Allergies and Sports: Impact and Solutions
Posted by EyePromise on Mar 19th 2025
Spring has sprung for many around the country, and this means outdoor sports have returned to play. While competition is at a high, so are allergens, and they can have a serious impact on athletic activities.
Allergies’ Impact On Sports
Allergens can come from a number of different things, including plants, pets, and even detergents. With outdoor sports, the most obvious culprits are pollen and grass, which are difficult to escape. These allergens can cause symptoms that interrupt focus and play, including:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Runny, itchy nose
- Difficulty breathing
What’s worse, symptoms are often exacerbated by physical activity, putting athletes at an even higher chance of needing to leave the game or worse. Be aware that some activities are more prone to allergies affecting play/activity than others. These include:
- Running
- Cycling
- Soccer
- Golf
- Hiking
Remedies for Allergies During Sports
There are a few ways to address symptoms of allergies.
Antihistamines
Daily antihistamine pills suppress the body’s reaction to allergens, helping to keep symptoms from surfacing. You can also use antihistamines in the event that an allergic reaction occurs. It’s best to process with caution, as some allergy medicines can cause drowsiness, which is not ideal for the competitive or active space.
Nasal Sprays
Some people aren’t good with pills, so there are nasal sprays that can deliver the same antihistamine relief. There are also nasal sprays without antihistamines for those who want to avoid that type of medicinal ingredient. These are good for cleansing the nasal cavity of allergens and irritants to try and avoid allergic reactions.
Eye Vitamins
For ocular symptoms, a daily eye vitamin can be incredibly helpful. A formula with high-quality, ultra-pure Omega-3s and other soothing ingredients like green tea leaf extract, Vitamin A, turmeric root extract, and evening primrose oil has been shown to support healthy tear production. This can help reduce the impact of allergens on the eyes.
Learn more about the formulation that includes these ingredients specifically designed for athletes.
Some allergens are unavoidable for active people. Make sure you’re mitigating their impact on your performance.