Massachusetts Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

Massachusetts, a state in New England, is well-known for its scenic beauty and a wide variety of attractions, including world-famous Boston and quaint, historic villages around the state. It’s not a great state for those with allergies, but unless you live there, you might not realize it. Massachusetts isn’t the best choice if you suffer from allergies, but it’s not the worst, either.

Allergies are common from spring to fall in Massachusetts, however, that doesn’t mean people have to suffer. If you’re a Massachusetts resident with allergies, there are ways to control and even eliminate your symptoms.

When Is Allergy Season In Massachusetts?

It’s not unexpected that Massachusetts has such a long allergy season. Trees are to blame in the spring, while grass and weeds take center stage in the summer and fall.

Peak Timing

The three seasons of summer, spring, and fall will be the most allergenic. If you suffer from allergies, you can rest assured that the chilly winter months in Massachusetts will provide some relief.

Which Plants Cause Allergies In Massachusetts?

In the spring and fall, residents of Massachusetts may experience symptoms of seasonal allergies due to weeds, trees, and grass. Allergens from plants in Massachusetts: a seasonal glance!

Spring

Allergic reactions to trees are common in the spring in Massachusetts. Common culprits include ash, aspen, hickory, maple trees, mulberry, oak, and willow. This season often starts in March and continues through the end of May.

Summer

Massachusetts suffers from grass allergy symptoms during the summer months. There will be the most problems with pollen from bermuda, orchard grasses, redtop, ryegrass, sweet vernal, and timothy. Grass pollen allergies often flare up in May and gradually subside by August.

Fall

Autumn is peak time for weed allergy sufferers. Amaranth, marsh elder, mugwort, orache, ragweed, Russian thistle, and wormwood are all examples of allergenic weeds found in Massachusetts. This time period runs from August until the first significant frost of winter.

Winter

Though the freezing temperatures aren’t much fun, they do help those in Massachusetts who suffer from pollen allergies. Even if you don’t experience symptoms outdoors, indoor allergens like mold spores, dust, and pet dander should not be ignored.

Common Allergy Symptoms

The following allergy symptoms are common in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

• Drippy nose
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Irritated, teary eyes
• Hives
• An increase in asthma symptoms

Reactions may, of course, vary from person to person, but generally speaking, allergies will result in at least one of these symptoms.

Best Allergy Treatments

One of the simplest approaches to managing allergies is to reduce exposure. If you can avoid contact with your allergen, your symptoms should go away. Of course, with all the pollen floating around, this is easier said than done. You can still minimize your risk by taking some precautions.

Check the pollen levels. Stay inside as much as possible if the pollen count is high.

Close the windows. When allergens are in the air, it’s best to keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on. This aids in blocking pollen’s entrance.

Use a mask. Wearing a mask outside can help keep pollen out of your lungs.

Reduce your time outside. Those who suffer from severe allergies should try to spend as little time outside as possible during peak allergy season. You shouldn’t, however, deny yourself the pleasures of nature. Keep in mind that evenings typically feature the lowest pollen counts.

Put in a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA). Pollen can be reduced by using a HEPA filter in your air conditioner.

Regular bathing is encouraged. When you get back inside, give yourself a good shower to wash away any pollen you may have picked up.

Take the time to thoroughly clean the house. It’s recommended to use a HEPA filter vacuum, dampen a rag for dusting, and launder laundry more frequently during allergy season.

Take off your shoes inside. Pollen can be brought indoors on one’s shoes, therefore it’s best to remove them before entering the house.

Allergy Medications

While reducing your exposure to triggers will help, many people will still require additional treatment to alleviate their symptoms. Then, you can give over-the-counter allergy pills a try. Antihistamines, eye drops, decongestants, and nasal sprays are some of the most often-used choices for providing temporary relief. Furthermore, there are medically prescribed choices.

Talk To Your Doctor

In order to alleviate your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicine or send you to an Allergist or immunologist. Sensitive individuals who suffer from severe seasonal allergies may benefit from sublingual immunotherapy or allergy injections.

Click here to learn about all of the allergy seasons across the United States!

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