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FAQs

Why are my allergies so bad? ›

Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses. Seasonal variations. Allergy seasons ebb and flow throughout the year.

When it comes to New York City, allergy season often starts in the spring, typically around the month of March or April, and may last until the early summer months, typically until the month of June or July.

Pollen is a powdery, granular substance in the flowers of trees, grasses and weeds that leads to fertilisation of plants. Pollen can be spread by insects or dispersed in the wind. Some people develop symptoms to pollen, such as hay fever (runny nose and itchy and watery eyes), and/or asthma.

Warmer temperatures, higher concentrations of carbon dioxide and increased precipitation can all contribute to plants' growing bigger and producing more pollen over longer periods of time, Dr. Anderegg said.

This means allergies and immune system function are inherently linked. Allergic reactions cause inflammation throughout your body. This is part of your immune system's natural defense mechanism, but if left untreated, chronic inflammation can contribute to disease and poor immune system health.

The worst month for allergies will vary based on where you live. Across the United States, May typically is the worst. In May, most of the country sees elevated pollen counts. This includes both trees and the beginning of some grass pollens.

Rising temperatures cause earlier flowering and pollination and longer pollen seasons for species that pollinate in late winter and early spring (cypress, ash, birch). More exposed to pollens, the population develops more allergies.

In New York City, you'll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower.

Rinse your sinuses

Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose. Saline solutions can be purchased ready-made or as kits to add to water.

Does drinking water help with pollen? ›

Water can help regulate histamine levels in the body. Histamine is a compound involved in local immune responses and also acts as a neurotransmitter. Drinking water can help dilute histamine and other allergens in the body, potentially reducing allergy symptoms.

Year-round (perennial) allergies result from indoor exposure to airborne substances (such as house dust) that are present throughout the year. The nose is congested, itchy, and sometimes runny, and the mouth and throat are itchy. The symptoms and activities that trigger the allergy usually suggest the diagnosis.

Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). Corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Genetics may play a role, as might changes in adult immune systems. Adult-onset allergies occur most often for people in their 20s and 30s, though it's possible to develop allergies at any age. Moving to a new area is one common cause experts agree on.

Many people develop new allergies over time or have worsening allergies because of environment changes, age, and stress. If you feel like your allergy medication isn't working, talk to your healthcare professional about new allergy testing. And use an allergy tracker to help avoid triggers.