As New Yorkers debate whether to wear hoodies or puffy coats, the blossoming trees signal that spring—and allergy season—has officially arrived.
The influx of tree pollen in late March and early April often leaves those with seasonal allergies sneezing, dealing with watery eyes, or feeling stuffy. Other allergens will emerge later, likely causing discomfort throughout summer and fall, according to allergy specialists.
Here’s a breakdown of what triggers seasonal allergies, what to expect this year, and ways to manage the associated symptoms.
The less glamorous blossoms are the real culprits
This time of year, tree pollen is primarily responsible for seasonal allergies, with key allergens transitioning to grass in summer and various weeds in fall, says Shauna Moore, director of horticulture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
While cherry blossoms might be New York City’s iconic spring flower, they’re not the biggest allergy offenders. Moore points out that the less showy flowers of birch trees, maples, poplars, and willows are mainly to blame.
Cherry blossoms have stickier pollen that insects, rather than wind, help spread, which makes them less of an irritant for people, Moore notes.
“The trees that have less striking flowers don’t attract insects for pollen distribution, so they rely more on environmental factors like wind and rain,” she explains.
How can I tell if I have seasonal allergies?
When pollen enters the nose or lungs, the body reacts as though it’s under threat, triggering an immune response, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Common symptoms of pollen allergies include sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes, notes Dr. Aaron Pearlman, an otolaryngologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine.
Distinguishing between allergies and a cold can be tricky, as both can emerge suddenly. However, Pearlman asserts that seasonal allergies tend to occur around the same time each year and can last longer. In contrast, a cold may be accompanied by a fever and a feeling of general malaise, lasting just a few days.
Interestingly, not everyone experiences allergy symptoms in spring. Some may react specifically to tree pollen, while others may be sensitive to different allergens, leading to flare-ups during summer or fall, Pearlman adds.
How can I alleviate the symptoms?
Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can help ease symptoms, according to Pearlman.
He also recommends that individuals take proactive measures, such as using a nasal corticosteroid regularly, like nasal sprays such as Flonase.
Awareness of weather conditions can also help. Pollen levels are usually higher on dry, windy days, while rain can reduce pollen concentrations, states Brett Anderson, a senior meteorologist at Accuweather.
Keeping windows closed or minimizing outdoor time when pollen counts are high can be beneficial, Pearlman advises.
Will this allergy season be worse than usual?
However, he notes that trees did start budding a couple of weeks early this year due to last month’s unseasonably warm weather.
Overall, the duration of allergy season is increasing due to climate change, as warmer temperatures are causing trees to flower sooner and extend the first frost later into the year, Anderson concludes.
