Allergies In Boston: Everything To Know

Boston, Massachusetts is known for its freezing winters, which gives allergy sufferers a break in the colder months. However, during the other warmer part of the year, Boston still has an abundance of pollen in its city. Unfortunately, this makes it hard for Boston residents to treat their allergies effectively. 

Allergies are caused by the body’s immune system reacting with a foreign substance in the outside world. Allergens can be pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or different types of food. The body’s immune system makes something called antibodies. These antibodies identify the foreign substance as harmful, even if it isn’t. When the body reacts with this allergen, it can cause headaches, a stuffy nose, a scratchy throat, or watery eyes. 

When is Allergy Season in Boston? 

Allergies are triggered by pollen, which is only released from plants during certain times of the year. This makes allergies seasonal. In Boston, you can experience allergies any time of the year, but allergies caused by the outdoors are typically worse during spring, summer, and fall. On the other hand, Indoor allergies can cause allergy symptoms year-round. During the summertime in Boston, grass pollen is the most significant allergen.

Because of Boston’s cold winter, allergy season in Boston begins in early spring in March. Boston allergy season peaks in April, May, and September. During these three months, try to stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity to reduce your allergies. Also, keep an eye out for pollen counts during this time. 

Boston winters are frigid, so Bostonians get a break from allergies after the first winter freeze. However, indoor allergens can still cause problems for allergy sufferers. 

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Which Plants Cause Allergies in Boston?

Boston’s primary pollen producer is grasses, trees, and weeds. The most common allergens in Boston include:

1. Ryegrass
2. Bermuda grass
3. Redtop grass
4. Timothy grass
5. Sweet vernal grass
6. Mugwort
7. Ragweed
8. Russian thistle
9. Marsh elder
10. Aspen Tree
11. Willow Tree
12. Ash tree
13. Mulberry tree

Methods to Prevent Allergies 

It can be challenging to manage your symptoms if you suffer from allergies, but there are methods to decrease or eliminate allergy symptoms in Boston.

Clean Regularly 

Cleaning your home regularly will help eliminate the amount of pollen inside your home. You can track pollen inside your home, on your clothes, and through your pets. Doing laundry frequently and maintaining a clean house will keep pollen out of your home. 

Close Windows 

Opening your windows during the spring and summer will allow pollen into your home. So, run the A/C inside your home during allergy season in Boston.

HEPA Filter

Installing a HEPA filter on your air conditioning will help filter out pollen. 

Wear a Mask Outdoors

Pollen is everywhere outside, and wearing a mask will prevent pollen from getting into your airways. 

Check Pollen Counts

During allergy season, check for pollen counts and try not to go outside as much on days with high numbers. Pollen tends to be at its worst during the morning and afternoon, so the evening is the best time to go outside. 

Keep a Clean Yard

Keeping your yard tidy and trimmed will reduce the pollen directly released around your home. 

Allergy Medications

Antihistamines

A “histamine reaction” is when someone’s immune system reacts to allergies. Antihistamines you can buy at a drug store are Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Benadryl

Steroid Nasal Spray

A nasal spray is the best thing you can do to fight sinus infection symptoms from allergies. Flonase, Nasacort, or Nasonex will decrease sinuses’ inflammation and slow mucus production. When using a nasal spray, it is essential not to sniff too hard, or the medicine will go to your stomach rather than your nasal cavity. 

Expectorant 

Expectorants break up mucus in your chest, so it’s easier to cough it into your lungs. Mucinex is an excellent expectorant that’s available at most drugstores. 

The over-the-counter (OTC) medications above are available online and at many drugstores and grocery stores in Boston. These medications above provide short-term relief from your allergy symptoms. However, continue to take antihistamines, nasal sprays, and expectorants with no result. It may be time to make a doctor’s appointment or look into treatments that provide long-term relief instead of just these medications that only provide short-term help. 

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual Immunotherapy is the best long-term solution when it comes to allergy relief. This therapy involves getting shots of small amounts of allergens into your immune system. Through this exposure, the body slowly becomes less allergic to the specific allergy. In addition, introducing the allergy in small doses teaches the body how to ignore the allergens. Sublingual Immunotherapy is to be applied under the tongue with drops or tablets. This way, it can be administered from the comfort of one’s home as well as having to avoid the allergen being applied through needles and a doctor visit. 

We hope this guide helps you manage your allergies in Boston.

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