(HealthDay News) -- Seasonal allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion and sneezing.

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests these lifestyle changes to ease seasonal allergy symptoms from outdoor allergens:

• Start your allergy medications a week or two before the season starts.
• Don't take a camping trip or go on a hike when pollen counts are high.
• Stay away from barns and hay, and try not to mow the grass or rake leaves.
• Wear sunglasses to keep pollen out of the eyes.
• After spending time outside, take a shower and wash hair, change clothes and rinse out the nasal passages with a salt water rinse.
• Close windows and doors during allergy season.