Already on your fifth tissue of the day by 8 a.m.? You’re far from alone. Spring allergy season is here in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and your nasal passages can feel the difference.
Let’s break down what’s blooming (literally), how you can find relief, and when to see a doctor, courtesy of the experts at Grand View Health Primary Care.
Are allergy seasons getting longer?
Yes. One study shows a 21% nationwide increase in pollen counts, which creates longer and stronger allergy seasons. Rainfall deficits tend to create worse pollen seasons, and because our region has been in drought conditions for much of the fall and winter, spring allergies may be especially intense this year.
What causes spring allergies? Typical suspects include trees and shrubs such as maple, juniper, oak and alder. Spring pollen peaks in April and May. A telltale sign we’ve reached the peak: yellow or green colored “dust” covering your car or house. Thankfully, spring allergies start to subside in early June. But they give way to summer allergy season, triggered by grasses, and fall allergies, triggered by pollens from ragweed and molds.
Allergy or sinus infection: How do I know?
Spring allergies, colds and sinus infections all carry similar symptoms, including a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and sinus pressure. What’s different is the length of time those symptoms stick around. Colds and sinus infections typically only last for a week or two. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if they get worse when you’re exposed to pollen—such as when you’re outside on a windy day—it’s probably seasonal allergies.
Allergies can also cause drowsiness and make it harder to focus on daily tasks. If you have asthma, allergies can lead to more frequent attacks, so never leave home without your prescription inhaler.
7 spring allergy season survival tips
You don’t have to put up with non-stop sniffles during spring allergy season. Protect yourself with these seven smart suggestions from our primary care providers.
- Be a weather watcher. Look at the daily pollen counts. They’re typically ranked on a scale from 1 to 12, with 12 being the worst. Limit time outside on high pollen count days and on windy days.
- Switch your schedule. Pollen counts are higher in the morning hours and lower in the evening hours. If you usually walk or exercise outside, consider doing it in the early evening.
- Protect your home. Avoid the temptation to open windows on a warm spring day. Run the air-conditioner instead to keep pollen out. Vacuum carpets and wash bed sheets regularly. Use indoor air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture dust, pollen, pet dander and mold.
- Be a ‘neat freak.’ Change clothes after you come in from being outside. Take off your shoes so you don’t track pollen through the house. Take showers in the evening to wash off any pollen you’ve accumulated during the day.
- Garden safely. Try not to garden or mow the lawn on windy or high-pollen-count days. Wear a hat, sunglasses and a face mask to keep pollen out of your hair, eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stick with your medication regimen. Try over-the-counter oral antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids (fluticasone or mometasone) to see if they relieve symptoms. Look for non-drowsy antihistamines. If you typically take allergy pills each spring, you should already be using them regularly.
- Know when to see a doctor. Need help finding the right medications? Experiencing symptoms worse than during a “normal” allergy season? Struggling with quality-of-life issues, like feeling as if you’ve been stuck indoors for too long? These are all great reasons to see your primary care doctor.
Need care? Grand View Health Primary Care is here for you
If over-the-counter medicines don’t help—or if you need answers to questions about your spring allergy symptoms—you can find experts locally at Grand View Health Primary Care. Choose from more than two dozen doctors and advanced practice clinicians in Chalfont, Harleysville, Hatfield, Lederach, Quakertown and Souderton.
Find a provider and practice near you and schedule an appointment today.