The state of Maine is among the most northerly states in the US, but just because it can get cold doesn’t mean the allergy season can’t get bad! Anyone who lives in the northeast knows just how atrocious the pollen season can be, including those in Maine. Today, we are going to be looking at Maine’s allergy season, particularly its peak and timing, plus a few other important bits of information. Let’s get started!
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Maine’s Allergy Season
Allergies are a common problem in Maine (as any resident knows), and they can be particularly challenging during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Maine’s various weather conditions can create ideal conditions for pollen allergies, as we’ll explore further. Generally, Maine’s allergy season starts in early March and lasts until the first hard freeze of winter. During the winter, the cold sends many plants into dormancy, stopping pollen production and subsequent allergies.
It’s important to remember that certain elements of allergy season in Maine can vary depending on how the previous seasons turned out. A colder winter can lead to a late start to allergy season, with a warm spring bringing it about sooner. Generally, the best way to ensure you are up to date is to check local weather reports, as they list pollen counts that are much more specific to your region, giving you more applicable information than other sources could.
The Plants that Cause Maine’s Allergy Season
Different regions of the country have different allergy seasons. Here are some of the most prevalent allergy culprits in the state of Maine, plus when they peak as different plants pollinate during different seasons.
The spring season typically begins in April or May as the trees start to release pollen. During this time, a lot (if not most) of the spring pollen comes from pine, maple, and oak trees. These allergies are known as “tree pollen allergies.” After tree season comes a fun-sounding but not fun-to-experience time known as “dandelion season.” These get worse as people start mowing their lawns in warmer weather.
Summer means one thing: grass pollen. The primary culprit is ragweed if you are experiencing seasonal allergies in July, August, or September in Maine. Seventeen species of ragweed grow in the United States, and the species found in Maine is known as “common ragweed.” This nasty little weed can grow up to a yard long and has small green flowers.
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Why the Northeast Has Such a Bad Allergy Season
The Northeast region of the United States is known for its severe allergy season, and there are a few reasons why this is the case. Firstly, the region’s four distinct seasons mean that all the vegetation has a specific time to bloom, and this tends to happen simultaneously. This results in a sudden surge of pollen in the spring, which can be overwhelming for allergy sufferers.
Secondly, the Northeast is home to a vast number of plants, including sprawling forests and fields, which are high pollen producers. Trees such as pine, juniper, and oak release large amounts of pollen, and the region’s consistent wind and rain in the spring months allows allergens to be periodically released, worsening the allergy symptoms.
Here are the top 10 cities with the worst allergies in the United States; the Northeast is clearly one of the worst:
- Scranton, PA
- Wichita, KS
- McAllen, TX
- Richmond, VA
- San Antonio, TX
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Hartford, CT
- Buffalo, NY
- New Haven, CT
- Albany, NY
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The Best Allergy Treatments
Medication and Antihistamines: One of the most common ways to alleviate allergy symptoms is through the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication. Antihistamines are a popular choice as they block the release of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions. Some examples of antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Nasal sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex), can also be used to relieve nasal congestion and sneezing.
- Long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms
- Non-drowsy formula
- Active ingredient is the antihistamine Loratadine (10 mg)
- 24-hour allergy relief
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a long-term treatment that can help reduce the severity of allergies over time. It involves injecting small doses of the allergen into the body to build immunity. This treatment can be effective for those with severe allergies and who have not found relief from other treatments.
Filters and Air Purifiers: Another way to alleviate allergy symptoms is by using filters and air purifiers to remove allergens from the air. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are the most effective in trapping small particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Air purifiers that use UV light or ozone can also be used to kill mold and bacteria.
Allergen Avoidance: One of the best ways to alleviate allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens that cause them. This can include staying indoors on high pollen days, keeping windows and doors closed, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak allergy season. It also includes keeping pets out of certain rooms, vacuuming and dusting frequently, and washing bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.
Click here to learn about all of the allergy seasons across the United States!
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