  • Treats common issues like headaches or allergies 
  • Safe if used as the label instructs
  • Stronger and used for severe or chronic problems  
  • Requires diagnosis and guidance from a medical professional
Usage
  • Anyone can use it if they follow label directions
  • Prescribed for one person based on their condition
Examples
Antihistamines Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra (non-drowsy) Contains active ingredients like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine to ease symptoms Hydroxyzine, stronger antihistamines Oral tablet for anxiety, itching, or sedation before and after surgery
Nasal Sprays Flonase, Nasacort (steroid-based) Flonase spray reduces inflammation by blocking substances with the corticosteroid fluticasone. Prescription-strength corticosteroid sprays
Decongestants Sudafed, Afrin (short-term use) Sudafed PE shrinks nasal blood vessels to relieve congestion and stuffiness. Prescription decongestants or combination meds Decongestants vary in effects, with pseudoephedrine sold behind pharmacy counters.
Eye Drops Artificial tears, ketotifen Antihistamine eye drops relieve allergic conjunctivitis and stabilize mast cells. Olopatadine or other prescription-strength options Olopatadine drops treat itching and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis effectively.

While OTC medications are good for getting short-term relief, they are not advisable for fully controlling symptoms, especially for moderate to severe allergy sufferers. Moreover, they often do not address the real cause of your allergies. On the other hand, prescription allergy medications are stronger and more targeted to combat inflammation and allergic reactions. Prescription drugs can also come with fewer side effects compared to some OTC antihistamines. These treatments are usually prescribed by doctors and other healthcare professionals based on a patient’s diagnostic tests, leading to better symptom control.

However, even prescription medications fall short. By design, they manage symptoms rather than cure allergies and do not modify the underlying immune response that causes allergic reactions. For this reason, targeted immunotherapy is the best treatment for seasonal allergies. 

Immunotherapy: Best Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

Targeted immunotherapy gradually desensitizes the immune system to specific allergens so that it does not overreact and cause symptoms. This approach targets the root cause of allergies rather than just masking symptoms.

Successful immunotherapy can lead to long-term remission of allergy symptoms, meaning you can reduce or even eliminate the need to take OTC or prescription drugs continuously. While immunotherapy treatment takes longer to complete, it offers a more natural and lasting solution that neither OTC drugs nor prescription medications can provide.

Immunotherapy Treatment Process

Unlike pills or sprays that manage symptoms briefly, immunotherapy uses allergy shots to retrain your immune system and make it less reactive to allergens over time.

  • Build-Up Phase: Small doses of allergens are injected 3–4 times per week for up to 8 months.
  • Maintenance Phase: Continued injections (usually twice weekly) for about 4 months.


After the first year, many patients see a dramatic drop in symptoms and often don’t need daily medications.

Docs Medical clinics offer innovative at-home immunotherapy, allowing patients like you to take treatments at home for greater comfort and convenience. Instead of going weekly to the clinic, you can more easily stick to your allergy shots schedule and ensure better treatment outcomes. Compared to other allergy clinics, 90% of our patients complete their treatment in one year.

Fight Seasonal Allergies With the Best Treatment

While OTC and prescription drugs might be enough to smother a sneeze or two, persistent seasonal allergies deserve a more innovative approach. DOCS Medical allergists offer the best treatments for seasonal allergies by identifying your specific allergens and developing a personalized treatment plan. We also provide primary care and urgent care for patients of all ages. With the proper treatment, you can soon enjoy outdoor activities—whatever the season—without the misery of constant symptoms.

Ready to take control of your seasonal allergies with customized care? Give us a call or book an appointment online to start the best treatment for your seasonal allergies today.

Distinguished medical professional (MD, MHCM, FCCP) has extensive experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and medical education. With advanced training and credentials including a Master’s in Healthcare Management and board certification in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Sidana has a proven track record of driving innovation and improving patient outcomes. His expertise spans medical diagnostics, healthcare operations, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making him a thought leader in advancing modern medicine. Connect with him on LinkedIn to explore his insights and contributions to the field.

Best Allergy Testing in CT

DOCS Medical offers the best allergy testing in CT with personalized testing and targeted treatment

By Dr. Jasdeep Sidana (MD, MHCM, FCCP)

Seasonal sneezing, food reactions, or skin irritations can all interfere with a good day. The first step toward relief is accurate testing. If you’re searching for the best allergy testing in CT, you’ve come to the right place. This article will compare several top-rated Connecticut healthcare groups offering allergy testing, including pricing and services. Let’s start with the qualities you should look for in an allergy testing provider. 

What to Look for in Allergy Testing Providers

When choosing an allergy testing provider, consider the following key factors:

  • Convenience: Are there locations near you? Do they offer weekend hours?

  • Scope of Services: Do they only test for common allergens, or do they also treat and manage allergies long-term?

  • Pricing: Is allergy testing affordable (especially if you pay out-of-pocket)?

  • Insurance Compatibility: Do they accept major insurance providers, including your insurance?

  • Reputation and Certification: Are providers board-certified? Do patients report good experiences?

These factors will help you better judge an allergy testing provider and whether they fit your medical needs. Now, let’s see how the top clinics in Connecticut compare. 

Best Allergy Testing in CT: Provider Comparison

Allergy Testing Center Locations (CT) Services Offered Hours (Weekdays / Weekends) Pricing Special Features

DOCS Medical Group

Multiple locations across Connecticut: 

Branford

Bethel

Bridgeport

Danbury

East Haven

Monroe

New Haven

New Milford

North Haven

Norwalk

Orange

Orange Specialties Office

Southington

Stamford

Stratford

Waterbury Chase Ave.

Waterbury Frost Rd.

West Hartford

West Haven

Allergy Testing

Immunotherapy

Primary Care

Urgent Care

DOT Physicals

Weight Management

CDL Exams

Chiropractic Centers

Occupational Health

Pulmonary Therapy

Sleep Treatment

Most locations open until late on weekdays, and many open on weekends. 

Ex. 

Waterbury (Chase)

Weekdays: 8 AM – 8 PM; 

Weekends: 8 AM – 4 PM

Bethel: Weekdays: 9 AM – 6 PM Weekends: Closed

Branford: Weekdays: 8 AM – 6 PM Weekends: 10 AM – 2 PM

Bridgeport: Weekdays: 8 AM – 8 PM Weekends: Closed

Affordable

Accepts all private insurance

Accepts Medicare and Medicaid

Fast, painless allergy testing

Home-based allergy treatment for your convenience

Covers seasonal, chronic, pet & environmental allergens

Most insurances accepted (incl. Medicare & Medicaid)

Board-certified physicians

Walk-ins welcome

Open 365 days a year

Extended weekday/weekend hours

Affordable, high-quality care

Part of DOCS Medical Network

Trusted for urgent & non-life-threatening care

Hartford HealthCare–GoHealth

Locations across Connecticut:

Fairfield County

Hartford County

Litchfield County

Middlesex County

New Haven County

New London County

Tolland County

Windham County

Allergy testing and treatment

Asthma

COVID-19 Testing

Lab

Illness

Injury

STD Testing

X-ray

UTI

Others

Most locations open daily with extended hours.

Accepts most major Connecticut and national insurance plans

Same-day pricing for patients without insurance

Open 365 days a year

Same-day, evening, weekend & holiday care

On-site X-rays and rapid lab diagnostics

Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care

Multiple locations across Connecticut:

Stratford

Glastonbury

Waterbury

Hamden

Norwich

Shelton

West Hartford

Bristol

Groton

New Town

Norwalk

Orange

Ridgefield

Southbury

Manchester

Brookfield

Enfield

Fairfield

Derby

Groton

Allergy testing and treatment 

Asthma

Cold and Flu

COVID

STD Testing

Lab Services

Physicals

X-rays

Primary Care

Urgent Care

Others

Open daily with limited hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas

Accepts most major commercial and government insurance plans across the Northeast.

Offers in-person and 24/7 virtual urgent care

Walk-in or reserve a spot online

Treats most non-life-threatening conditions

Board-certified providers

AFC Urgent Care

CT Locations:

Norwalk

Stamford

Fairfield

Bridgeport

Main

Bridgeport

Trumbull

Port Chester

Danbury

Shelton

East Danbury

West Danbury

West Haven

Urgent Care

Primary & Family Care

Allergy testing through clinic consultation (can vary for different clinics)

Physicals

Flu Shots & Vaccines (travel, immunizations)

Seasonal Allergy Treatments

On-Site Labs

Others

Open daily, including weekends

Accepts Medicare and Medicaid, along with other major insurance

Offers transparent self-pay pricing

Walk-ins welcome

Accepts most major insurance plans

Wide range of services including urgent, family & occupational care

Convenient locations in CT & NY

In-house X-rays and lab services

Transparent self-pay rates

Express Care (via Solv)

CT Locations:

Whitney Ave

Dixwell Ave

Urgent Care

Primary Care

Allergy testing, including skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests

Diagnostic Services

Preventive & Wellness Care

Open daily, with limited hours on weekends

Accepts Medicare and Medicaid as well as other major insurance providers 

Self-pay options are available.

Walk-ins welcome

Online booking via Solv

Offers telehealth through Solv

Accepts most major insurance plans

*The above table represents common costs associated with urgent care visits in Connecticut. Actual costs will vary depending on your specific provider, services required, and location.

Connecticut has several major allergy testing and treatment providers, offering statewide locations, extended hours, and primary/urgent care services. While many offer allergy testing, few focus on specialized allergy testing and immunotherapy treatment.

Indeed, DOCS Medical alone offers patients a unique combination of convenience and specialized medical care. Most locations statewide allow patients to access one of DOCS Medical’s clinics on weekdays and weekends. Board-certified allergists and immunologists perform targeted testing instead of generic tests from other clinics. Lastly, DOCS Medical offers allergy patients at-home allergy shots so they can adhere better to their treatment plans.

Why DOCS Offers the Best Allergy Testing in CT

Many providers offer generic testing, but not all provide targeted and immunotherapy. DOCS Medical Group not only tests for common allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander but also treats chronic conditions such as:

  • Hay fever and seasonal allergies
  • Poison ivy and other skin allergies
  • Food-related symptoms (referrals available for advanced testing)
  • Allergy-related asthma attacks


For patients who test positive, DOCS offers
personalized immunotherapy (allergy shots) designed to treat the root cause of your allergies. 

Cutting-Edge Allergy Immunotherapy

Targeted immunotherapy is a more precise allergy treatment designed to provide faster relief by focusing on specific allergens. DOCS Medical allergists develop customized plans that identify and treat your unique allergy triggers, helping you experience noticeable symptom improvement in less time. This approach delivers fast and long-term relief rather than just treating flare-ups.

Phase 1: Build-up

During this phase, you’ll receive allergy injections with gradually increasing doses to help your body adjust.

  • 3–4 injections per week
  • Lasts up to 8 months


Phase 2: Maintenance 

In this phase, your allergist will determine your optimal dose and continue treatment steadily.

  • 2 injections per week
  • Lasts around 4 months


After this period, your allergist will conduct testing to determine if any more injections6r43 are needed. Annual retesting is also available to optimize treatment further. 

Accessibility and Extended Hours

With multiple locations, DOCS Medical makes allergy testing accessible for patients all over Connecticut. Most of our clinics are open late on weekdays and offer weekend hours, making getting care easier for you and your family. We also accept walk-ins for patients who need same-day relief.

Affordable and Transparent Pricing

DOCS Medical Group offers affordable rates for self-pay patients and accepts all major insurance providers, keeping out-of-pocket costs low. We provide transparent pricing without hidden fees for your peace of mind.

Patient-Centered Care by Certified Providers

At DOCS Medical, board-certified allergists oversee your care with advanced medical technology to identify and treat allergies. Our doctors take time to listen to your history, ask questions, and recommend targeted treatment suited to your allergy profile. 

We also use an integrated patient care model, streamlining additional services like prescription refills or referrals to a specialist in the same clinic. Many locations combine urgent care and primary care services in the same facility for your convenience. This whole-patient approach ensures you’re not just diagnosed, but supported in managing your symptoms for the long haul.

Book the Best Allergy Testing in CT Today

Not all providers offer the same level of care, convenience, or affordability. While some brands offer strong clinical reputations, patients often encounter longer wait times, insurance limitations, or generic testing. Other clinics offer good access but do not offer convenient at-home treatment, requiring patients to travel far each week to get allergy shots. DOCS Medical Group combines the best of all worlds and provides the best allergy testing in CT with:

  • Widespread locations
  • Certified care
  • Walk-in convenience
  • Affordable services
  • Immunotherapy and at-home treatment options

 

Ready to take back your life from allergies? Book an appointment at a location near you and start living symptom-free today.

Distinguished medical professional (MD, MHCM, FCCP) has extensive experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and medical education. With advanced training and credentials including a Master’s in Healthcare Management and board certification in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Sidana has a proven track record of driving innovation and improving patient outcomes. His expertise spans medical diagnostics, healthcare operations, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making him a thought leader in advancing modern medicine. Connect with him on LinkedIn to explore his insights and contributions to the field.