General Information

  • Pollens come from tress, grasses and weeds
  • These pollens are light and easily carried by the wind
  • Pollen seasons are tree in April & May, grass in June & July and weed in August & September - Pollen counts are higher on warm, dry, windy days and in the morning
  • Pollen counts are lowest during cold, wet period

Pollen Allergy Symptoms

  • People with pollen allergies can have nose, eye and / or breathing symptoms during the pollen season
  • Nasal symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itching and post nasal drip (sensation that mucus is draining down the back of the throat)
  • Eye symptoms include itchy, red, watery eyes
  • Throat and ear symptoms include sore throat, hoarse voice, congestion or popping for the ears and itching of the throat or ears
  • Asthma symptoms such as cough, wheeze (whistling noise), shortness of breath and chest tightness can become worse when around pollen and you may need more medications

Avoidance and Environmental Control

  • Keep windows closed during high pollen counts and hot windy days
  • If possible, stay inside when pollen levels are high
  • Do not hang clothes outside to dry during pollen season
  • Change clothes and shower when outside for long periods
  • Local pollen counts can be found on the Weather Network

Treatment Options

  • Discuss medication options with your doctor
  • Saline rinse and sprays clean the inside of the nose and come in a variety of devices including Neti pots and bottle sprayers
  • Antihistamines such as cetirizine (Reactine), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Aerius) and fexofenadine (Allergra) can be used alone or with a nasal spray
  • Nasal steroid sprays such as mometasone furoate (Nasonex), ciclesonide (Omnaris) and fluticasone furoate (Avamys) decrease inflammation in the nose if used on a regular basis
  • Nasal decongestants and oral decongestants are NOT recommended unless directed by your doctor
  • Eye drops such as for olopatadine hydrochloride (Pataday) can be used as needed for eye symptoms
  • Montelukast (Singular) daily tablets
  • Allergy shots / immunotherapy and oral immunotherapy may be an option for certain patients. Discuss with your doctor to see if you are a candidate