When trees, grass, and weeds come to life in the spring, they also release pollen—and for many people, that means itchy eyes, sneezing a runny nose, and constant coughing.
Where you live, what you’re allergic to, and how you spend your time all play a big role in how badly allergies affect you. Experts also say that because of climate change, allergy seasons are getting longer and worse, according to reports by AP News.
The good news? Treatments are better than ever.
Here are some easy and smart ways to keep allergy symptoms from ruining your day—so you can still enjoy going outside.
The Worst Cities for Allergies This Year
Every year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks the hardest cities for people with allergies to live in. They look at pollen levels, how often people buy allergy medicine, and how many allergy doctors are in the area.
The top five toughest cities this year are:
– Wichita, Kansas
– New Orleans, Louisiana
– Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
– Tulsa, Oklahoma
– Memphis, Tennessee
Which Pollens Cause the Most Trouble?
There are three main types of pollen that cause allergies:
– Tree pollen (early spring)
– Grass pollen (late spring to early summer)
– Weed pollen (late summer to early fall)
Common trees that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak, and walnut. Grasses like Bermuda, rye, Johnson, and Kentucky bluegrass are also big triggers, as per AP News.
How to Check the Pollen Count
You don’t need to guess when pollen is high. Websites like the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology show daily pollen counts for different areas. You can also sign up for email updates.
Avoiding Pollen: What Really Works
What is the best way to beat allergies? Stay away from pollen as much as you can.
– Keep windows shut at home and in your car—even when it’s nice outside.
– Wear long sleeves and pants outside to keep pollen off your skin.
– Change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to wash pollen off your skin and hair.
– If you can’t wash your hair every day, wear a hat or scarf outside.
– Don’t get into bed with your outside clothes—they can carry pollen with them.
– Use saline spray or rinse your eyes and nose after being outside.
– Wearing a mask can help protect you from breathing in pollen (but won’t help with itchy eyes).
How to Feel Better: Real Allergy Relief
Nasal sprays you can buy without a prescription are some of the best ways to treat allergy symptoms.
But many people use them wrong. Dr. Kathleen Mays from Augusta University says you should aim the spray outward, toward your ear—not straight up your nose—to avoid hurting your nose lining, according to the Associated Press.
Pills like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra can help, too, though they may take a little longer to work.
If your allergies are messing with your sleep or making it hard to focus at work or school, it might be time to see a specialist. An allergist can help you with treatments like allergy shots or drops that train your body to stop reacting.
What About Local Honey?
Some people believe eating local honey helps your body get used to pollen. But experts like Dr. Shayam Joshi say it doesn’t work. That’s because bees collect pollen from flowers, which usually doesn’t cause allergies. The kind of pollen that makes you sneeze comes from trees, grass, and weeds—not flowers.
Is Allergy Season Really Getting Worse?
Yes. As the climate warms up, winters are shorter, and plants grow longer. That means more pollen—and for longer periods of time.
In some places, pollen levels are hitting record highs. In late March, Atlanta recorded over 14,000 pollen grains per cubic meter of air. That’s extremely high and can be tough for anyone with allergies, as per AP News.
You Can Fight Back
Allergy season doesn’t have to control your life. By keeping an eye on pollen levels, changing a few daily habits, and using the right treatments, you can keep your symptoms under control—and still enjoy fresh air without the sneeze attack.