Allergy season can be a frustrating time of year. Knowing when the season starts, and how long the allergy season lasts can be complicated to figure out. Factors like where you live and what you are allergic to, play a role in when the allergy season starts and ends.
BTW: There is no cure for allergies (aafa.org).
But, there are steps we can take to prevent and treat allergy symptoms before the allergy season starts.
I am allergic to everything outdoors, and half the things that cause allergies indoors.
Knowing when the allergy season is, and how long it typically lasts helps me prepare for my symptoms. By reviewing this allergy season information, you will be better equipped to lessen or even prevent your allergy symptoms.
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When is allergy season?
Allergy seasons vary from person to person, the season depends on your allergy triggers. Typically, the “allergy season” is from spring and into summer, as this is when most plants are in bloom.
Your allergy season will also depend on where you live. The temperature outside plays a big role and affects when plants grow and produce pollen. Warmer climates may see an earlier allergy season versus cooler areas of the country.
Overall, the term “allergy season” is a fluid timeline that can vary.
How do you know when it’s YOUR allergy season?
You will know when it’s allergy season depending on the time of the year, knowing what you are allergic to, and if/when you are having any allergy-related symptoms. Many allergy sufferers suffer from pollen allergies, so it is safe to assume that spring and summer will be the allergy season for many individuals.
If you have a mold allergy, the allergy season may only be in the rainy months, when mold growth is at its highest. Additionally, the mold may be in damp places like basements and bathrooms of your house, giving you symptoms all year long.
Knowing your allergy causes will give you an advantage in figuring out when your specific allergy season is beginning.
If you are having allergy symptoms all year long, but it is worse during certain seasons, you may have seasonal allergies as well as chronic allergies to something you are always exposed to (pets, dust mites, mold, etc.)
When does allergy season end?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the allergy season ends in mid-October for most of the United States. By mid-October, the tree, weed, and grass pollens are no longer being released, thus the season is considered over.
What is the most common season for allergies?
The most common season for allergies is Spring. Spring starts around March 20th and ends around June 20th. March through June is when most pollen is active, and at its peak.
What month is most common for allergies?
The month that is most common for allergies is April. The month of April is usually the peak month for tree pollen and is the beginning month for grass and weed pollen. Due to so many types of pollen being active at one time, April may be the month you want to stay indoors if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
How to prepare for allergy season
- Know what causes your allergies
- Use a HEPA filter (WINIX PlasmaWave 5500-2 True HEPA Air Purifier Review)
- Track local pollen levels
- Take steps to prevent allergies, before they start
- Change filters
- Clean house
- Keep windows shut during peak season
- Change your clothes
- Wear a mask
- Use a nasal irrigation
- Antihistamines
- Nasal steroids
- Allergy shots
The cause of seasonal allergies
The cause of seasonal allergies starts with your immune system. An allergy is an immune response to a substance that doesn’t normally cause symptoms in people. Your immune system sees the allergen (pollen for example) as a threat to your body. The immune system kicks into overdrive to “destroy the threat” during this process is when you being to show signs and symptoms of allergies.
How do I know if I’m experiencing seasonal allergies?
You will most likely know you are experiencing seasonal allergies by the symptoms you are faced with during certain times of the year (season).
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sinus pressure
- Allergic shiners (dark bags under eyes)
- Itchy nose, throat, and/or mouth
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Hives (urticaria)
- Trouble breathing
- Anaphylaxis (rare, but serious)
What are the worst symptoms of seasonal allergies?
The most serious, and what I would consider the “worst” symptoms of seasonal allergies are trouble breathing and anaphylaxis. Both of these conditions are serious and could be life-threatening.
The runner-up worst symptoms vary from person to person, as it depends on how your body reacts, and whether or not the symptoms interfere with your daily activities.
Seasonal allergy treatment options
So, it’s allergy season and you are having symptoms, time to discuss treatment options. Luckily there is something you can do about your symptoms this allergy season, ranging from natural remedies to immunotherapy.
Medications for Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergy treatment options are something to discuss with your medical provider. But, here are the typical treatment options for you to bring up with your primary care physician.
Here is a list of seasonal allergy treatment options that are outlined by AAFA.org.
- Nasal corticosteroids (nose sprays)
- Antihistamines
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Decongestants
- Corticosteroid creams or ointments
- Oral corticosteroids
- Epinephrine
- Steroids
- Allergy Shots (immunotherapy)
Natural seasonal allergy remedies
The Detroit Sinus Center has found a few natural approaches to treating symptoms during the allergy season.
Clean your nasal passages to rinse away allergens
Your sinuses can get gummed up with pollen or other irritants, which cause allergy symptoms. Cleaning out your nasal passages with a natural saline rinse may help drastically. You can pick up nasal rinse products like these to get you the relief you are looking for.
Use essential oils
You may sniff the essential oils directly, diffuse them into a room, or place them on your wrists. The Detroit Sinus Center recommends that you use a menthol-based essential oil for best results.
Examples of Menthol-Based Essential Oils
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Eucalyptus
Clean your home
During the allergy season, allergens are floating around everywhere, and you are probably tracking them into your home. Cleaning and dusting will remove the allergens from the surfaces, so you can avoid having symptoms indoors.
It is important that you use a vacuum that has a HEPA air filter to prevent allergens from being blown around the house. You can pick up a high-quality vacuum for under $100.
Try herbal remedies
Detroit Sinus Center also mentions that the herbs quercetin and butterbur may help clear up symptoms. Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid (comes from plants) and butterbur works like a (natural) antihistamine.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help with relieving your allergy symptoms. This medicinal practice has been around for ages and also has science backing it up. If you are not afraid of needles, this could be a good natural remedy for you.
Next Up
I hope you have a better idea of how the allergy seasons work, and when your personal allergy season starts. Check out these summer and fall allergy guides to gain even more helpful information!
