Experts Offer Tips to Manage Worsening Allergy Season

Climate change is leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons, but treatments have also improved.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Allergy season can be miserable for millions of Americans, with runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing caused by tree, grass, and weed pollens. Experts say climate change is making allergy seasons longer and more severe, but they also note that treatments have become more effective in recent years. The article provides tips from experts on how to manage allergy symptoms, including avoiding pollen exposure, using over-the-counter medications properly, and considering seeing an allergist if symptoms are impacting daily life.

Why it matters

Seasonal allergies affect a significant portion of the population, and climate change is exacerbating the problem by leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons. Understanding how to effectively manage allergy symptoms is important for improving quality of life for those affected.

The details

Experts recommend several strategies to manage allergy symptoms, including keeping windows closed, wearing long sleeves when outside, showering after being outdoors to remove pollen, using saline rinses for the eyes and nose, and properly using over-the-counter nasal sprays and allergy pills. They also caution that some popular home remedies, like eating local honey, are not effective. For those with severe symptoms, seeing an allergist who can provide more advanced treatments may be recommended.

  • Allergy season typically begins in early spring with tree pollen, followed by grass pollen in the summer and weed pollen in late summer and early fall.
  • Last year was one of the most intense allergy seasons on record, particularly in the Southeast U.S.

The players

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

An organization that issues an annual ranking of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts, and the number of available allergy specialists.

Dr. James Baker

An allergist at the University of Michigan who recommends wearing long sleeves to keep pollen off the skin and provide sun protection.

Dr. Kathleen May

An allergist at Augusta University in Georgia who suggests angling nasal spray nozzles outward toward the ear rather than sticking them straight up the nose.

Dr. Shyam Joshi

An allergist at Oregon Health and Science University who says that incorporating local honey into the diet is not an effective remedy for allergy relief, as the flowers that bees pollinate typically don't contain the airborne pollen that causes allergy symptoms.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This article highlights the growing challenges posed by seasonal allergies, which are being exacerbated by climate change, and provides practical tips from experts on how to effectively manage allergy symptoms. By understanding the latest research and treatments, individuals can take steps to reduce the impact of allergies on their daily lives.