If you find yourself having allergy symptoms during certain times of the year only, you may have seasonal allergies. “Seasonal allergies” or “seasonal allergic rhinitis” is when allergy symptoms occur during certain times of the year. For example, if you are allergic to tree pollen, you will experience allergy symptoms during the season that tree pollination is occurring.
There is no definitive answer for when allergy season is. Allergy season varies, but it's almost always year-round because of allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould. The occurrence of allergies is dependent on what a person is allergic to and where he or she lives.
However, there are three specific seasons for outdoor allergens. These seasons are spring, summer, and fall. During the spring, allergy season usually starts in February. At this time, trees are the main cause of allergies as they produce high amounts of pollen. However, during the summer season, grasses are the culprits since they release allergy-causing pollen. And weeds are the cause of allergies during the fall, especially ragweed which can grow anywhere.
Lesser pollens are present during the winter, but the increase of indoor heat can lead to an increase of dust mites. Dust mites in turn triggers winter allergy. To reduce or remove dust mites, the humidity of the house must be kept below 55 percent. Dehumidifiers may help to reduce the humidity in your home. Prevention or reduction of allergy symptoms to dust mites may also include keeping the pillows and mattresses encased in a mite-proof cover, and use a vacuum and air purifiers with a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter for cleaning the house’s floors or indoor air.
In February, mould and dust mites continue to be present as they are year-round. Tree pollination may start to occur, depending on where you live. Trees that commonly cause allergies are catalpa, elm, hickory, olive, pecan, sycamore, alder, maple, and walnut. If you have a tree pollen allergy, it may be useful to find out if there are specific trees you should be avoiding.
March if generally the month where the official winter to spring transition occurs, making tree pollen during this month is at a much higher count. If spring comes early, you might have to look out for pollen from weeds and grasses. Thus, downloading a pollen-tracker application on your phone might just save you from bodily irritations. Keeping track of the pollen count could help you in plotting your daily outdoor and indoor schedules.
April is the official start of spring, which means, it could be a tough month for those with seasonal spring allergies. Both pollen from grass and flowers emerge during the spring. Make sure to close all windows at your home to avoid the entrance of airborne allergens.
Tree, flower, and grass pollen are still at high count during May. Also, if you are allergic to bee and insect stings, be on full alert as there plenty of them outside.
In most countries, grass pollen is in full effect and can be triggered by changes in the environment, such as temperature and rainfall. If, for the past few months prior, you haven't experienced allergies, most likely you are going to do so during this month. And since the temperature is warmer, you might be spending more time outdoors. So, take extra precaution of allergens being brought in by your shoes or clothes. It is also advisable to take a shower before going to bed as to not spread them from your body or clothes to sheets, mattress and more.
July is a transition month where there may be a reduction of grass, trees, and flower pollen, but the start to higher counts of mould spores. July marks the beginning of allergy season for fungus and mould spores and seeds. mould spores can be found in damp environments, so make sure to check and clean your bathroom, laundry room, kitchen and other areas with water on a regular basis.
Mould levels peak and ragweed season begins during this month. Ragweed pollen can be difficult to avoid since it is found two miles into the atmosphere and 400 miles at sea. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, it may be advisable to take all and any necessary caution this month.
Ragweed continues to peak at this month, thus continues to pose a problem for ragweed allergy sufferers. One ragweed produces billions of grains, and pollen grains are lightweight and easily spread during windy days. If autumn is more windy and wet where you live, the worse your symptoms may be.
Autumn allergies might just get better this month. However, increased rainfall and wind can cause an increase in the production of mould spores.
Good news: the ragweed is finally gone! November is a great month for people with outdoor allergies. This is the best time to enjoy going out. However, this might be a time for you to deal with indoor allergens such as mould, dust, and pet dander. During the month of November, it is more important to regularly clean indoor surfaces and air to prevent or rid yourself of allergens.
Indoor allergies are the main concern this month, since most have their doors and windows closed. Those who are allergic to dust mites, mould and pet dander may experience more symptoms. For those who celebrate the holidays with a tree or other plants indoors, be wary of any allergens they may bring indoors.
When it comes to allergies, it is important to educate yourself on what you are allergic to and when those allergy symptoms may be triggered or worsened throughout the year. Allergy symptoms may be triggered at any location or point in the year.
