Treating Grass Allergies In New York City
If you suffer from sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes, or congestion as the weather gets warmer in the springtime, chances are you have grass or seasonal;allergies. Of the various kinds of pollen in the air during this time of year, approximately;85 percent are grass pollen. When spring is in the air, these plants begin to release copious amounts of pollen into the air, leaving many New York City residents miserable.
Although;grass allergies;may seem like they would be worst near parks and other grassy areas, the truth is that these pollens can drift on the wind for hundreds of miles. No matter what part of the city you are in, you may be affected by;grass allergies. The most common grass allergies are caused by the species noted below.
What Causes Asthma?
Tree Pollen Season Arrives In Western New York
BUFFALO, N.Y. Even though Western New York’s growing season doesn’t typically begin until April, this mild and dry stretch throughout mid-March has helped kickstart the pollen season for the region.;
Tree pollen is what dominates the early pollen season. But if you’re sensitive to those allergens, especially Maple, Elm or Juniper pollen, then you may begin to feel it over the next few days. ;
A spike in tree pollen, or the onset of pollen season, typically coincides with a stretch where temperatures are well above freezing. On March 8, high temperatures reached over 50 degrees. And while a few chilly mornings followed with temperatures below freezing, there was a steady trend with afternoon high temperatures remaining above freezing since.;
In addition, The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology notes that a particularly rainy forecast period or spring can lead to rapid plant growth early on and extend the allergy season into the fall. In the recent spring outlooks released last week, Western New York was highlighted as potentially experiencing a spring with above-average temperatures and precipitation from April through June.;
As for the growing season, that usually begins when there are no longer morning low temperatures at or below freezing in the forecast, which, for this region, doesn’t usually happen until mid-April.;
You can check local pollen impacts and the pollen forecast here.;
When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough See Your Doctor
For many people, avoiding allergens and taking over-the-counter medications is enough to relieve symptoms. But if your seasonal allergies still bother you, don’t give up. A number of other procedures are available.
If you have severe seasonal allergies, your doctor may recommend that you have skin tests or blood tests to determine exactly which allergens are causing your symptoms. Testing can help determine what steps to take to avoid specific triggers and determine which treatments are likely to work best for you.
For some people, allergy shots may be a good option. This treatment, also known as desensitization, involves regular injections containing small amounts of substances that make you allergic. Over time, these injections decrease the immune response that causes symptoms. For some allergies, treatment can be given as a pill under the tongue.
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Nyc Now Has A Longer Allergy Season But Not For Everyone
NEW YORK CITY â It may be no surprise to hear that the allergy season is beginning earlier in the spring and lasting longer into the fall. But not all allergies are created equal and new pollens are potentially being introduced around the city.
What You Need To Know
- The growing season in NYC is starting earlier and ending later
- Pollens are present for longer periods of the year
- Tree pollens are impacting people earlier and grass pollens are lasting longer into the fall
- Our changing climate could mean new plants and potentially new types of pollen
In the summer of 2020, the city’s climate classification was changed from “continental subtropical” to “humid subtropical” as noted in the National Climate Assessment. The change was made because of warmer average temperatures throughout the year, both during the day and at night.
With this new classification, it’s assumed that new species of plants can now grow in the city. It also means that plants are actively growing for a longer portion of the year.;
This past March, we had several days with temperatures warmer than 50 degrees and even one 70-degree day. A warmup like this kicks off the growing season and therefore the sneezing season .
Pollen counts were already medium to high in mid-March. The earlier growing season and a long period of dry weather contributed to the higher-than-normal pollen counts for so early in the season.
What Allergens Cause Symptoms During Allergy Season
Those with allergies in the spring and summer are typically allergic to pollen that begins to appear in the air. These pollen allergens include:;
- Tree pollen early March
- Weed pollen July
- Ragweed pollen August
Many parts of the country begin to see tree pollen beginning in February. In the latter part of allergy season, grass pollen will emerge along with tree pollen, and the combination can make warmer weather a miserable time for allergy sufferers. As temperatures rise, allergy season may begin earlier and last longer.;
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Allergy Season Is Here But Will The Early Blooming Make Allergies Worse
Its that time of year when more sun shines, the air gets warmer, and the trees and grass green up and come out of dormancy. While most are excited about this time of year, some are dreading what comes along with it, namely allergies.
This spring some things are blooming a little quicker than normal due to the early warmth, abundant sunshine and the somewhat damper pattern we are settling into.
I asked Dr. Juan Sotomayor, an allergist, if he thinks with some earlier budding will make allergies worse this year? He says, as an allergist Ive been doing this for 30 years. Ive seen all types of weather conditions and its affects it a little bit maybe for a little earlier pollination a little later. It doesnt really change it much it changes a little bit.
Right now, as you can see on the pollen chart, it is mainly tree pollen that is the issue but come may is when Central New Yorks most prevalent pollen, grass, becomes more of an issue and it last right through much of the summer!
Those fluffy pieces of cotton floating in the air called cottonwood which almost looks like snow will return in late May and June.
Ragweed pollen comes about during the late summer and first part of the fall.
Questiondo you think the yellowish pollen we see on our vehicles in the spring and early summer is the main cause of our allergies?
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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How Can I Treat Pollen Allergies
There are several ways to treat pollen allergies. Allergy shots can help build resistance to pollens. Tablets can also be used but must be taken 12 weeks before the symptoms begin to reduce symptoms.
There are many different types of pollen that can add to a high pollen count overall. Even if there is a high pollen count, it does not automatically mean you are allergic to a specific pollen.
How Can I Tell If My Symptoms Are Allergies Or Covid
Before you stress out, know that there’s one positive aspect when it comes to allergens in the year 2021: “Masks mean less inhalation of pollen through the nose or mouth, and that may translate to decreased symptoms for some sufferers,” explains Manisha Relan, MD, a board-certified allergist. Noted!
That said, if you’re worried about telling the difference between symptoms, whenever they do arise, listen up: The COVID and allergy symptoms that typically overlap are headaches, wheezing, and sore throat. It’s also possible to experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing with COVID, too, though these are more commonly allergy symptoms. A dry cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell, are all likely COVID-19 symptoms, though there’s always the possibility that these are the side effects of allergies.
Overall, though, if you’re having trouble telling if your symptoms are allergies or COVID, your best bet is to check in with a doctor’s office or urgent-care center.
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Here Is What You Need To Survive This Allergy Season
Its finally allergy season and the pollen count in New York City is increasing each day. Are you feeling symptoms of hay fever when you step outside? Hayfever symptoms may include:
- Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, and skin
- Runny nose
- Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
- Sore throat
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Fatigue and irritability
- Headache or migraine
Then you may have seasonal allergies. Tree and grass pollen are the main culprits for these symptoms. Research shows that plants are pollinating longer, so allergy season may be extended this year.
At NY Allergy & Sinus Centers, we offer a variety of treatment options to get you feeling better fast. Here is what you need to survive this allergy season.
Preparing For Allergy Season 2021
During a pandemic, the last thing you want to worry about is sneezing and coughing. Allergy symptoms such as watery eyes and stuffy nose, along with sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and hives worsen during spring and summer. This period, known as allergy season, usually begins in early March. Although this may seem far away, its important to start preparing for allergy season early. Preparing now can help ease your symptoms throughout the season.;
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An Early Start To Allergy Season
A mild winter that ended with a flourish of warm weather was a welcome surprise for many Americans. But for the 25 to 35 percent of people who suffer from hay fever, the early arrival of warm weather meant an unusually early start to allergy season.
In some parts of the country, allergists say they have been seeing a rush of patients as far back as February experiencing sneezing, sniffling and stuffed sinuses brought on by a weak winter and unexpectedly balmy weather. Trees release their pollen as the weather turns warm, and in parts of the country where spring seemed to arrive a month or two early, so, too, did high pollen counts.
Whenever you see a mild winter, it should be a warning to people with allergies that there may be an early start to the allergy season, said Dr. Michael Marcus, the director of allergy services at Maimonides Medical Center in New York. But not everybody was attuned to that shift in weather, and so some people were caught unawares.
Pollen counts are already in the moderate range in many parts of the country, even though official recording of the levels does not start until the beginning of April. The problem has been compounded in many places by a lack of rain, which usually helps wash the pollen away.
We reserve the shots for patients who are having the most problems, Dr. Fineman said. The shots can also be very helpful for asthmatics. Youre basically treating the immune system to build up a tolerance to the allergy.
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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Seasonal Allergies Might Be Bad For Western New York This Year
Seasonal allergies are the worst. I’ve had chronic season allergies for my entire life and sometimes it’s unbearable, especially April-June. Cottonwood gets me every spring and tree pollen is a nuisance for many. However, the tree pollen season usually doesn’t start until April and that should be different in 2021.
According to WGRZ, the tree pollen season has started early this season because of the mild and dry air in early-to-mid March here in Western New York.
If you’re sensitive to tree pollen, especially;Maple, Elm, or Juniper pollen, then you could start to see the impact over the next several days.
Typically, the allergy season begins when the temperatures stick above freezing for a while, and it’s been above average for much of March, with this week bringing 60+ degree temps over the next three or four days.
To add to that, The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says that a predicted mild spring and the rainy forecast could also lead to the allergy season lasting into the fall, with rapid plant growth this spring.
Western New York is predicted to have a wet and mild spring, April through June, so it’s looking like the allergy season will not be friendly for those who have problems dealing with the pollen.
Begin Allergy Treatment Now
Its essential to begin allergy treatment before allergy season begins. We recommend starting allergy immunotherapy now to ease symptoms during allergy season. While it usually takes at least six months to start feeling better from allergy immunotherapy, some patients recorded improvement sooner. Along with your daily allergy medications, allergy immunotherapy can help you feel better faster. For more information about this allergy treatment, contact NY Allergy & Sinus Centers today. You can beat allergy season this year!
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Your Guide To Kids Fall Allergies During Covid
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Fall allergy season is here in New York. Allergy season is at its height during spring, but for kids, especially ones who have been couped up indoors, allergies can still hit into fall. We spoke with;Dr. Natasha Burgert, a board-certified pediatrician, to discuss simple health tips for kids and allergens as they return to school and outside in the time of COVID.
As we head into fall, what sorts of allergies do we need to be concerned about?
Most people with allergic symptoms in the fall are reacting to ragweed, dust, and molds. Ragweed is a plant and its pollen can travel very long distances in the air. Even if you dont live in an area with lots of ragweed plants, you can still be affected by this pesky pollen. Molds and dust cause trouble year-round, but as we start to spend more time indoors and use indoor heating systems, reactions to these irritants can increase. Some children will start to get allergic symptoms when returning to school since the school buildings collect mold and dust during the summer months. This could be particularly significant this school year, when many school buildings have been closed and quiet since March.
What is the difference between allergy symptoms and COVID in children?
What are the common allergy symptoms in children?
Does having seasonal allergies increase getting COVID?
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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