Allergy sufferers need not look past their vehicle’s hood to see why this season is so bad — if their watery eyes let them.
Tree pollen allergy season is nearing its peak, but relief might be available at your local pharmacy or grocery aisle.
Grass pollen season is right around the corner.
Here are five things to know about allergy season: Allergy season peaks Those struggling with the telltale symptoms of a seasonal allergic reaction — including runny noses, post-nasal drip, itchy eyes, congestion and sneezing — shouldn’t be surprised.
Grass pollen season will follow, starting in mid- to late May and ending in mid-July.
And allergy season may get worse before it gets better.
The tree pollen season is likely to overlap with the grass pollen season.
“The key is to use the medications prior to the onset of allergy season to work really well,” he said.
If their teary eyes allow it, allergy sufferers don’t even need to open their car’s hood to understand why this season is so miserable.
The season of tree pollen allergies is almost over, but there may be relief at your neighborhood pharmacy or grocery store. The season for grass pollen is quickly approaching.
Five things to know about allergy season are as follows:.
Peak allergy season occurs.
Individuals experiencing the characteristic signs of a seasonal allergic response, such as post-nasal drip, runny noses, itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing, need not be taken aback. There is currently an unusually high level of tree pollen, according to Dr. Kumar Patel of Advanced Allergy and Asthma in Tarentum.
We’re right in the thick of things. We’ve had some cold and rainy weather over the past month, so now that the sun is shining, pollen production is increasing significantly, he said. The nice, thick layer of pollen on your car indicates that there has been more pollen produced because the weather has been warm and sunny. With the trees growing, there is an enormous amount of pollen production, and the recent rains have sort of fertilized all the tree pollen. “.
Dr. This year’s tree pollen season began earlier than usual, according to Robert Gorby of Westmoreland Allergy and Asthma Associates. Next comes the grass pollen season, which lasts from mid- to late-May to mid-July. The season for pollen-producing weeds will then begin in mid-August and end in October. The hottest and muggy months of the summer are also conducive to the growth of mold.
Additionally, allergy season might worsen before improving. It’s possible for the grass and tree pollen seasons to coincide.
One of the later pollinating trees is the oak tree. “They tend to peak later,” Gorby remarked. The pollination of oak trees on Memorial Day is not unusual. “.
The cause of allergies?
Allergies stem from an immune system response to foreign substances, such as mold, pollen, or pet dander.
According to Gorby, a person may be allergic to some seasonal allergens but not others.
He stated that although allergies can run in families, it’s not always the case that children will inherit their parents’ allergies.
He stated, “Generally speaking, one season will be more problematic than the other two for people who react to all three pollens.”. There are a lot of people who are currently suffering because we’re sort of in the transitional period between grass and tree pollen. “.
“No magic tablet.”.
No one allergy medication or treatment is proven to be the best for everyone, according to local allergists.
Patel declared, “There isn’t a miracle drug.”. Various drugs have varying effects on various people. “.
Allergic symptoms can be reduced with the use of several over-the-counter medications. Along with any generic equivalent, steroid nasal sprays like Flonase, Nasacort, and Nasonex can be useful. Allergy eye drops also aid in the relief of symptoms related to the eyes, as can antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
Dr. Thomas Mertz, an allergist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Pittsburgh in Harmar, advises patients to experiment with various drugs.
“I believe you should just try a few and see which one works best for you,” he stated. “The medications take effect pretty quickly; you should be able to tell whether or not they are helping within a day or two of starting them. “.
It could be time to visit an allergist to get tested for your particular allergies or to think about receiving allergy immunotherapy shots if none of the over-the-counter remedies are helping.
Allergist Dr. Russell Traister of the AHN Pediatric Institute stated, “If you are happily symptom-controlled and you can take Flonase and Claritin, you’re fine continuing that.”. If your symptoms are persistently getting worse even after taking those two over-the-counter medications, it might be time to see an allergist. “.
When to take prescription drugs.
Patel advised allergy sufferers to begin using nasal steroid sprays in February or March, well before the onset of allergy season, for optimal results.
“To ensure optimal results, it is essential to take the medications before the start of allergy season,” he stated. It takes time for that to build up, so you want to use it as soon as possible. “.
He went on, “Even if you didn’t start early, it’s still worth using a nasal spray.”.
“You won’t receive as much benefit as you would if you were doing it regularly,” he stated.
strategies for reducing allergy symptoms.
Avoiding allergies altogether is a dependable method of reducing their effects in addition to taking medicine. When pollen counts are high, people with seasonal allergies may want to avoid going outside.
Mertz advised people who suffer from allergies to keep their windows closed in order to block out pollen.
“Air filtration and air conditioning would be the most effective ways to avoid any allergen, especially the pollen,” he stated.
