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.
When Should You See A Specialist About Your Allergies And Asthma
Many can manage their allergies by avoiding the allergens they are allergic to or taking over-the-counter medications. Still, when symptoms cant be managed, it may be time to see an allergist.
Those with asthma should control their asthma symptoms and be under the supervision of a physician. Allergists are specially trained to identify triggers of asthma, allergies, and other immunologic diseases. No other physician specialty has this level of expertise in diagnosing and treating patients with these conditions.
Myth #1 Allergies End With Spring
Fact: Seasonal allergies can continue throughout the summer and fall. Fall has its own set of allergy triggers, the most common of which is ragweed pollen. But another reason why your allergies can linger into the fall is climate change. According to a new report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American , climate change is causing warmer and longer pollen seasons.
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Do Patients Come To You With Common Misconceptions About Allergies
The most common misconception that we hear about allergies is that although someone is allergic to cats or dogs, their pet is hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. We understand how important pets are to families, however, and work with families on interventions that work best for the family.
Myth #3 You Are Fine If You Do Not Go Into Wooded Areas
Fact: Fall allergens can be anywhere. While ragweed primarily grows in rural areaswhere the pollen count is often the highestit can also be found in suburban and urban areas. It is found in every state except Alaska, but especially in the Midwest and along the East Coast.
You can also find fall allergens in your own backyard. Bluegrass, common in the south, can release pollen year-round.
There are other fall plants and weeds that can cause you to sneeze and wheeze, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology . These include cocklebur, mugwort, pigweed, goosefeet, sagebrush, lambs quarter, Russian thistle, and English plantain.
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When Will Pollen Season End In The Charlotte Area
It is worth noting that pollen season start and end dates can fluctuate depending on where you live. The climate and weather conditions play a major role in pollen levels and when plants sprout and grow.In Charlotte specifically, youll see the differences from the pollen allergy season we outlined in the above section, with general seasons including:
- Ragweed, which sprouts up in August and lasts until the first frost. That may be in November or even later, since Charlotte is typically warm. The most intense of the ragweed season is in September.
- Grass pollen season, which starts in the middle of spring, so sometime in April or May. It typically ends in September. The highest counts of grass allergies are in May through August, so the summertime.
- Tree allergy season, which if typically from March until June. April is typically when symptoms may ramp up most.
In the next section, well go into more detail on each type of pollen, the seasons, and considerations allergy sufferers should keep in mind.
Factors That Alter The Onset And Length Of Allergy Season
- Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate early, making spring allergy season start earlier than February.
- A rainy spring can promote rapid plant growth and high pollen levels. It can also lead to high mold levels that trigger allergic symptoms that last until the fall.
- Warm days and cool nights during the fall allow tree, grass and ragweed pollens to thrive. This makes allergy symptoms worse.
- Pollen levels are usually highest in the morning. With wind and warm weather, pollen counts surge.
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How Youre Making Your Allergies Worse During Fall
Youre soaking up the great outdoors.
As you should be! We cant think of better ways to enjoy the beautiful fall weather than farmers markets and morning hikes. But if youre a seasonal allergy sufferer, any time spent outdoors can stir up symptoms. You dont have to head inside for good, but do reconsider your timing.
Pollen counts are highest from early morning until 10 a.m., so try to postpone your activity until later in the day, suggests Rachna Shah, M.D., allergist and faculty member of Loyola School of Medicine.
You let the outside in.
Mold spores and pollen can stick to everything, including hair, skin, and clothing, Dr. Shah says. You probably dont even realize youre doing it, but theres a good chance youre tracking irritants into the house. Minimize your risk with the following tips:
Wear a face mask when you rake leaves outdoors to avoid breathing in mold spores.
Throw your clothes into the washer and head straight for the shower when youre done biking or gardening,
Brush or wipe down pets after walks. Pollen can hitchhike into your homeand onto your couch, bed, or wherever else your dog likes to hang out.
Leave your shoes outside. Forget dirt and mudyou could be traipsing pollen and mold throughout the house. No outside area? Keep them in a separate closet.
The Complete Guide To Florida Fall Allergy Season 2021
Most people in Florida look forward to autumn with its pumpkin spice lattes, mild sun and cooler air. But if youre one of the estimated 40 million fall allergy sufferers in the U.S., this time of year can be very unpleasant.
It doesnt have to be that way, though
With the proper precautions and correct allergy treatments, you can enjoy all that autumn has to offer.
While most people often associate allergies with spring and the pollen produced by flowering plants, fall can be the worst season to deal with allergies. As the weather here in Jacksonville cools, plants tend to release more pollen and the moist, cool air leads to increased mold growth on leaves and other surfaces.
Combined, these factors can trigger severe allergic reactions.
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When Does Pollen Season Typically Start And End
In many cases, there is a season in which pollen counts are highest. These seasons vary depending on the type of pollen were talking about. For ragweed pollen, for example, the ACAAI says ragweed starts growing in August and may not stop until November. For grass pollen, youre more likely to be symptomatic later in the season, from May to July, which is technically summertime. Tree pollen tends to be at its worst from March until the middle of May.
Trees Grass And Other Weeds
While it may be the main allergen, ragweed isn’t the only fall culprit. Dr. Moss says other types of weeds, such as pigweed, marsh elder, and mugwort also plant their seeds through pollination in the fall months so they can reproduce in the following year.
Depending on where you live, trees and grass can also pollinate during fall. According to Dr. Moss, parts of the American west coast as well as the south experience some grass pollination in the fall. Sayantani Sindher, MD, clinical associate professor of allergy and immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine and an allergist with Stanford Healthcare, tells Health there are many trees that bloom in the fall months, as well. “For example, in California, elm pollen is one of the highest allergens right now,” she says.
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Myth #7 Moving Somewhere Else Makes All The Difference
Fact: Moving is not a cost-effective or long-term fix. Over time, you can become allergic to the plants in your new location. You may be fine the first year, but as sensitivity to new triggers build up in your system, symptoms can start all over again.
To keep fall allergies from making you miserable, continue to use the same strategies you use for fighting spring allergies. Different seasons, same reasons.
What Allergens Are High In The Fall
Weeds and pollen become rampant during longer summers.
Balmy temperatures let much of the country hit the beach for a few extra weeks each yearbut while your spirits soar, so do ragweed and pollen counts.
Counts usually drop significantly by the first week of September, explains Joseph Leija, M.D., founder of the Gottlieb Allergy Count, which provides the official allergy count for the Midwest. But when it gets rainy, grasses and weeds grow out of control depending on where you live. This can include the following:
- Ragweed
More weeds mean more pollen, a big cause of hay fever , Dr. Leija explains, which affects up to 60 million Americans each year, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Ragweed in particular seems to wreak havoc during the fall months, explains Dr. Parikh, reaching peak levels in mid-September. Just one ragweed plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains and it can travel far, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the country, the AAFA says.
Mold becomes a bigger issue.
Nothing looks more quintessentially autumn than leaves falling into big piles. But once foliage starts to decay, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, Dr. Parikh says. Breathing in spores can aggravate asthma and cause heavy breathing, wheezing, and other upper respiratory symptoms in those with mold allergies.
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Spring Allergies 2021 And Covid
Youre going to hear this a lot: I cant tell if this is allergies or COVID. Go ahead and get ready for it. And if you dont have a thermometer, now is a good time to get one. Coughing, sore throats and feeling tired can be symptoms of both allergies and COVID-19. But typically seasonal allergies arent associated with a fever. So if youre running a fever, your issue is likely not from allergies.
But rest assured: This doesnt mean you have COVID-19. You can contact your doctor or urgent care facility to be sure. Of course, following CDC guidelines is always a good idea when it comes to preventing and dealing with COVID-19.
The good news: Wearing masks will likely translate to less allergy symptoms for many people. If you wear a mask outdoors, youll protect your nose and mouth from airborne particles. Be sure to wash or clean your mask, or if you use disposable masks, change them more frequently during allergy season.
When Should I Start Taking Allergy Meds
Theres no point in waiting until youre miserable to take allergy meds, especially if you want to keep up your outdoor workouts. In fact, allergists recommend you start taking meds a couple weeks before allergy season arrives, or, at the latest, take them the moment you begin having symptoms, says Dr. Parikh. Taking them early can stop an immune system freak-out before it happens, lessening the severity of symptoms, he adds. Check out the National Allergy Map to figure out when to start taking meds depending on where you live.
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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Limit Exposure To Pollen And Mold
The best control is to avoid contact with the pollen. The National Allergy Bureau tracks pollen counts regionally to help you plan when you should avoid spending a lot of time outdoors.
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Keep windows closed and use air conditioning
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Keep kids indoors when the pollen or mold counts are reported as high
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Don’t allow a child with seasonal allergies to mow lawns or raking leaves. This can stir up stir up pollen and molds.
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Have your child shower and change their clothes after being outdoors for a long time. Pollen and mold can be easily carried indoors on clothes and hair. This also includes on pets, such as cats and dogs, who should be bathed more often during pollen seasons.
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Don’t hang laundry outside to dry. Pollen and molds can cling to laundry and be brought indoors.
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Think about taking a vacation during high pollen seasons and travel to an area with less pollen
Allergy Forecast: A Bad Year For Everyone
Like taxes, allergy season is one of those things you just cant avoid. In fact, due to climate change, it may be getting worse. Warmer temperatures lead to more pollen production, so 2021 may be the most intense allergy season yet. And due to COVID-19 quarantine, children may especially have a rough year.
When is allergy season?
It starts in the spring and continues until the fall, but different allergens, the substances that trigger allergies, appear at different times.
: As spring begins, tree pollen is the top allergen, followed by weeds and grasses. In some parts of Maryland, its not unusual to see cars covered by the itchy stuff.
May to July: In May, all the trees, grass and weeds gang up to pump out allergens, making it a bad time for allergy sufferers. This is the start of peak allergy season, which continues until July.
: Enter ragweed, a common flowering plant. Ragweed is the leading cause of seasonal allergies, with 75% of all sufferers allergic to it.
With temperatures falling and plants starting to go dormant, the air starts to clear, bringing an end to outdoor allergy season. Now its possible to breathe a sigh of relief without coughing.
See the Interactive Allergy Forecaster for allergy conditions where you live.
COVID-19 and childrens allergies
Surviving allergy season
If your or your childs allergy symptoms are severe or continue a long time, your health care provider may be able to help or refer you to an allergist.
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When Should You Start Taking Your Allergy Meds
As a general rule, allergy treatment should begin at least a couple of weeks before the start of allergy season, to help you stay ahead of the itching, sneezing, drippy nose, and wheezing. “The majority of hay fever medications work best if started before a pollen season begins,”Luz Fonacier, MD, Head of Allergy at NYU Langone HospitalLong Island and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology , tells Health.
If you use nasal antihistamines, steroids, oral antihistamines, or eye drops for seasonal allergies, Dr. Fonacier advises against waiting until your symptoms are unbearable to start treatment. And don’t stop taking them too early, either. “The misery can linger until the end of the season, so wait a few weeks before stopping treatment,” she says.
When Does Allergy Season 2021 Start
Well, its technically *always* allergy season due to year-round offenders such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. But some allergenspollens, specificallyare seasonal.
Tree pollen, for example, pops up in the spring , grass pollen arrives in the late spring , weed pollen is most prevalent in the summer , and ragweed pollen takes over from summer to fall , says Dr. Parikh.
And, as mentioned, climate change means allergy season begins earlier and lasts longer, adds Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, a professor and allergist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Specifically, the season has been arriving 20 days earlier than it did in 1990, and contains at least 20 percent more pollen, the New York Times reported.
To get super-specific, Pollen.com has a National Allergy Map that provides an up-to-date allergy forecast in different areas around the country and an Allergy Alert app that gives five-day forecasts with in-depth info on specific allergens, helping you decide if you should stay indoors that day. You should also note that windy, warm, and sunny days can increase levels of pollen turnout, while drizzling or rainy weather is actually associated with no or lower levels of seasonal pollen, explains Clifford W. Bassett, MD, medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
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What Is A Pollen Allergy
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as hay fever. Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollens that cause allergic reactions come from trees, weeds and grasses. These plants make small, light and dry pollen grains that travel by the wind.
Grasses are the most common cause of allergy. Ragweed is a main cause of weed allergies. Other common sources of weed pollen include sagebrush, pigweed, lambs quarters and tumbleweed. Certain species of trees, including birch, cedar and oak, also produce highly allergenic pollen.
Plants fertilized by insects, like roses and some flowering trees, like cherry and pear trees, usually do not cause allergic rhinitis.
When To Expect Spring Allergies To End
So when do spring allergies go away? Unfortunately, the same qualities that make allergy season start earlier also makes them stay longer. April tends to be the worst month for most spring allergy-sufferers, but spring allergies typically last until early summer. Its pretty easy to see why: Thats when most of the flowers and trees are blooming.
Tree pollen is the most common culprit for spring allergies. Grass and weeds also cause issues later in the spring allergy season. Most people see their allergy symptoms start to disappear by early June, but it can change depending on where you live in the country. The best idea is to be prepared and use our tips to fight them any time of year.
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