Experts Say The Spring 2022 Allergy Season Will Be A Bad One Here’s What You Need To Know
Look no further than the oak trees outside your home or office and you’ll know what time of year is coming our way.
Pollen has already started to accumulate, leading to a noticeable uptick in sniffs and sneezes. Much more is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately, we’re expecting a bad allergy season in Houston this year especially this coming April,” says Dr. Omar Ahmed, an ENT doctor at Houston Methodist.
It’s not just Houston. Dr. Ahmed notes that allergy seasons are getting longer and worse across the country.
In Houston, the primary reason this season is predicted to be so bad is the relatively mild winter we just experienced.
“With a warmer winter comes a longer growing season for trees and grasses that produce pollen, meaning a higher concentration of pollen for us to deal with as it begins to bloom,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Pollen counts actually started rising as early as January, but more is coming in April and people should be prepared for that.”
Dr. Ahmed’s advice for handling a bad allergy season? Plan ahead.
“One of the best ways to deal with allergy season is to get ahead of it taking steps to prevent allergy symptoms and knowing how to treat them if they do arise,” says Dr. Ahmed.
Start by checking local pollen counts on your weather app and considering how the day’s pollen levels might affect your outdoor plans.
Still, allergy symptoms may strike, and Dr. Ahmed’s preferred first step might surprise you.
What Are The Most Common Spring And Summer Allergies
Pollen and molds. Pollen is one of the most common allergies in the U.S., caused by a fine, powdery, airborne pollen powder from trees, grass, flowers and weeds. People with pollen allergies only have symptoms when pollen is in the air. Mold allergies can be year-round, but are usually worse when the weather is damp and when the leaves decay in the fall.
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 2022: “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 due to allergies.
Overall, though, if you’re having trouble telling if your symptoms are allergies or COVID, your best bet is to get checked out at a doctor’s office or urgent care center.
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To a lesser extent, mold and dust mites are fall allergy triggers, according to WebMd. Mold spores multiply in wet spots outside, such as piles of damp leaves. The first use of the furnace in the fall sends dust mites idle for months swirling into the air.
Generally, allergy sufferers will breathe easier after the first freeze, when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of hours. That wont happen as early as it does across the eastern third of the country, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert.
Learn More About Seasonal Allergies And Allergy Season
Allergies are a common ailment. Each year, over 50 million Americans experience an allergy of some type, and allergies are the sixth most common cause of chronic illness in the United States. They can occur in winter, spring, summer or fall it all depends on what a person is allergic to. Most seasonal allergies, like pollen allergies, are airborne.
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What Are The Symptoms
A ragweed allergy may cause symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy or puffy eyes, an itchy nose or throat, and mucus in the throat.
However, some people may experience more severe symptoms. Ragweed might trigger asthma symptoms, lead to chronic sinusitis, headaches and congestion that can cause trouble sleeping, the AAFA notes.
These allergic reactions flare up because some peoples’ immune systems treat the ragweed pollen as a foreign invader, leading to a chemical reaction that causes the symptoms.
How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 24 million Americans experience seasonal allergies, also referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
If youre experiencing an allergy, your symptoms will last for as long as youre exposed to the allergen. If youre allergic to tree pollen, for example, you may have that familiar runny nose, watery eyes and other allergy symptoms for weeks or even months while trees are blooming and tree pollen is prolific in the air.
How long seasonal allergies last differs from year to year, and it is highly dependent on the weather. When the weather is warmer and plants bloom earlier in the spring and fall, allergy season lasts longer. Your symptoms may linger as long as the pollen counts stay high.
Wondering when allergy season might begin? Take a look at the allergens common in each month of the year:
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This Map Shows Peak Allergy Season In Maryland And My Eyes Are Already Watering
Spring is just getting started in Maryland and were all looking forward to warmer weather and more outdoor activities. But to those who are prone to seasonal allergies, spring is also a time of dread. Although there is no avoiding pollen during this time of year, you can certainly plan your outdoorsy adventures around peak allergy season. The below map shows when pollen will be most abundant, so take a look, and plan accordingly.
What Are The Treatments
There is no cure for a ragweed allergy, but there are some therapies that may provide relief. Nasal corticosteroids, for example, are nasal sprays that can reduce symptoms and treat inflammation. Antihistamines, meanwhile, work by reducing symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.
Some people can benefit from immunotherapy, which may take the form of allergy shots. These help reduce allergy symptoms by gradually exposing the body to the allergen so it can develop a tolerance, WebMD states. More information on treatments can be found on the AAFA website.
Treatments aside, people can also try to manage their symptoms by avoiding the pollen as best they can. Some methods include tracking the pollen count in their area, for example by looking at the National Allergy Bureau map. Central air conditioning can be fitted with allergy air filters.
People can take steps to prevent pollen from being tracked into their home, such as by taking shoes off outside, changing clothes before bed, and covering hair when outside or washing it at night.
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When Does Allergy Season Start
When is allergy season? Allergy season can occur year-round depending on your specific seasonal allergies and geographic location. With that said, allergy season is typically the most severe during the spring months, especially during the first week of May. This is because seasonal allergies are commonly triggered by pollen, which is most prevalent during spring and summer.
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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Do Patients Come To You With Common Misconceptions About Allergies
The most common misconception we hear is that someone who is allergic to cats or dogs can have a hypoallergenic pet. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. Theres also no such thing as a hypoallergenic human our pets can become allergic to us! We do understand how important pets are to families and work on interventions that can keep the family and pets together whenever possible.
Everything You Need To Know About Tree And Spring Pollen Allergies 2022
Compared to the rest of the U.S., midwinter and early spring in Jacksonville is a really beautiful time of year.
Although, our mild temperatures tend to attract folks from more frigid regions, that doesnt mean our cool seasons are completely free of any downsides. In fact, if youre allergic to tree pollen one of the most common allergens we have here on the First Coast you know this all too well.
Another downside? Jacksonville regularly ranks among the Worst Cities for Spring Allergies. In 2021 Jacksonville came in at #30 in the US in 2022? Were now up to #22 .
Across most of the country, trees dont release their pollen until early spring. But, thanks to our temperate climate here in North Florida, local trees usually start producing an abundance of pollen starting in February . Although January 2022 felt a bit cooler than normal, February warmed up and we began to see a big uptick in pollen.
If you suffer from tree pollen sensitivity, heres a helpful guide for tree pollen allergies and our best advice for controlling a reaction this spring season.
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Which Plants Produce Pollen That Cause Allergic Reactions
Plants that have powdery granules of pollen that are easily blown by the wind, such as:
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Trees, such as oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut, catalpa, olive, and pecan
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Grasses, such as Timothy, Johnson, Bermuda, orchard, sweet vernal, red top, and some blue grasses
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Weeds, such as ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed, Russian thistle, and cockle weed
Most flowering plants, such as roses, have heavier, waxy pollens that are not as easily wind-blown.
The Fall Allergy Season Is Underway In Maryland Here’s When It’s Expected To End And What The Main Source Is For Your Misery
MARYLAND Watery eyes, scratchy throats and runny noses are making many folks miserable. The fall allergy season is underway in Maryland, and only a hard frost will tamp down the pollen that torments allergy sufferers.
Allergies are a year-round malady, but are different in the fall than in other seasons. Ragweed is the big culprit, but mold and dust mites are also fall allergy triggers.
What we see in the fall are allergies to ragweed, WebMD chief medical officer Dr. John Whyte told AccuWeather. It blooms between August and November, so we kind of see that peak pollen mid- to late September.
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How Can I Tell If Im Allergic To The Plants In My Yard
If you are tested for allergies, we will tell you the specific trees and other plants you are allergic to. If you aren’t sure what types of trees and plants are in your yard, there are several free, excellent plant identification apps that you can download to your smartphone. These include PlantSnap, LeafSnap or iNaturalist.
When Is Allergy Season Symptoms And Treatment For Seasonal Allergies
- Allergy season is usually most severe in the spring, around the first week of May.
- That’s because seasonal allergies called allergic rhinitis or hay fever commonly occur due to pollen from trees and grass, which are most prevalent in the spring and early summer.
- However, some plants may pollinate later in the summer or fall here’s what you need to know about each allergy season, the main symptoms of seasonal allergies, and how to treat them.
- This article was medically reviewed by Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist and laryngologist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
- This story is part of Insider’s guide to Seasonal Allergies.
Allergies can happen year-round. But there is a time of year when about 8% of Americans experience the same allergy, nation-wide.
Here’s what you need to know about allergy season, when it strikes, and how to prepare.
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What Can I Do About It
There is no cure for a ragweed pollen allergy. But there are ways to treat and manage it.
Track the pollen count for your area. The news media often reports the count for your area, especially when pollen is high. You also can get your areas pollen counts from the National Allergy Bureau.
Stay indoors in central air conditioning when the pollen count is high. Get a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air filter for your air conditioner. If you do spend time outside, try to go out in the afternoons and evenings. Ragweed pollen peaks in mornings.
Prevent pollen from being tracked into your home. If you spend a lot of time outside during peak pollen time:
- Take your shoes off outside
- Dont wear your outside clothes to bed
- Cover your hair when outside or wash it at night
You might even consider moving to get away from ragweed. This will often help you feel better for a short time. But you can develop allergies to plants in your new location in a few years. And ragweed is found in every state except Alaska. A well-thought out treatment plan is a better way to live with your allergies.
Take anti-inflammatory or antihistamine medicines, and start treatment in the summer. Many over-the-counter medicines work well to control pollen allergy symptoms. They can also help eye, nose and asthma symptoms. Many newer antihistamines dont cause as much drowsiness as older ones.
With SLIT, you take a small dose of an allergen under your tongue. You also gradually become more sensitive.
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What Is A Pollen Count
In exchange for Seattles natural beauty, we do have a strong pollen presence. Every weekday during pollen season, we provide a Seattle area pollen count. A pollen count assesses the number of pollen grains present per cubic meter of air. Our pollen count is certified by the National Allergy Bureau .
We have two different pollen counting machines located on the roof of our Northgate office. Our Burkard machine collects pollen 24/7 and reports twice a week for pollens, while our Rotorod runs 25 minutes per day. This is the Seattle pollen count youll find on King5 and other local media.
Seasonal Allergies: When Is Allergy Season
Ryan Quinn
Ryan Quinn
Ryan has a background in geochemical research and enjoys writing on technical subjects like health and science. He lives in Salt Lake City, UT and can be found recreating in the local mountains.
Renee Rulin, MD, MPH
Renee Rulin, MD, MPH
Dr. Rulin is a Board Certified Family Physician with experience treating adults and children of all ages. She completed a residency at Brown University and received a Masters in Public Health from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Rulin enjoys being outdoors as much as the New England weather will allow, enjoys reading and cooking, and practices yoga and meditation.
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Experts Suspect An Extended Allergy Season Provide Tips To Relieve Symptoms
SALISBURY, Md. Congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes are all symptoms that are common year-round but are even more prominent as spring time approaches.
Experts say theres one big contributing factor to that: pollen.
In the spring time we have a lot of plants that are wind-pollinated. So that means that the pollen is light. It goes in the air, the wind blows it, University of Maryland Extensions Ginny Rosenkranz said.
Once you get that exposure that first year, its kind of the priming mechanism, and every year there after you get a more enhanced and aggressive response as time goes by, Dr. Deckard said.
A study by Nature Communications found pollen season may be extended and even more intense than years past in the U.S. due to global warming, with pollen counts going up nearly 250-percent by the end of the century.
As we get more and more warm days in the middle of winter, we will have more plants that are blooming earlier. That will extend the season for pollen and therefore allergies, Rosenkranz said.
As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, Dr. Nathan Deckard with Eastern Shore ENT & Allergy Associates in Salisbury says he expects to see more patients showing up to the clinic this season than the last two years.
Just because youre losing that mask. That masks in helping to filter not just viral particles and cold viruses, and bacteria. Its also protecting you from all the inhaled pollens that are in the air, Dr. Deckard said.
