Accuweather Mold Count (2024)

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.

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.

Rain can make some allergies worse. This can include allergies to certain pollens, mold, dust, and grass. When rain falls on these allergens, it can break them up into smaller bits. This leads to easier spreading and can result in worse allergies.

What Is a Tree Pollen Allergy? Tree pollen is the cause of most spring pollen allergy symptoms. Tree pollen allergy causes seasonal allergic rhinitis. (Some people call this “hay fever.”) Pollen from weeds and grasses also trigger allergic rhinitis.

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.

As we grow older, our body changes and so does our immune system. Just as we no longer run as fast as we once did, we may lose our tolerance to potential allergens, from pollen to dog hair. And, on the flip side, we may build immunities to the things that once bothered us, research shows.

For people with allergies, scientific studies have shown that air filtration reduces these airborne allergens and may provide some relief. Experts recommend two types of filtration: For a single room, look for an air cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

What are the worst months for pollen? ›

What month is worst for allergies? 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.

Both seasonal and year-round allergies can cause fatigue. Getting tested by a board-certified allergist is the first step to finding relief.

Plants that give off the most pollen include: Trees like oak, ash, elm, birch, maple, alder, and hazel, as well as hickory, pecan, and box and mountain cedar. Evergreen juniper, cedar, cypress, and sequoia trees are also likely to cause allergy symptoms.

Second-generation antihistamines: The preferred first-step agent is certirizine (Zyrtec); others include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra). All are taken once per day and are generally cause little to no drowsiness. We recommend cetirizine for initial treatment.

When Is The Pollen Count Low? On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.

Perennial allergies are often a reaction to house dust. House dust may contain mold and fungal spores, fibers of fabric, animal dander, dust mite droppings, and bits of insects. Substances in and on co*ckroaches are often the cause of allergic symptoms.

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.