How to Track Pollen Levels and Manage Allergy Symptoms Effectively

Allergies can make life miserable, especially when pollen is in the air. If you’re dealing with itchy eyes, runny noses, or constant sneezing, you’re not alone. Where you live and what you’re allergic to can greatly impact the severity of your symptoms. However, with some expert tips and by tracking pollen levels, you can minimize discomfort and still enjoy the outdoors.

Types of Pollens That Cause Allergies

There are three major types of pollen that trigger allergies. In the early spring, tree pollen is the primary culprit. As the season progresses, grass pollen takes over, followed by weed pollen in late summer and early fall.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, some of the most common tree pollens include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak, and walnut. Grasses that commonly cause allergy symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass.

Track Pollen Levels and Plan Your Day

The key to controlling allergies is reducing exposure to pollen. While it’s challenging to avoid entirely, you can make smart choices to limit your contact. Start by keeping your windows closed in your home and car, avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, and change your clothes as soon as you come indoors.

Wearing a mask can also help reduce exposure to airborne pollen, though it won’t protect your eyes. Additionally, there are pollen tracking tools available online. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology provides updated pollen counts through a network of counting stations, and you can access this information on their website or via email.

Relieve Allergy Symptoms

To effectively manage allergy symptoms, it’s crucial to understand what triggers your allergies. Since many people are allergic to multiple substances, Dr. Nana Mireku, an allergist from Dallas-Fort Worth, recommends identifying exactly what you’re allergic to through allergy testing.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays are a great option for relieving symptoms, but it’s best to start using them early in the season, according to Dr. Rachna Shah, an allergist from Loyola Medicine. Shah also advises trying different brands of antihistamines if one stops working, as switching may improve symptoms for some individuals.

For children and those needing multiple allergy treatments, immunotherapy in the form of shots or oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, offering long-term relief.

Worst Cities for Allergies

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America releases an annual ranking of the most challenging cities for people with allergies, based on pollen counts, over-the-counter medication usage, and the availability of allergy specialists.

This year, the top five cities for allergies were Wichita, Kansas; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; Dallas, Texas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Is Allergy Season Changing?

If it seems like allergy season starts earlier and lasts longer, you’re not imagining it. Due to climate change, allergy seasons have become more prolonged and severe. Dr. Shah observed tree pollen levels in the Chicago area as early as mid-February this year, much earlier than the usual April start.

Experts agree that warmer weather, along with milder winters, is contributing to longer and more intense allergy seasons, making it more important than ever to monitor pollen levels and manage symptoms effectively.

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