In many cases, seasonal allergies are all placed into one category. To be more accurate, it’s important to consider that every season comes with its own set of allergens. At Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates, we’ve put together a guide on allergies and when you can expect them to start in the spring season.
When Do Spring Allergies Start?
As your Pittsburgh allergy specialist, we find it to be crucial for our patients to understand that spring allergies begin much sooner than they would expect. Knowing this can allow you to be prepared for nose and eye symptoms, skin allergies, and breathing difficulties. You may also experience fatigue and headaches.
Pittsburgh can expect to see tree pollen season from February to May. The length of this season and the timing will vary based on the weather, and since we can’t see pollen in the air, allergy symptoms are the first indicator that pollen season has begun.
Many people are under the impression that spring allergies begin when the flower starts to bloom, but in reality, allergies begin due to plants that spread pollen using the wind. As the wind carries the pollen through the outside air, it enters your mouth, skin, and eyes, causing an allergic reaction.
When it comes to flowering plants, they spread pollen through pollinators like bees and other insects who carry the pollen from plant to plant. Therefore, most pollen exposure is due to pollen in the air outside and is caused by wind-pollinated plants, like many trees.
Common trees in Pittsburgh that lead to allergy symptoms include walnut, oak, and maple. Since many tree pollens have unique features and there is limited cross-activity, there isn’t just one treatment for tree pollen.
What are Other Spring Allergy Triggers?
While pollen is a major problem in the spring, other allergens to watch out for include dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. You’ll find dust mites living within the dust and typically encounter them in the home. Mold spores are also small and lightweight and can be found in damp, humid places. Pet dander is made up of skin cells that your animals, like cats and dogs, shed.
How Are Tree Pollen Allergies Treated in the Spring?
By working with our expert allergists, we can test you for multiple tree pollens and treat you for your specific tree pollen allergy. We will discuss your symptoms and medical history. We may also need to do a skin test where we place a drop of allergen solution on your skin and scratch the area. If you develop a raised, itchy bump at the site within 15 minutes, then you are allergic to the substance.
Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates, we’re here to meet all of your spring allergy needs. Contact us today to learn more!