Spring brings warmer weather, sunnier skies, green trees and . . . allergy season. For people with pollen allergies, a new growing season often means allergy symptoms.
Tree pollen is the most common allergen this time of year. The warmer temperatures and longer sun exposure causes trees to blossom and/or leaf and produce pollen.
While pollen production gives us many benefits – such as fruit, seeds, shade, and new trees – it also means the release of a potent allergy trigger.
Symptoms of Pollen Allergy
Symptoms of pollen allergy include:
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- Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea – usually a thin, clear discharge)
- Stuffy nose (due to blockage or nasal congestion)
- Sneezing
- Red and watery eyes
- Itchy nose, eyes, ears, or mouth
- Swelling around the eyes
Some of these symptoms are similar to a cold, flu, or COVID-19. If you have seasonal pollen allergies, you’ll want to take steps to prevent and manage your symptoms.
Spring Into Allergy Management
While pollen allergy season may bring unpleasant symptoms, you can take steps to breathe easier this spring.
- Reduce your pollen exposure
- Use treatments to manage symptoms
- See a specialist for a tailored approach
- Ask policymakers to address climate change
You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to allergy self-care.
Allergy Self-Care
When seasonal allergy symptoms strike, you want relief.
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Here’s what you can do to reduce exposure to pollen and manage symptoms when they happen:
- Watch daily pollen counts and plan activities accordingly.
- Plan outdoor activities on low pollen days.
- On high pollen days, stay inside if possible. When you are outside, wear sunglasses, a hat or head covering, and a mask to limit the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs.
You can also take steps to keep pollen out of your home:
- Remove your shoes before entering your home. Change and wash clothes after outdoor activities.
- Wipe furry animals off when they come inside or bathe them weekly.
- Shower before bed to keep pollen out of your bedding.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season or peak pollen times (usually midday).
- If possible, use central air conditioning or air cleaners with a HEPA or CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter.
- Clean bedding, floors, and fabric furniture once a week.
- Clean blinds, curtains, and washable rugs once a month.
What About Treatment?
Both over-the-counter and prescription treatments can help you manage allergy symptoms.
- A saline spray or nasal rinse can help clean mucus and pollen from your nose.
- Antihistamines help reduce sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. The newest versions of these medicines are long-acting and non-drowsy (Claritin®, Allegra®, Astepro®, and the generic forms of these medicines).
- Decongestants provide relief from stuffiness by shrinking the lining of the nose. But these should only be used for 3 days or less. Talk with your doctor about using decongestants because of their side effects. For example, they can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, you may want to avoid them.
You can also consult an allergist who can help you tailor a treatment plan that responds to your specific allergy triggers and symptoms. An allergist may prescribe immunotherapy, which is a long-term treatment that can help prevent allergic reactions or make them less severe. There are two types of immunotherapy – allergy shots, or under-the-tongue tablets.
Why Do My Allergies Keep Getting Worse?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s (AAFA) 2024 Allergy Capitals™ report points to the urgency of the climate crisis as an explanation for longer and more intense pollen allergy seasons.
Spring growing seasons (tree pollen) start 20 days earlier and fall growing seasons (ragweed pollen) last 10 days longer than they did just 30 years ago.
The impact of climate change – warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons – means earlier exposure to pollen and more intense pollen production. For people in some parts of the country, pollen season is nearly year-round. Climate change fuels a perfect storm of conditions that make allergy symptoms worse.
The health impacts of climate change are also felt more in urban areas due to urban heat islands (UHI). A UHI is a metropolitan area that has higher temperatures than its surrounding areas. Black and Hispanic populations bear the disproportionate burden of both the UHI effect and air pollution due to a history of housing policies in the United States that discriminate against these communities.
| 2024 Allergy Capitals: Most Challenging Places to Live with Pollen Allergies |
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To see AAFA’s full list of the top 100 cities, visit: allergycapitals.com
What Can We Do About it?
Allergy self-care is an important first step to managing the negative impacts of pollen allergy.
Taking steps to bring about policy changes that address the climate crisis is also important. We need to slow the cycle of climate change because if we don’t, pollen counts will get higher, temperatures will continue to rise, and urban areas will continue to bear the brunt of air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released new vehicle emissions standards that will significantly reduce transportation-related emissions. This is an important step toward stemming the tide of climate change.
Local, state, and federal policymakers must work together to mitigate climate change and improve public health.
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This content was developed in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through research, education, advocacy, and support. Learn more about AAFA at: aafa.org
AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). You can join our online patient support community at: aafa.org/join
AAFA produces annual Allergy Capitals reports to help people recognize, prevent, and manage seasonal allergies. The report uses data to rank the 100 most populous cities in the contiguous United States in terms of challenges for people with allergies. Learn more about AAFA’s Allergy Capitals report at: allergycapitals.com
