Late summer/early fall ragweed is the most common cause of fall allergies. Ragweed-fueled fall allergies can start in September and continue through October and possibly November. Pollen grains are lightweight and spread easily, especially on windy days. The more wet and windy autumn is in your area, the more easily the pollen spreads, and the worse your symptoms will feel.

Spring has arrived in the U.S., bringing along a slew of seasonal allergies. The 2015 allergy season could be more severe in comparison to previous years.
 
When plants and trees start to bloom, pollen is released into the air, affecting millions of people. The most common seasonal allergy symptom is rhinitis or hay fever, which is triggered by pollen from grasses, trees and weed. About 35 million Americans are affected with hay fever each year. This year, people who are allergic should prepare themselves well for itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. The wet winter months are responsible for the arrival of possibly the worst allergy season that people could experience.
 
Here are some tips for surviving a severe allergy season:

• Wear oversized sunglasses to block airborne pollens and molds.
  
• Wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim.
  
• Avoid outdoor line drying of clothing and bed linens on a high pollen day.
  
• Consider exercising indoors on very high pollen days. Pollen levels may peak during the mid-day and afternoon, and are generally higher on warm, dry, windy days.
  
• Get confirmation that you have seasonal allergies, with simple in-office tests.
  
• Begin treatment with medications such as nasal antihistamines, oral antihistamines, and eye drops even before symptoms start.
  
• Talk to your doctor about allergy shots, which can significantly reduce your sensitivity to these allergic triggers.
  
• Shower and shampoo nightly to rinse pollens from skin and hair. Change clothes before entering your bedrooms to keep pollens out.
  
• At home and in the car, keep the windows closed and set your air conditioner to re-circulate. Clean filters in room air conditioners frequently. Avoid use of fans that can suck outdoor pollens into your living area.
  
• Eliminate weeds from your yard and plant allergy-friendly greenery.
  

The spring allergy season in the NY Metropolitan area has arrived! 

Don’t be fooled by the small amount of snow still on the ground. The trees have started pollinating!
This super harsh winter has created an outdoor environment which is expected to lead to very high pollen counts this season.

Starting a treatment plan before you have an allergy symptoms can help you to feel healthier this spring. Don’t wait until it’s too late!  Allergy symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, cough, wheezing and skin rashes.

Understanding what triggers your allergies can help you to enjoy the outdoors despite the high levels of pollen. Tree pollen counts will begin to rise with several consistent days of warm weather and grass will begin to pollinate  shortly after that.

There are a number of over the counter medications available to choose from this year including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids and eye drops.  Prescription medications are often needed as well

A visit to an allergist can help you start a treatment plan which will provide symptom control throughout the entire season.

Allergy testing can help determine the right time frames to start and stop your medications.

Helpful tips for this spring season:

• Plan ahead: if your child is going on a class trip or you are going on a family vacation, find out what type of pollen will be high in that area, time your activites accordingly,  and be prepared with medications
  
• Wash your hands after extended periods of time outside even if you have not been directly in contact with trees or plants. We touch our faces and eyes constantly and that makes symptoms worse
  
• Shower at the end of the day so that pollen does not end up in your bed with you!
  
• If you have a pet who spends time outdoors, don’t forget about the pollen that your pet is bringing into the house.
  
• Bathe your pets frequently during the allergy season.
  
• Keep your windows closed to prevent high levels of pollen in your home
  
• If you have plans for an extended outdoor activity when it is windy, rethink your plans!
  
• Moms and Dads: make sure your child’s school has an allergy action plan in place for the spring season.