The spring time is considered the best time to celebrate the pleasant change of season from the cold and dark winters into the sunnier and longer days. However, these seasonal changes are also accompanied by the arrival of allergies. In fact, some people cannot wait for the upcoming winter season. In this article, we will talk about pollen allergies as well as when does tree pollen season end.
What Is Pollen Allergy?
Most people suffer from allergies because of pollen. Pollen is a very fine powder that is produced by grasses, flowers, trees, and weeds to fertilize other plants of the same species. When these people breathe in pollen, it results in an adverse immune response. As we already know, the immune system protects the body from outside invaders like bacteria and viruses to keep various types of illnesses at bay.
As for people that suffer from pollen allergies, their immune system often mistakes the harmless pollen as invaders. Hence, the body starts producing antibodies and chemicals to fight these grains.
As a result, the body starts to experience an allergic reaction. Additionally, the type of pollen that causes the allergic reaction is known as an allergen. Some of the symptoms you can experience include:
- Watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Constant sneezing
While some people suffer from pollen allergies once in a while, there are others who suffer from it throughout the year. For instance, if you are sensitive to birch pollen, you will only suffer from allergies when the birch trees are in bloom, i.e. during the spring season.
Pollen allergies are types of allergies that will not likely go away after you have developed them. Thankfully, they can be treated with allergy shots and medications. You can easily deal with pollen allergies by making some simple lifestyle changes. Pollen allergy is also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
What Are Some Pollen Allergy Symptoms?
All types of pollen allergies have some common symptoms, which include:
- Increased asthmatic reaction
- Decreased sense of smell or taste
- Bluish-colored and swollen skin just below the eye
- Uncontrollable cough
- Scratchy throat
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Running nose
- Sinus
- Nasal congestion
When Does Tree Pollen Season End?
In this section, we will talk about when does tree pollen season end. You need to understand that different plants have different pollen seasons. In most cases, the season lasts from early spring to late autumn:
- Weed pollen: Mid-to-late March to mid-May
- Grass pollen: Mid-May to July
- Tree pollen: End of June to September
Of course, the pollen seasons may also get longer due to global warming. Here are some things that we can expect:
Mid to late March to mid-May
For trees, the pollen season lasted from mid to late March to mid-May. For various types of tree species, the season can typically last for three-four weeks. Some of the pollinating trees that are often associated with various symptoms of allergies include:
- Oak
- Birch
- Poplar
- Ash
- Alder
- Hazel
However, the start of the pollen season may get delayed if there is an occurrence of a harsh winter season.
Mid-May to July
In the case of grass pollination, the season can range between mid-May to July. It is known that grass pollen causes more allergies than weed or tree pollen. This is because the pollen tends to be larger and can cause sore eyes and a blocked nose. Typically, grass species like meadow, timothy, dogs tail, and foxtail grasses are more associated with allergies than others. These particular species are known to release pollen between April and July.
End of June to September
Lastly, weed pollen season is known to extend beyond the season for grass pollen. In most cases, weed pollen season lasts anywhere between the end of June and September, depending on the species of the weed. The longest pollen season belongs to the dock weed. Other types of pollinating weed species include ragweed, sorrel, and nettle.
You should know that brightly-colored flowering and gardens, like roses, are not often associated with pollen allergy because the pollen grains are heavier than others and cannot be dispersed normally via wind. Hence, these pollen are distributed between plants by insect carriers, like bees and butterflies.
Of course, the pollen count is also affected by the weather on any particular day. It is common for plants to release more pollen grains during sunny days and less on rainy days. Plants will start the pollen buildup during the cloudy days and will be released as soon as the weather starts improving.
What Are The Different Types Of Pollen Allergies?
Now that you have an idea about what pollen allergy is and when they end, let us now look into some different types of pollen allergies:
1. Ragweed Pollen Allergy
Ragweed pollen allergy is a type of allergy that arises from weed pollens. In most cases, these pollen will start normally by the end of July and will keep continuing till October. Ragweed pollen is carried via wind and can travel for miles together. These pollen can also survive through mild winters.
2. Grass Pollen Allergy
Grass pollen is mostly responsible for allergic reactions during the hot summer months. This type of pollen is also considered one of the most difficult to treat and severe. Based on research, it has been found the best and most effective treatments for grass pollen allergy are allergy tablets and allergy shots.
3. Oak Pollen Allergy
Oak pollens travel for miles via air during the spring season. While this type of pollen is mildly allergenic than other types of pollen, they also stay in the air for a longer time. For people that suffer from oak pollen allergy, the allergic reaction can be quite severe.
4. Birch Pollen Allergy
One of the most common types of pollen allergy is birch pollen allergy. These pollen are released during the spring season. Similar to oak pollen, birch pollen gets scattered to nearby areas via wind. Based on research, it has been found that one birch tree can release as many as five million pollen grains, which can travel up to 100 yards.
What Is The Treatment For Pollen Allergy?
Similar to other types of allergies, avoiding the allergen in the first place is considered the best treatment. However, it is not easy to avoid these pollen, frankly speaking. Here are some steps that can minimize pollen grain exposure:
- You should close the windows and doors when there are a lot of pollen grains in the air
- When there is a lot of pollen grains in the air, it is recommended that you wear a dust mask
- During the pollen peak season, it is recommended that you get the yard and backyard work done by someone else
- You should stay indoors during the windy or dry days
Now, let us look into some treatments that can help you deal with pollen allergies:
1. Medication
Despite these preventive measures, it is possible to experience symptoms of pollen allergies. When you are suffering from allergies, you can try out different medications, like:
Medications like antihistamines, like diphenhydramine or cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Medications like decongestants, like oxymetazoline (Afrin nasal spray) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Medications that combine the effects of decongestant and antihistamines, like Claritin-D (pseudoephedrine and loratadine) or Actifed (pseudoephedrine and triprolidine).
2. Allergy Shots
If medications do not work out for you, you can also try out allergy shots. These shots are a series of injections that contain the said allergen, which keeps increasing over time. This is a type of immunotherapy that can help your immune system to fight against the allergen, which also reduces the reactions. After a few years, you will stop suffering from allergic reactions.
3. Home Remedies
There are various types of home remedies that you can try as well, which include:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to vacuum your home daily
- Purchasing a portable dehumidifier with a HEPA air filter
- Using your air conditioner in your homes and cars
- Use a dryer to dry your clothes instead of hanging them outdoors
- Washing your clothes immediately after you have been outdoors
- Using extracts and herbs, like spirulina or PA-free butterbur
- Use a neti-pot or squeeze bottle to remove the pollen from your nose
Final Thoughts
It is common knowledge that pollen allergies can potentially disrupt your daily activities; you will not be able to enjoy anything if you have watery eyes, a stuffy nose, or keep sneezing. Thankfully, there are various medications and lifestyle changes that can help minimize the symptoms of allergic reactions. Hence, it is important to know when does tree pollen season end so that you can avoid it.
One of the best ways to avoid pollen allergic reactions is to avoid the weeds, grasses, flowers, and trees that can trigger your allergies. When the pollen count is high, it is recommended that you keep staying indoors, particularly when it is windy. Additionally, you can also wear a dust mask so that you do not breathe in the pollen.
Alternatively, you can also make use of over-the-counter or prescription medicine to help minimize the symptoms of an allergic reaction. At best, your doctor can also recommend allergy shots if you want to remove your allergies permanently.
