Experts Offer Tips to Manage Worsening Allergy Seasons

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As climate change causes longer and more severe allergy seasons, experts provide advice on how to manage symptoms, including avoiding pollen exposure, using over-the-counter medications properly, and considering seeing an allergist if symptoms significantly impact daily life. The article also debunks some popular home remedies that have been circulating on social media.

Why it matters

Seasonal allergies affect tens of millions of Americans each year, causing disruptive symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes, and difficulty sleeping or focusing. With climate change leading to longer and more intense pollen seasons, it's increasingly important for people to understand how to effectively manage their allergies.

The details

Pollen is the powdery substance produced by seed-bearing plants and trees as part of their reproductive process. Common allergy-causing pollens include those from trees like birch, cedar, and oak, as well as grasses like Bermuda and Kentucky bluegrass. Pollen levels can be tracked online to help people decide when to limit time outdoors. Experts recommend keeping windows closed, wearing long sleeves, showering after being outside, and using saline rinses to remove pollen. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are among the most effective treatments, but patients often use them incorrectly. Allergy medications like Claritin and Zyrtec can also provide relief, though an allergist may be needed for more severe cases.

• Allergy season typically begins in early spring with tree pollens, followed by grass pollens in the summer, and weed pollens in late summer and fall.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Experts recommend that anyone with severe or persistent allergy symptoms that significantly impact their daily life should consider making an appointment with an allergist to discuss more effective treatment options.