What Is Causing Allergies This Time Of Year

What Is A Pollen Count

A pollen count is how much pollen is in the air. To get a pollen count, a device such as an air sampler is used to capture pollen, and then the sample pollens are identified and counted. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunologys National Allergy Bureau collects pollen and reports these counts around the U.S.

Some websites or weather news report pollen forecasts also. Pollen forecasts are estimates, just like a weather forecast. Most of the time, pollen forecasts will only report on the most common types of pollen. This may help you identify which type of pollen is present in your area and triggering your allergy symptoms. Pollen forecasts can help you prepare, but you may feel allergy symptoms at times when the forecast predicted low or moderate amounts of pollen.

Pollen Allergy Causes Allergic Rhinitis

The correct name for hay fever is seasonal allergic rhinitis. Symptoms are caused by the body’s immune response to inhaled pollen, resulting in chronic inflammation of the eyes and nasal passages.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms include:

• Irritable, itchy, watery and red eyes.
• Itchy ears, throat and palate.

Trees Grasses And Weeds Are Often To Blame

Ragweed, which grows throughout most of the U.S., produces pollen in the fall.

Ah, spring. It’s the time of year when the cold starts to wane, and trees and flowers blossom.

But if you’re one of the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, those pretty trees and plants may make you feel worse, not better.

That’s because of pollen, a powdery substance made by trees, weeds, and grasses.

Pollen is harmless, but if you have seasonal allergies, your body mistakes the pollen for something dangerous and tries to attack it. This reaction causes symptoms like coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. You might feel like you have a cold.

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What Allergy Treatments Are Available

Treatments can help a great deal, says Dr. Hsu. Allergy treatment has changed over the past 10 years, with a number of first-line medications now available over the counter, she says. So, while we have lots of consultations with patients, we dont necessarily send a prescription to the pharmacy. We often advise people on what to buybut we want to be very specific, because there are certainly a lot of over-the-counter medications that we would not recommend as first-line treatments.

For instance, she might start with antihistamines for itching and runny nose, steroid nasal sprays for nasal passage congestion, and antihistamine eye drops for ocular symptoms. If a patient is still uncomfortable, she might recommend a decongestant, but not for daily use, since its a medication patients can become overly reliant on. Likewise, some patients should avoid antihistamines that are excessively sedating, she says.

The problem is that some people think theyll just grin and bear it. But… you can take steps to minimize those weeks of misery.

Yale Medicine pediatric allergist Stephanie Leeds, MD

Its helpful when patients have a skin or blood test to find out exactly what they are allergic to. If you are really symptomatic, its helpful to get tested at least once. I dont think you need to be re-tested year after year, but at some point, establishing the specific triggers can be helpful, because then you can take steps to avoid exposure, Dr. Leeds says.

Pollen Can Trigger Asthma

Pollen can directly trigger asthma and allergic rhinitis. Small particles of allergens can penetrate deep into the airways of the lung. Thunderstorms can also contribute to this:

• When pollen granules come into contact with water, starch granules are released that are small enough to be breathed into the airways, causing allergic rhinitis and asthma in some people
• People who wheeze during spring and/or summer, should see their doctor for advice.

Pollen seasons can last for months

In Australia pollen numbers are lower on the east coast where most winds come from the sea, and where there is protection from westerly winds by the Great Dividing Range. Pollen numbers are higher on the Victorian south coast because most winds are from the north carrying pollen from the northerly grasslands. In South Australia and Western Australia, the amount of pollen can vary according to the wind.

Pollination times vary with the plant variety and its location.

The principal grasses growing in the northern coastal areas are subtropical and mainly flower in January, February and March. Allergenic grasses in the southern part of Australia are mostly Northern hemisphere grasses, with the main flowering period from October to December.

Diagnosis is important

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Dealing With Seasonal Allergies

Now that you are equipped with a seasonal calendar and knowledge of common allergens, you can prepare for allergy season 2022. Wearing a mask when outdoors will effectively prevent inhaling spores and pollen granules. You could also refer to a physician to know your actual allergies and take appropriate preventive measures. Take your allergies seriously, and you might do good on making 2022 your healthiest year yet!

I am Jeannette, the medical writing specialist here at Family Medicine Austin. I have over five years of experience working with a range of medical and healthcare across the U.S.

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How To Use Our Allergy Forecast Tool

If the ALLERGY IMPACT number is higher than the pollen count number, you might feel more prone to sneezing than youd expect. If its lower, you might not feel as bad compared to what youd expect.

Want to take your allergy forecast predictions to the next level? Download the Zyrtec® AllergyCast® app. As you log your daily symptoms, the app continuously evolves to better understand you and your unique allergy needs.

Standard data rates apply.

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Common Causes Of Year

If you experience allergies, you know its absolutely no fun! Year-round allergies, also known as perennial allergies, occur when you come into contact with something youre allergic to no matter what the season is.

While dealing with symptoms of year-round allergies can be a pain, it helps to know common causes and treatments. Also know that you arent alone approximately 50 million Americans experience allergy symptoms each year.

The First Theory: Climate Change

A Rutgers University study found that climate change has increased pollen in the U.S. by about 40 percent from 1990 to 2010.

The pollination period gets extended when theres more no frost dates. So the warmer it gets, and the shorter the winter gets, the extended season of pollen is, said arborist Diana Sette, who currently works as a horticulturist at University Hospitals.

In many ways, ironically, the ultimate solution to dealing with the pollen issue is to plant more trees so we have less carbon in the air and more oxygen, which helps increase the air quality, she said.

Diana Sette poses for a picture in University Hospitals’ rooftop garden.

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Common Symptoms Of Allergies Include:

• Rhinitis itchy, runny, or blocked nose
• Incessant sneezing
• Swelling of lips, eyes, hands, or face
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Anti-allergic medication can treat most of these symptoms. Still, you must seek professional assistance early on to determine the cause of your allergies and the best treatment options available.

Rarely, an allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a body-wide severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. The onset of anaphylaxis is within minutes of exposure to an allergen, and if the correct medical aid is not administered swiftly, chances of survival can be bleak.

• Swelling of the throat and mouth
• Difficulty breathing wheezing, gasping for air
• Blue skin or lips
• Collapsing or losing consciousness

If you see someone showing clear signs of anaphylaxis, do not hesitate to properly administer the epi-pen they must have at hand and call for medical assistance.

What Is A Ragweed Pollen Allergy

The job of your immune system is to find foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria, and get rid of them. This response normally protects us from harmful diseases. People with allergies have immune systems that react when they come in contact with allergens. When you are allergic to ragweed pollen and inhale it from the air, rhinitis symptoms show up.

Seventeen types of ragweed grow in North America. Ragweed also belongs to a larger family of plants that can spread pollen by wind. These plants can also cause symptoms.

Members of this plant family include:

• Mucus in the throat

If you have severe allergies, ragweed might trigger asthma symptoms, chronic sinusitis, headaches and congestion that can interfere with sleep.

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When Is Allergy Season

It depends on what you’re allergic to and where you live.

If you have seasonal allergies or hay fever, tree pollens can trigger symptoms in the late winter or spring. Ragweed releases pollen in the summer and fall. The specifics also depend on where you live. Allergy season can start as early as January in Southern states and linger into November.

If you have symptoms year-round or your allergies are worse indoors, you may be allergic to dust mites or pet dander.

The key is to see your doctor and find out what’s causing your symptoms. Once you do, you’ll know when yourallergy season starts and how to prepare.

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When Should I Start Taking Allergy Meds

Theres no point in waiting until youre miserable to take allergy meds. In fact, allergists recommend you start taking meds a couple of weeks before allergy season arrives, or, at the latest, take them the moment you notice symptoms, says Dr. Parikh. Taking them early can stop an immune system freak-out before it happens, lessening the severity of symptoms, she adds. Check out the National Allergy Map to figure out when to start taking meds based on where you live.

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As for which allergy meds to take, if youre seriously stuffed, start with steroid nasal sprays such as Flonase or Rhinocort, which reduce inflammation-induced stuffiness, says Dr. Keet. And if you’ve got itching, sneezing, and a runny nose too, look for non-sedating antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Xyzal, or Allegra, she adds.

Just remember: While OTC allergy meds suppress symptoms, they dont cure the problem, so they may be less effective if your allergies are worsening, notes Dr. Parikh.

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Medication And Other Treatments

Your health care provider may suggest saline rinses to ease nasal congestion or antihistamines to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Some antihistamines include decongestants, which can reduce congestion, but those medicines are not for everyone. Your provider may also suggest a nasal steroid spray.

For more serious cases, your health care provider may prescribe allergy shots. Over time, these injections can provide relief by reducing your immune system’s reaction to a specific pollen or other allergen.

MedlinePlus National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

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Do Allergy Seasons Really Vary In Intensity From Year To Year

Many doctors and scientists say allergy seasons are intensifying, starting earlier and lasting longer. Climate change is a factor. Its fueled in part by rising temperatures and mild winters, allowing pollen-producing trees and grass to bloom earlier. The extended growing seasons leads to increased levels of airborne allergens.

In addition, snowmelt in late winter or early spring can increase moisture that allows trees to produce more pollen when they bloom.

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Treatment For Pollen Allergies

A direct way to manage pollen allergies is to reduce your exposure to pollens. Pollen counts can help you to plan to avoid exposure.

Tips to reduce your exposure to pollen include:

• Stay indoors in the morning, if possible grass pollens mainly circulate in the morning.
• Avoid mowing grass or wear a mask if you do stay indoors when grass is being mowed.
• Keep windows closed in your home and car.
• Avoid picnics in parks or in the country during the pollen season.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Plant a low-allergy garden around your home, especially near the windows of your home.

Pollen Allergies Are Seasonal

The season for pollen allergies can last for several months and occurs when the plants are flowering. This will vary depending on location and the type of plant. For instance:

• Non-native trees tend to pollinate in late winter and spring.
• In Victoria, winds from the north tend to bring pollen from non-native grasses growing inland between October and December.
• White Cypress pine is the only Australian tree that produces highly allergenic pollen and it flowers approximately between late July and the end of August.
• Species of Casuarina or Australian oak trees produce pollen throughout the year and can cause hay fever symptoms at any time.

Clinical immunology/allergy specialists who diagnose allergies have online calendars showing when common species of pollen cause allergies in the states and territories of Australia.

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When Is Allergy Season Over

Since there is no one answer to the question, when is allergy season?, its also hard to say when allergy season is over particularly when many people with allergies will experience them at different times from one another.

Many people experience year-round allergy symptoms, regardless of when certain allergy seasons start and end.ii, v Allergy symptoms can also be caused by common indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, insects and mold which can be hard to avoid day-to-day.ii If you are only allergic to one type of pollen or mold, however, allergy season may be over for you when that allergen is no longer prevalent.

People who are allergic to indoor allergens have what is known as perennial allergic rhinitis, rather than seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, its possible to have both, and people with the perennial strain can experience more severe allergy symptoms during pollen seasons if they suffer from perennial and seasonal rhinitis.ii

To find out whats causing your allergy symptoms, consult your doctor or an allergist. They can advise you on how best to manage and treat your symptoms during the allergy season that applies to you.

Unproven Methods To Test For Allergies

A number of methods claim to test for allergies, but they have not been medically or scientifically proven. They can be costly and could lead to dangerous avoidance of certain foods. The organisation representing allergists recommends that you do not use certain methods to have potential allergies tested. These methods include:

• cytotoxic food testing

Always speak with your doctor if you are thinking of using a complementary medicine or therapy to test for allergies.

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What Should I Do If I Have A Severe Allergic Reaction To The Covid

Severe allergic reactions to vaccines are rare but can happen. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. a generalized rash or hives, which may include mucus membranes.

Symptoms Of Common Year

Allergy reactions vary depending on the specific allergy and person. Youll notice that many allergies have similar symptoms, the most common one being a stuffy nose.

• Animal allergy: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, red eyes, itchiness around the eyes, postnasal drip
• Pollen allergy: runny and itchy nose, upset stomach , trouble breathing, swelling around the mouth, dizziness, wheezing, coughing
• Food allergy: hives, itching, swelling in and around the mouth, nasal congestion, wheezing, trouble breathing, upset stomach , dizziness
• Dust mite allergy: sneezing, runny nose, decongestion, itchiness of the face, red and watery eyes, postnasal drip, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing
• Insect allergy: sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing
• Mold allergy: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, nasal congestion, itchy and/or sore throat
• Medication allergy: swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, hives, itchiness, fever, wheezing, runny nose
• Latex allergy: itching, swelling, hives, runny nose, sneezing, breathing issues

When reacting to an allergy, you may experience a little to a lot of symptoms. They can be mild, moderate, or severe. If you experience a serious allergic reaction, its always best to contact a medical professional.

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How To Alleviate Your Allergy Symptoms

Leeds recommended wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes and nose. A solid rinse can also work wonders after spending time outside.

Wash your hands and face after being outdoors for long periods of time, and consider changing your clothes, she said.

If you are particularly sensitive, limit your time outdoors on poor air-quality days. Consider washing your eyes and nose with a saline solution. You might also want to swap out your contact lenses for eyeglasses, as pollen can cling onto lenses and irritate the eye. Cleaning your lenses more frequently and opting for daily disposable contacts can also help relieve itchy, watery eyes.

Pollen can get trapped inside your home, so keep your windows shut and car doors closed. Vacuum often to get rid of allergens trapped in your carpet. If you have AC, set it to nonrecirculated air.

AAFA also recommends using a HEPA air filter to purify the air in your house. And pets can be pollen magnets, so giving them a good rub down is a good idea after a springtime walk, Gupta said.

You might also want to hold onto your face mask a bit longer. The masks we use to protect ourselves against the coronavirus act as a barrier against pollen, too. The better the mask, the better the protection.

N95 masks are ideal for this, but standard masks most people are using to protect one another from COVID-19 also work, Mendez said.