Get Seasonal Allergy Relief No Matter Where You Live
In the spring, the warm weather brings people outdoors to face one of the seasons biggest problems: tree pollen. Grass pollen follows later in spring into summer. Then in the late summer and early fall, weed pollen especially ragweed pollen can trigger symptoms just as kids are returning to school.
Take these actions to reduce your contact with pollen:
- Check pollen counts or forecasts daily and plan outdoor activities on days when pollen counts are expected to be lower.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season or peak pollen times.
- Use central air conditioning or air cleaners with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter and/or HEPA filtration to reduce indoor airborne allergens .
- Wear sunglasses, a mask, and a hat or other hair covering when outdoors.
- Take a shower and wash your hair before going to bed .
- Change and wash clothes after outdoor activities.
- Dry laundry in a clothes dryer or on an indoor rack, not on an outdoor line.
- Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors. Wipe pets off with a towel before they enter your home.
- Remove your shoes before entering your home.
- Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.
When cleaning inside your home, be aware that you may stir up pollen that has collected on surfaces. CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®vacuums and dusting cloths help trap and contain allergens such as pollen.
There are also over-the-counter and prescription allergy treatments available to prevent or treat allergy symptoms:
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Spring Is Here And So Is Allergy Season
It seems as soon as the flowers start to bloom, I see many patients with symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Pollen from grasses, flowers and trees can cause your eyes to get red, swollen, itchy and tear. This is called allergic conjunctivitis, and just like any other allergy is caused by a misfiring of the immune system, the body’s natural defense mechanism.
When you have allergies, your body reacts to things that aren’t really harmful, like pollen. It releases histamine, a chemical that causes swelling and inflammation. The blood vessels in your eyes swell and your eyes get red, teary, and itchy.
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Tips For Dealing With Pollen Allergies
- After you have spent time outdoors, take a quick shower to remove any pollen you may have accumulated on your skin or hair.
- Spend more time indoors when pollen levels are high. You can check pollen counts online.
- Dont drive around with your windows down or leave the windows open in your house
- Electrostatic filters may be more effective than standard air filters at trapping pollens.
Nyc Allergy Forecast Predicts 1 Type Of Pollen Will Dominate Entire East Coast
AccuWeather’s 2022 allergy forecast says pollen from ragweed and other types of weeds will be exploding in New Jersey and the rest of the eastern United States this year.AccuWeather
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Get those antihistamines ready.
As we turn the corner into spring, allergy sufferers in New York City and the rest of the Northeast region could be in for a brutal allergy season thanks to a certain pollen, according to a report from a team of AccuWeather forecasters.
Weed pollen specifically will dominate the entire East Coast starting at the height of summer, with higher-than-normal levels in the late summer and early fall months, noted the forecasters, who analyzed weather patterns and climate research to inform their report.
OTHER POLLENS
However, its not all bad news for allergy sufferers in our area.
The forecasters predict steady rainfall in April and early May will put a damper on tree pollen typically the first and biggest cause of allergies each year in our region, with levels expected to be average or below average from the Appalachian Mountains to Maine.
Grass pollen will be at near-average levels this summer in the Northeast due to warm weather and sporadic rainfall, the latter of which should cause intermittent grass growth.
Its worth noting we might not be so lucky in the future.
COVID-19 VS SEASONAL ALLERGIES
So how do you know if youre dealing with seasonal allergies, or something more serious?
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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.
Do Tree Pollens Cross
Tree pollens generally do not cross-react among themselves. Therefore, if you are allergic to one tree pollen, you are not necessarily allergic to another. Two types of trees are exempt from this rule: 1) the family that contains beech, oak, and birch, and 2) the one that contains cedar and juniper. If you are allergic to one of these trees, you will likely experience symptoms in at least one tree in the same family.
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No Youre Not Imagining It: Seasonal Allergies Are Worse This Year
School of Medicines Fred Little on reasons for the spike and what you can do about it
Its that time of year againyoure sitting outdoors enjoying the sunshine, when all of a sudden, you start to feelitchy. Within an hour, that itch has turned into a full-blown sneeze attack complete with watery eyes and congestion, and now youre running to the nearest pharmacy to buy some Zyrtec.
Seasonal allergiesor an allergic reaction to the tree and grass pollens that float around in the spring and summer, known as allergic rhinitisaffect nearly 60 million people in the United States every year. This year, theyre particularly bad in the Northeast, which can be attributed to factors such as climate change and recent dry spells, says longtime allergist Fred Little, a Boston University School of Medicine clinical associate professor of medicine and the director of the Boston Medical Center allergy-immunology fellowship.
We spoke with Little about how allergies work and what you can do to cut down on the sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
What Are The Different Types Of Pollen Allergies
Birch Pollen Allergies
One of the most common airborne allergens in the spring is birch pollen allergies. Small grains of pollen are scattered by the wind when trees bloom. Up to five million pollen grains can be produced from just a single birch tree, traveling over 100 yards from the original tree.
Oak Pollen Allergies
Oak trees also send pollen into the air during the spring. It stays in the air for longer periods of time but is considered mildly allergenic compared to other pollen types.
Grass Pollen Allergies
During the summer months, the grass is the primary trigger of pollen allergies. Compared to other pollen types, it causes some of the most severe and difficult-to-treat symptoms.
Ragweed Allergies
Ragweed allergies are most active between the late spring and fall months. They are the most common allergies among weed pollens. This type of pollen can travel hundreds of miles and can even withstand the winter season.
- Allergy Skin Test
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How Allergies Are Diagnosed
New Yorkers need to have themselves tested to confirm if they have some forms of allergic reactions. This is important so that other symptoms cannot be mistaken for allergic reactions. One of the most common ways for allergies to be diagnosed is to have a skin test. Also known as prick testing, an area of the forearm is chosen and marked with a hypoallergenic pen. Small traces of allergens are placed on the punctured areas and observed within 30 seconds to see if the body has any reactions towards the allergens. This test also determines the severity of the allergic reaction.
Another method of testing for allergic reactions is to undergo blood testing wherein your blood IgE levels will be tested. This test does not predict the severity of the reaction but is good qualitative test to predict allergic reactions.
Plan Time Outdoors Wisely
Many popular weather apps and websites provide allergy forecasts or pollen counts. On the National Allergy Bureau website there is a list of more than 80 stations throughout the United States that provide more detailed daily pollen updates based on different species of plants. You can select the station closest to you and receive notifications for the particular pollen allergy you have.
Pollen counts tend to be at their highest between early morning and midmorning, as well as on hot, dry, windy days, Dr. Chong said. If you can exercise indoors during those times or run errands later in the evening, you will reduce the amount of pollen you inhale, she added.
If you are prone to allergy symptoms and have to go out in the morning or do yardwork, wear a high-quality N95 mask the kind you may already have for protection against the coronavirus. This will help filter out pollen.
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The Spring Allergy Season Arrives In New York City
Do you have allergy symptoms already? Well, thereâs a reason for your sneezing.
What You Need To Know
- The spring allergy season starts in March
- Spring pollen peaks near Mother’s Day
- The spring allergies taper off in early June
It may not have felt like it recently, but spring is almost here. The equinox is less than a week away. It will occur on Sunday, March 20.
As the days get longer and temperatures warm, the trees and plants that have been dormant wake up from their winter slumber. That means they produce pollen.
Last week, pollen started showing up on allergy reports for the five boroughs. Levels so far are moderate with maple and elm trees, the primary sources of our allergies in New York City. Juniper bushes are also adding to the pollen count.
The spring allergy season for New York City begins in the second week of March, peaks in May and fades in June.
As our climate warms, weâve seen pollen season getting earlier. Overall, the growing season in our area is now about three weeks longer than it was in the past.
Health experts recommend stocking up on allergy medicine now, so that you have it on hand as the pollen count rises.
Also, to reduce the effects of pollen, you can keep your window shut. Put your pillow in a plastic cover when youâre not using it and use air filters. Wearing a mask can also help reduce the impact of pollen.
Maple and oak trees are the main irritants for allergy sufferers.
Who Are Allergy Doctors In New York
In New York, there are several different types of providers you can go to for your allergies. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists, immunologists, and ENTs. When choosing an allergy doctor, the most important thing is choosing a provider you trust.
It is also important to work with a doctor who will consider both your test results and your allergy history to make sure they make sense together. You should also consider how long you will need to wait to be seen by them and how convenient it is for your schedule.
At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will work with you to get you long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your allergy test results and your allergy history.
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Seasonal Allergy Guide: Fall
Allergy season is winding down, but that doesnt mean well be saying goodbye to allergies for the rest of the year. Fall brings new allergens like ragweed pollen along with dust mite and food allergies which are year-round. Fall allergy triggers are different but can cause just as many symptoms as in spring and summer. These symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Dark circles under the eyes
As we prepare for students to return back to school, its important to understand these triggers and how to treat them this season.
How Are Stark County Residents Doing This Year
On a recent Friday morning at Price Park in North Canton, several Stark County residents described a mix of allergy experiences, ranging from mild to severe.
Some, like Spring Schumacher and her 3-year-old daughter, Gemma, have noticed their allergies acting up more than normal this year, but their symptoms are still mild.
Schumacher lives in Canton and said her allergies typically are worse in fall than spring. Her daughter’s allergies, she said, have been a lot worse this fall compared to seasons past.
Meanwhile, North Canton resident Judy Forsythe and her friend, Sue Stansloski of Massillon, both said seasonal allergies haven’t been much of a problem lately.
The women said they use products like Claritin and Flonase when their allergies act up, but they have been largely unaffected by them in recent years.
Reach Paige at 580-8577 or pmbennett@gannett.com or on Twitter at @paigembenn.
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If Pollen Counts Are High
Here are a few other things you can do to head off an allergic reaction:
- Check the allergy forecast for your town.
- If high pollen counts are forecast, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
- Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
- Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Check Your Daily Allergy Forecast
Numerous sites across the internet offer weekly or even daily allergy forecasts. An allergy tracker from pollen.com gives you a glimpse of the current allergy forecast according to city and metropolitan area.
Other popular allergy trackers include The Weather Channel and the National Allergy Bureau.
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Sublingual Immunotherapy Allergy Drops
Medications and lifestyle changes can certainly bring you short-term relief, but they dont get rid of your symptoms for good. They just manage them. With sublingual immunotherapy allergy drops, you can retrain your immune system to ignore your allergy triggers. Unlike allergy shots, allergy drops are pain-free and dont require frequent visits to the doctor. If youre interested in long-term relief from your allergies, Wyndly can help.
When Is Allergy Season In New York
Depending on what you are allergic to, you can experience allergy symptoms at any time of year in New York. Pollen allergies will flare up in the spring, summer, and fall, while indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions at any point in the year.
New York is in the Northeastern Mixed Forest allergy region. Each region has different allergens and allergy seasons, so weve compiled the most common information for allergy season in New York.
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Reduce Pollen At Home
Avoid bringing pollen back inside after youve been outdoors. Take your shoes off and change your clothes when you get home. Shower before going to bed to remove pollen from your body. And dont have your furry pets sleep with you, Dr. Hong said. Even if youre not allergic to your pets, there is pollen on their coats.
In order to sleep better, you can try zipping up your mattress and pillows in hypoallergenic encasements, washing bedding in hot soapy water once a week and using a dryer instead of a clothesline.
Dr. Hong also recommended cleaning and replacing your air-conditioner filter with one that has a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of 11 or higher. These filters are capable of capturing tiny pollen particles. If you have severe allergies, you may even want to splurge for a professional-style HEPA filter in your bedroom. HEPA filters typically have a MERV rating of 17 or higher and remove 99 percent of pollen, as well as animal dander, dust and other particles.
Meet The Physician Collaborator
Dr. Shah is a board-certified physician specializing in Adult & Pediatric allergy & immunology. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in pre-medical from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While she was getting her undergraduate degree, she was commended to the Deans list and graduated with University honors. She was also recognized in the Beta Beta Beta, a National Biological Honors Society. Dr. Shah completed medical School in Atlanta, GA where she was recognized as a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, an Honorary Fraternity. She then did her Internal Medicine Residency at Jefferson Health System of NJ. She received her degree in Allergy & Immunology from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Shah has been involved in research since her undergraduate days and is very well published. She has authored and co-authored multiple journal articles. Dr. Shah is also a corresponding author of the Allergy & Immunology board-review books which are read by all physicians certifying and re-certifying for the Allergy & immunology boards.
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