Allergy Season: Simple Ways to Stay Comfortable
The spring and summer months bring a wave of pollen that can make many people feel runny noses, itchy eyes, and constant sneezing. Where a person lives, what plants they are sensitive to, and their daily habits all shape how bad the symptoms become. Scientists warn that warmer temperatures are stretching allergy seasons longer, but new medicines give many relief.
Top Cities by Pollen Count
- Boise
- San Diego
- Tulsa
- Provo
- Rochester
Pollen is the tiny powder that trees, grasses and weeds release to reproduce. In early spring tree pollen such as birch or oak is common, then grasses in mid‑summer and weeds later. Knowing which plants produce the most trouble helps people plan.
Tracking Pollen
A national network of stations publishes daily counts on a website and through email. When the numbers are high, it’s best to stay inside.
First Defense: Avoidance
- Keep windows shut in the house and car, even when sunny outside.
- Wear long sleeves to keep pollen off skin and protect from sun.
- After returning home, change clothes, shower, and rinse hair to remove pollen dust.
- A simple hat or scarf can keep pollen out of the head if a shower isn’t possible right away.
- Rinse eyes and nose with saline spray.
When Symptoms Appear
- Nasal sprays: Aim the tip toward the ear side instead of straight up to avoid irritation.
- Oral antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec) work too, but may take longer to kick in.
If allergies keep you from sleeping well or focusing at work, seeing a specialist might be worth it. Doctors can prescribe treatments that train the immune system to ignore pollen triggers.
Myth-Busting
Eating local honey has been shown not to help, because the pollen bees carry is different from airborne pollen.
Climate Change Impact
The longer growing seasons caused by climate change mean more days with high pollen levels, making allergy season tougher than ever. The most recent year was one of the hardest on record in the Southeast.
