- Spring allergy season can start earlier in some states due to higher temperatures. They cause an immune system overreaction in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms like runny noses and itchy eyes.
- Pollen allergies are caused by trees (February-April), grass (April-June), and weeds (August until the first frost), with pollen counts highest early in the day and during warm, dry, breezy conditions.
- To reduce exposure, time outdoor activities when allergens are lowest, and avoid intense physical activity that increases breathing rates during high-pollen periods.
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Millions of Americans are in the throes of spring allergy season, with some states seeing an earlier onset than usual. In early March, the Climate Prediction Center predicted temperatures above average for much of the southern and eastern United States, likely increasing pollen levels due to blossoming trees.
During certain seasons, plants, trees and grasses release pollen to fertilize other plants of the same species. The powdery particles float through the air and are easily inhaled.
For some, inhaling pollen causes an immune system overreaction. The immune system perceives pollen as a threat, releasing antibodies to attack the allergens. This leads to histamines being released into the bloodstream, triggering symptoms such as runny noses and itchy eyes.
Trees, grass or weeds?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, trees are the primary source of pollen allergies from February through April. Grass pollen begins to cause issues from April to early June, while weeds become problematic from early August until the first hard frost.
Timing is everything
To avoid spending summer indoors, it’s important to recognize that certain times of day are worse for allergies. The Allergy Asthma Network notes that airborne pollen tends to be highest early in the day, just after dew dries, continuing into early afternoon. High pollen levels can sometimes persist until late afternoon, with potency increasing in warm, dry, and breezy conditions, or after thunderstorms and rainfall.
Pollen counts are never zero, so it’s advisable to time outdoor activities when allergens are lowest. If outdoor time is necessary during high-pollen periods, avoid intense physical activity that increases rapid breathing. More allergens are inhaled when breathing speeds up. Whenever possible, opt for indoor exercise.