Allergy Season Arrives: Expert Tips to Combat Pollen and Find Relief

Millions of Americans face misery during allergy season as tree, grass and weed pollens trigger uncomfortable symptoms. Medical experts share practical strategies to minimize exposure and effectively treat seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies bring misery to millions of Americans each year as pollen from trees, grasses and weeds triggers uncomfortable symptoms including runny noses, watery eyes, persistent coughing and frequent sneezing.

The severity of allergic reactions depends on several factors including geographic location, specific allergens that affect you, and daily habits. Medical professionals note that climate change has extended allergy seasons and increased their intensity, though they also emphasize that treatment options have improved significantly in recent years.

Medical experts offer practical advice for managing allergy symptoms that may even allow sufferers to spend time outdoors comfortably.

Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America creates a list ranking the most difficult cities for allergy sufferers. Their assessment considers over-the-counter medication usage, pollen levels, and availability of allergy specialists.

The 2024 rankings place these five cities at the top: Boise, Idaho; San Diego; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Provo, Utah; and Rochester, New York.

Pollen consists of fine particles released by plants and trees during reproduction. Tree pollen dominates early spring, followed by grass pollination, then weed pollen in late summer and early autumn.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, problematic tree pollens include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut varieties. Troublesome grasses encompass Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.

Monitoring pollen levels helps determine optimal times for outdoor activities. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology maintains tracking through counting stations nationwide, with data accessible on their website and through email alerts.

Prevention through reduced exposure remains the primary defense against allergies. Keep vehicle and home windows sealed, even during pleasant weather.

Dr. James Baker, a University of Michigan allergist, recommends wearing long sleeves outdoors to prevent pollen contact with skin and reduce allergic responses. “It also provides some sun protection,” he added.

Upon returning indoors, change clothing immediately and shower daily to eliminate all pollen, including from hair. For those unable to wash hair daily, covering it with hats or scarves when outside helps. Avoid bringing outdoor clothing into bed, as pollen will transfer.

Medical experts suggest rinsing eyes and nasal passages with saline solution to remove pollen particles. Face masks used during the pandemic can also provide allergy protection, though they won’t address eye-related symptoms.

Nasal sprays available without prescription rank among the most effective seasonal allergy treatments, according to specialists.

However, improper usage often causes nasal irritation, explains Dr. Kathleen May, an allergist at Augusta University in Georgia. She recommends directing the spray nozzle toward your ear rather than straight up the nostril.

Oral antihistamines including Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec provide benefits but may work more slowly since they’re ingested rather than applied directly, experts note.

When allergy symptoms significantly impact daily life by disrupting sleep or affecting work or school performance, consulting an allergist becomes advisable. Specialized medications can retrain the immune system to reduce overreactions to allergens.

Certain allergy remedies promoted on social media or by celebrities, such as consuming local honey to build pollen tolerance, lack scientific support.

Dr. Shyam Joshi from Oregon Health and Science University explains this occurs “because the flowers that bees pollinate typically don’t contain the airborne pollen that causes allergy symptoms.”

Climate change contributes to milder winters and extended growing periods, creating more opportunities for airborne pollen and resulting in prolonged, more severe allergy seasons.

The previous year marked one of the most intense allergy seasons recorded, especially throughout the southeastern United States.