FAQs
Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution and concentration of allergens. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity may lead to longer and more intense allergy seasons.
What month is pollen the highest? ›
The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores.
Do allergies get worse with age? ›
In many cases, they may continue to experience allergies they've had their entire lives. However, their symptoms may worsen due to an aging immune system and the presence of other chronic health conditions.
What time of day is pollen worst? ›
On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.
Does showering help with allergies? ›
Stay Clean
Taking a hot shower after being outside can help wash away any potential allergens that might be trapped on your skin or hair. Taking a hot shower also has an added benefit in that the hot steam from the shower can help open up your airways and clear out any congestion.
Do air purifiers help with allergies? ›
For people with allergies, scientific studies have shown that air filtration reduces these airborne allergens and may provide some relief. Experts recommend two types of filtration: For a single room, look for an air cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
How do you know if pollen is affecting you? ›
Allergies to pollen commonly cause symptoms of hay fever including: runny, itchy, congested nose. sneezing. irritable, itchy, watery and red eyes.
What foods to avoid if you have pollen allergies? ›
Triggers. Although not everyone with a pollen allergy experiences PFAS when eating the following foods, they are commonly associated with these allergens: Birch pollen: apple, almond, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, plum. Grass pollen: celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomato.
What is the best antihistamine for tree pollen? ›
We recommend cetirizine for initial treatment. Third-generation antihistamines: levocetirizine (Xyzal), desloratadine (Clarinex). 'Improved' versions of second-generation products. May work better or have better side effect profile but this has not been proven and the products are generally more expensive.
Is pollen worse at night? ›
Many allergens are more prevalent at night. For example, dust mites and pet dander can accumulate in bedding and pillows, which can make symptoms worse when you lay down to sleep. Pollen levels tend to be higher in the morning, which means that your symptoms may peak later in the day or at night.
Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms.
What is the strongest allergy medicine? ›
Similar to antihistamines, there's no “strongest” nasal steroid. However, a review of multiple studies suggests Nasonex may be the most effective for seasonal allergies. The same review found Rhinocort to be the most effective for year-round allergies. Nasal steroids generally take longer to work than antihistamines.
Why am I allergic to pollen all of a sudden? ›
Prior illnesses, certain foods, pregnancy and environmental factors like pollution can all change a person's immune system over time and make them susceptible to allergies.”
How long should pollen allergies last? ›
In many areas of the United States, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Tree pollination begins earliest in the year followed by grass pollination later in the spring and summer and ragweed in the late summer and fall.
How do you fix pollen allergies? ›
Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms.
Is pollen worse this year, 2024? ›
The 2024 allergy season is expected to start earlier and potentially feel worse than other years; The New York Times reports, “Spring allergy seasons are beginning about 20 days earlier than they had, according to an analysis of pollen count data from 60 stations across North America from 1990 to 2018.” But why, and ...