Allergy season is starting earlier this year thanks to an unseasonably warm March, says a Loyola Medicine allergist.
Dr. Rachna Shah tracks the pollen levels in the Chicago area. Allergy season typically begins in April and lasts till around October, or the first hard freeze. Tree pollen usually arrives first in April. Grass pollen picks up in May and June and weed pollen is most prevalent in July and August.
“Spring allergies often lead to itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip,” Shah, who leads the Loyola Medicine Allergy Count, said in a news release.
Loyola’s allergy count, which can be found at loyolamedicine.org/allergy-count or on social media, provides daily numbers for mold, tree, grass and weed pollens. Samples are gathered every weekday morning from the roof of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. The official count resumes April 1.
Experts say climate change has led to more intense allergy seasons that start earlier and last longer.
Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass. Ragweed is a big culprit during the later part of allergy season.
When pollen levels are high, Shah recommends people with severe allergies do their best to stay indoors. But since that’s not always an option, she says people should avoid going out till later in the morning because the pollen count tends to be highest before 10 a.m.
“If you engage in outdoor activities for more than a couple of hours, it can be very helpful to come inside, rinse off, and change clothes,” she added.
Other tips for managing allergies include:
- Keep your windows closed at home and in the car.
- Avoid going out when pollen counts are highest.
- Change clothes and shower when you get home.
- Wipe down surfaces at home and vacuum more regularly. Use HEPA air filters, which can filter out dander and mold indoors.
- Over-the-counter nasal sprays and antihistamines can help manage symptoms. For more severe allergies, consult a medical professional about other immunotherapies like allergy shots.