With the start of spring allergy season a matter of weeks away, millions of Americans will soon be suffering from allergy attacks. With spring right around the corner, healthcare professionals are bringing attention to the growing concern of pollen-related allergies and asthma. Dr. Neeta Ogden, an allergy and asthma specialist, highlights which allergen is most prevalent on the first day of spring — the tree pollen that’s first to emerge. According to Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, seasonal allergies affect nearly one in four adults in the U.S. These allergies greatly affect the quality of life for millions of Americans each year.
Now, the pollen season starts weeks earlier, lasts twice as long and has doubled in intensity. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that this allergy season, which traditionally begins in March, may now commence as early as January or February. In fact, a 2022 analysis found that the US pollen season has increased in length by an average of 20 days between 1990 and 2018. At the same time, average pollen concentration jumped 21%. These changes make life more challenging for those who suffer from allergens.
Seasonal Variations in Allergens
“In the spring, tree pollen is the primary allergen,” she states, indicating that species such as hazel and birch trigger allergy symptoms during this time of year. Once spring transitions into summer, grass pollen takes over and is the major allergen. This shift brings new challenges for allergy sufferers.
By late fall, when ragweed pollen takes over, it’s another key time of year for many seasonal allergy sufferers. Once they develop, Dr. Ogden stresses that seasonal allergies stick around for the duration of the season. As a result, people need to remain alert and notice the changing landscape of pollen.
Dr. Bracamonte reminds us that allergy symptoms can be vague and fuzzy. People usually have itchy eyes and throat, setting these symptoms apart from the equivalent of a common cold. “If you’re actively sneezing and having those symptoms, typically you’re contagious,” he explains. This difference is very important for people to know so that they can figure out if they have seasonal allergies or a cold.
Strategies for Managing Allergies
Managing seasonal allergies requires a proactive approach. Dr. Ogden advises making use of technology to keep track of what’s happening with pollen in your area. She suggests downloading a pollen app “so you can track pollen count and stay indoors on those high days.” Such tools can be invaluable for people with acute sensitivities who are trying to reduce exposure during the height of pollen season.
For most healthy individuals struggling with seasonal allergies, Dr. Bracamonte advises a combination of rest, hydration, and staying home during high pollen days. He cautions that, though these measures can greatly relieve the symptoms, some people will need more medical treatment.
When symptoms escalate to extreme pain, it may seem like you are “swallowing razor blades.” This feeling might indicate a cold rather than allergies. Dr. Bracamonte advises everyone to keep a close eye on their symptoms in order to tell the two apart.
The Future of Allergy Seasons
As we move closer to spring 2025, experts are increasingly predicting the next “worst allergy season ever,” or even a “pollen bomb.” As we enter the spring, they encourage all of us to be prepared for that sudden increase in pollen counts. Climate and environmental degradation continue to play a significant role in this concerning trend.
And the science backs that up — pollen seasons are getting longer and more intense. People who suffer from allergies deserve to live in an environment that doesn’t keep shifting under their feet. These recommendations from health care experts act as your roadmap for getting through allergy seasons safely and comfortably.