Are you reaching for tissues more frequently enough lately? If you’re sensitive to pollen, you might have noticed your allergies are especially bothersome. Medical experts confirm you’re not alone. Pollen season is not just a nuisance; it’s becoming longer and more intense.

The Annual Pollen Calendar: A Three-Act Play

Allergy season isn’t a single event; it’s a series of peaks, each dominated by different types of pollen. Dr. Kara Wada, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, breaks it down:

• Spring (March-May/June): tree pollen takes center stage.
• Late Spring/Summer (May-July): Grass pollen dominates.
• Late Summer/Fall (August-October/November): Weed pollens, like ragweed, arrive.

Dr. Sakina Bajowala, another board-certified allergist and immunologist, emphasizes individual variation: The worst time of year for allergies depends on what an individual is allergic to. She adds, If you are allergic to multiple environmental allergens, symptoms may be most bothersome during those months when you have an overlap of multiple allergens.

the Culprits Behind Your Congestion

Several factors contribute to the severity of allergy symptoms.Here’s a breakdown:

• Pollen Overlap: May often sees a convergence of tree and grass pollen, leading to particularly high overall pollen loads, making it a notoriously tough month for many allergy sufferers across the U.S., according to Dr. Wada.
• Weather Patterns: Warm, dry, and windy days are prime time for pollen dispersal. Pollen is highest on days that are warm,dry and windy, Dr. Wada notes.
• Time of day: Pollen levels fluctuate throughout the day. Especially during morning hours for ragweed or evening hours for tree and grass pollens, Dr. Wada explains. Rain can offer temporary relief by washing pollen away, but counts often surge afterward.
• Climate Change: Research indicates that allergy seasons are becoming longer and more intense due to climate change.

Warmer temperatures are leading to earlier springs and later frosts, Dr. Wada explains. This isn’t just a perception; it’s backed by data showing increased pollen counts and longer growing seasons. Prepare for possibly tougher seasons ahead.

Allergy or Illness? Decoding Your Symptoms

Sneezing and a runny nose are hallmark allergy symptoms,but they can also indicate othre conditions. It’s crucial to differentiate between allergies and illnesses like colds, the flu, or COVID-19.

Don’t confuse allergies with colds, the flu or COVID, Dr. Wada warns. While some symptoms overlap, allergies typically don’t cause fevers and often involve notable itching of the eyes and/or nose. colds usually resolve within a week to 10 days, whereas allergy symptoms persist as long as the allergen is present.

Combating Congestion: Your Allergy-Fighting Arsenal

If allergies are indeed the culprit,experts recommend a multi-pronged approach to alleviate symptoms:

• Avoidance: Monitor pollen and mold counts online and stay indoors with closed windows on high pollen days.Install HEPA filters at home and wash bedding weekly in hot water.Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors. Consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask during yard work or prolonged outdoor exposure on high pollen days.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Explore options like nasal steroid sprays (best used consistently starting weeks before allergy season),non-drowsy antihistamines,and saline nasal rinses (neti pots or saline spray bottles) to flush out pollen and mucus.
• Professional Consultation: If OTC measures aren’t providing enough relief, it’s time to see an allergist, Dr. Wada advises. We can confirm your specific triggers through testing and discuss prescription medications or other therapies like immunotherapy.