If your nose itches and your eyes twitch every year as the days grow longer, you likely recognize the term “Allergy Season.” But where does this phrase come from, and how should you prepare for it?
In the United States, “Allergy Season” refers to the time when plants and trees bloom and spread pollen. This period varies by location but typically falls within the first half of spring. Clemens von Pirquet, an Austrian pediatrician, coined the term “allergy” in the early 1900s after noticing that some patients reacted to a second dose of horse serum, a medication used to treat smallpox. He discovered that these reactions occurred because the immune system produced antibodies to fight foreign substances, known as antigens. In 1906, he introduced the term “allergies” to describe this immune response.
People prone to allergies produce excessive amounts of IgE (immunoglobulin E), which remain dormant until they detect an allergen. When exposed, these IgE antibodies trigger mast cells to release histamines and other chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Pollen
Pollen consists of tiny grains that fertilize plants. However, many trees, grasses, and weeds produce lightweight, powdery pollen that travels by wind and triggers allergy symptoms.
Each type of plant has a predictable pollination cycle, though weather conditions influence daily pollen levels. Tree pollen dominates early spring, grass pollen peaks in late spring and early summer, and weed pollen rises in late summer and fall. Warmer climates experience pollination year-round.
Most organisms outside the tropics adapt to seasonal changes, influencing plant growth and reproduction. Many plants remain dormant in colder months, conserving energy. When spring arrives, they release pollen as part of their reproductive cycle, marking the start of allergy season. Because pollen counts fluctuate with environmental conditions, monitoring local pollen levels helps individuals prepare effectively.
Molds
Molds are tiny fungi related to mushrooms but lack stems, roots, or leaves. They thrive in soil, plants, and decaying wood that offer a moist environment. Like pollen, mold spores become airborne and trigger allergic reactions. Outdoor mold spores increase as temperatures rise in spring. In the United States, mold spores peak in July in warmer states and October in colder states but remain present year-round in southern and coastal regions.
Effects of Weather and Location on Allergies
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that allergy symptoms tend to be milder on rainy, cloudy, or windless days since pollen travels less under these conditions. In contrast, hot, dry, and windy weather increases pollen circulation, worsening symptoms.
If you know someone who suffers from seasonal allergies every year, you may have heard them say something along the lines of “I need to move somewhere else!”. Unfortunately, because pollen and mold exist in various geographic zones, relocation rarely solves the problem. Additionally, new environments may introduce different allergens that trigger reactions.
How to Prepare for Allergy Season
Managing allergies starts with consulting a healthcare professional. Because allergies vary by person, tailored medical advice offers the best approach, but there are things you can do to manage and track your allergies to help plan these appointments.
Healthcare Providers Who Address Allergies:
- Primary Care Physician – Evaluates symptoms and recommends treatment options.
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist – Diagnoses and treats complex allergy-related issues.
- Allergist/Immunologist – Performs allergy testing and provides specialized treatment, including immunotherapy.
Some professionals advise that if you rely on antihistamines, start taking them before allergy season begins. These medications block histamine before it binds to receptors. Once an allergic reaction starts, antihistamines offer limited effectiveness.
Struggling with Allergies? A Patient Advocate May Be Able to Help.
Allergy management can feel overwhelming, especially when searching for the right healthcare provider. Board-certified patient advocates at Pillar help you navigate the healthcare system, connect you with specialists, and provide guidance on treatment options. If you need support in managing seasonal allergies, a patient advocate can be a valuable resource in finding the right care for you.
