The state of New Mexico, located in the southwestern United States, is well-known for its rich history and breathtaking desert landscapes. New Mexico’s lovely climate comes with a price, though, since the state’s allergy season can be among the worst in the country. The dry climate and extended growing season contribute to a challenging allergy season for locals.
Some of the most frequent weeds associated with seasonal allergies are various kinds of ragweed and sagebrush, which both blossom in the late summer and early fall. Flowering time for tumbleweed, also known as Russian thistle, is spring through summer.
Allergy season often begins in February and continues until May or June. There is a wide range of allergies in New Mexico, and they change with the seasons. The four seasons each bring their own set of allergens, so let’s take a look.
When Is Allergy Season In New Mexico?
Allergies in the spring typically start in February and last until early July in many parts of the United States. It all starts with tree pollination in the early part of the year, then moves on to grasses in the late spring and summer, and finally to ragweed in the late summer and fall.
Which Plants Cause Allergies In New Mexico?
Cottonwood trees are a common allergy trigger in New Mexico.
Seasonal allergies are ubiquitous worldwide, including in New Mexico. Where in New Mexico you reside or plan to travel to can have an effect on your susceptibility to allergens. Listed below are some of New Mexico’s key allergy regions and their respective seasons.
Spring
New Mexicans who suffer from tree-related allergies will find that the spring season brings the worst of the symptoms. This season can begin as early as January for some trees and end as late as May. Many people are sensitive to trees, including juniper, elm, cottonwood, ash, maple, oak, willow, and mulberry.
Summer
It’s summertime, which means it’s grass allergy season in New Mexico. As a result of New Mexico’s warm autumn climate, the grass allergy season can begin as early as May or June and last all the way through September or even October. The most prevalent types of grass that cause allergic reactions in people include ryegrass, Bermuda grass, bent grass, timothy grass, orchard grass, and prairie grass.
Fall
Although weed allergies often peak in the fall in New Mexico, they can sometimes linger into the early months of winter. Allergy symptoms caused by weeds typically begin in the middle of August and last until the end of October or even November. In addition to ragweed and sagebrush, frequent weed allergens also include amaranth, pigweed, saltbush, and wormwood.
Winter
Even though New Mexicans suffering from seasonal allergies won’t get much of a reprieve in winter, it should be welcome nonetheless. However, allergens found indoors, such as cockroaches, dust, and pet dander can still trigger an allergic reaction.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Sneezing is a common allergy symptom.
The following allergy symptoms are common in the Commonwealth of New Mexico:
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Irritated, Watery Eyes
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Drippy nose
- Headaches
- Hives
- An increase in asthma symptoms
Allergies typically cause at least one of these symptoms, however, the specific manifestations may differ from person to person.
Best Allergy Treatments
Preventative Measures
The most straightforward strategy to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies is to limit contact with allergens like pollen. Here are some pointers:
Check the pollen levels. If the pollen count is high, it’s best to stay inside.
Close the windows. Keep the windows closed and the air conditioner running while lots of allergens are in the air. This aids in preventing pollen from entering the home.
Use a mask. Pollen can be avoided in the lungs by wearing a mask while outdoors.
Reduce your time outside. During the height of allergy season, people with severe allergies should limit their time spent outside as much as possible. However, you shouldn’t cheat yourself out of the joys that nature has to offer. The pollen count is usually lowest in the evening.
Put in a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA). Putting a HEPA filter in your air conditioner will help cut down on allergens.
Regular bathing is encouraged. If you’ve picked up any pollen while outside, take a long, hot shower as soon as you come back inside.
Take off your shoes inside. When coming inside, remove shoes to avoid tracking allergens through the home.
Allergy Medications
While avoiding known triggers is smart, many people will need supplementary treatment for their symptoms. You can test out some OTC allergy medication. Many people turn to antihistamines, eye drops, decongestants, and nasal sprays for quick, short-term comfort.
Talk To Your Doctor
Your physician may recommend medication or refer you to an allergist or immunologist in order to help you feel better. Sublingual immunotherapy and allergy injections may be helpful for people who are extremely sensitive to allergens but still suffer from severe seasonal allergies.
If you want to know when allergy seasons are in every state in the USA, go here!
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