Nose-blowing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and endless coughing encapsulate the start of allergy season. Typically, people with spring allergies are sensitive to pollen, making it harder to breathe outdoors each day. Although antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants are ways to relieve symptoms, these medicinal treatments are not cure-alls. There are a few surprising alternatives to these standard medications, from eating chocolate to working out, that will allow you to return to feeling like your non-sneezing self, without the ever-present Kleenex in hand.

In the United States, nasal allergies affect about 50 million people, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The most common outdoor allergy triggers include tree, grass, and weed pollen. Antihistamines are the most popular drugs used to treat allergy symptoms, with effects lasting either from four to six hours or from 12 to 24 hours. These drugs do come with side effects, like dizziness, dry mouth, and decreased appetite, which can affect your day-to-day schedule.

There are several allergy treatment alternatives that can ease symptoms, without you having to resort to an antihistamine.

Click "View Slideshow" to see the six surprising ways to get back to your non-sneezing life.

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Six surprising ways to alleviate your seasonal allergies, from exercising to eating chocolate, without an antihistamine. Pixabay, Public Domain