Overview: If you have seasonal allergies, you can reduce your exposure in any season of the year.
As winter turns to spring, trees actively pollinate and those pollens can trigger your allergies to act up, even as the snow is still melting.
Depending on where you live, there are generally three pollen seasons. The start and end dates of these seasons, as well as the specific plants, vary based on the climate.
- Trees generally pollinate in the spring.
- Grass releases pollen in the summer. Timothy, Johnson and Rye grasses are examples of allergens in this category.
- Weeds cause hay fever in the fall. Ragweed is the biggest offender as it can grow in nearly every environment.
- Autumn harvest mixes mold spores, ragweed, nettle, sage and pigweed until it snows next winter.
Talk with your primary care provider about allergy treatments for you and your family.
Allergy symptoms
Initial symptoms include:
- Itching nose, mouth and eyes leading to sneezing.
- Nasal congestion.
- Tearing of the eyes.
If you experience hay fever, symptoms may worsen and lead to sinus infections. Hay fever also makes asthma worse, disrupts your sleep and affects your ability to learn at school or be productive at work.
If you’re having allergy symptoms and are unsure what's causing the reaction, allergists can help pinpoint the actual cause and diagnosis with skin testing.
Tips for allergy care
Plan ahead
Being aware of your allergies and triggers is a great start. If you take prescriptions, make sure you use antihistamines and nasal steroids a week before any known exposure to allergens such as pollen or pets. This is important because nasal steroids can take a few days before they work.
Reduce exposure
During warmer months, the time of day you spend outdoors can make a difference. It’s best to avoid spending time outdoors in late morning when pollen levels are usually higher, especially on windy days. Pollen is released when the conditions are right, like uncut grass. After a couple weeks grass goes to seed, resulting in more pollen that spreads through the air. Keep windows closed (at home or in the car) to keep pollens out.
No matter how hard you try, pollen will find you. Pollens have spikes on them, so rubbing your itchy eyes will literally scratch them with pollen. When outdoors, you can reduce exposure by wearing a hat, mask and long sleeves and pants.
Clean up
The impact of significant pollen exposure can be minimized.
Immediately after pollen exposure, rinse, shower or wash with water areas such as your face and hair. Your nighttime routine can make a big difference in reducing pollens that remain on you while you sleep. Taking a hot shower and washing your hair before going to bed can eliminate pollens that attach to your natural oils. If you don’t wish to wash your hair daily, wrap it up at night before you go to bed to prevent particles from getting on your skin, into the air or on your bed.
Additionally, after enjoying time outdoors, wash and dry your clothing when you return home to avoid bringing pollen inside.
Be prepared
Having allergies of any sort can be uncomfortable and annoying, but your primary care provider can help you manage them. Once you find a treatment plan and routine that works well for you, prepare yourself if you know you'll be exposed to allergens. This will give you a chance to enjoy the great outdoors in any season of the year.
This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.
