Pollen Count Silver Spring (2024)

FAQs

What are the worst months for pollen? ›

The worst month for allergies will vary based on where you live. Across the United States, May typically is the worst. In May, most of the country sees elevated pollen counts. This includes both trees and the beginning of some grass pollens.

Weed, grass, oilseed rape, nettle and plantain all begin their season by the end of April. This month tends to have the highest pollen counts. Lime and dock pollen make an entrance and can trigger hay fever, while pine and oilseed rape both peak in May.

The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores.

Climate changes.

Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution and concentration of allergens. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity may lead to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

Many allergens are more prevalent at night. For example, dust mites and pet dander can accumulate in bedding and pillows, which can make symptoms worse when you lay down to sleep. Pollen levels tend to be higher in the morning, which means that your symptoms may peak later in the day or at night.

The allergy season in Florida takes place during the entire year. Because Florida has a mild winter, some plants continue to grow and pollinate throughout the winter. This is a longer allergy season than most other states, making it a worse state for those with allergies.

There are other over-the-counter options to help relieve your grass allergy symptoms, but the second-generation antihistamines (like Curist Allergy Relief (levocetirizine) are usually best as they provide allergy relief without causing any drowsiness. Other options include loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine.

We recommend cetirizine for initial treatment. Third-generation antihistamines: levocetirizine (Xyzal), desloratadine (Clarinex). 'Improved' versions of second-generation products. May work better or have better side effect profile but this has not been proven and the products are generally more expensive.

What time of day is pollen the strongest? ›

On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.

Pollen: Rain prevents pollen from traveling and can be a relief for some people with this common allergy. However, it can also increase pollen exposure when pollen is broken into smaller particles. Pollen counts also sometimes increase significantly right after rainstorms.

Masks provide enough protection to block common allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and mold. However, they're not an effective choice for all seasonal or other allergies. Any mask can help reduce allergy symptoms, but N95 masks are often the best choice, followed by surgical masks.

In spring and summer, during tree and grass pollen season, levels are highest in the evening. In late summer and early fall, during ragweed pollen season, levels are highest in the morning. Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you've been working or playing outdoors.

Pennsylvania's allergy season, according to Wyndly, can start as early as February and usually lasts until the first hard freeze of winter. In spring, tree allergy season takes over, which can last from the late winter months and run all the way into late May.

It seems in Virginia, allergy season is almost year-round now thanks to climate change. The spring and fall seem to be the worst for many people, but it depends on your personal allergen triggers. In spring, we peak with tree and grass pollen. In fall, the weeds and grasses have their moment.

Allergy season in Massachusetts can last for several months. Tree pollen season typically lasts from late March to early June, grass pollen season from late May to early July, and weed pollen season from late August to early October.