Pennsylvania Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

Is there an easy way to get relief during the Pennsylvania allergy season? While this state isn’t necessarily the worst for its seasonal allergies, many cities in Pennsylvania experience higher-than-average pollen counts throughout the year. If you live in the Keystone State, you may already be aware of your seasonal allergies. But what can you do to get through this time of year?

In this article, we’ll address everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania allergy season, including the common culprits of symptoms. We’ll discuss some of the plants, trees, and weeds that may be causing you problems, as well as when these allergies typically occur. Let’s get started and talk about allergies in the great state of Pennsylvania now!

Pennsylvania Allergy Season: An Overview

While Pennsylvania experiences some wintertime relief from pollen and allergies, most seasonal symptoms occur anytime between February through October. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Scranton, PA ranked as 2022’s worst city for allergies, based on its high pollen counts in both spring and fall. While this is only one city within the state, much of Pennsylvania can likely attest to the unhealthy pollen amounts throughout the year.

If you think your allergies are caused by plant pollen, let’s take a look at some of the most common flora that causes allergies!

Plants that Cause Allergies in Pennsylvania (By Season)

From the blossoming trees in springtime to the budding weeds in fall, here are the primary plants that cause allergies in Pennsylvania.

Spring

Many different types of trees cause allergies in Pennsylvania. Depending on your local forecast, trees may start blossoming and producing pollen as early as the middle of February. Some types of trees may continue producing pollen well into the month of May! Privet, hickory, willow, walnut, maple, and oak trees are only a few of the trees responsible for most springtime allergies in Pennsylvania.

Summer

Besides pollution and stagnant heat, Pennsylvania will experience many different grass allergies during the summertime. Beginning sometime during May or June and lasting through August, grasses and trees remain persistent in their pollen production. Some of the most common grasses that contribute to a Pennsylvania allergy season include brome, sagebrush, bent, fescue, timothy, and, of course, Bermudagrass.

Fall

Between September and November, you may find that your allergies decline if you live in Pennsylvania. However, this is a critical time of year for weed and mold allergies, particularly ragweed and pigweed. Plus, as the weather changes, mold spores may begin multiplying in earnest, especially if you notice more moisture in your home. 

Winter

While the months of November through January may bring you some relief from plant-based Pennsylvania allergies, other culprits may be at play. Winter is a time of remaining indoors, but there are plenty of potential allergens found in your own home. Pet dander, dust, mildew, and mold can all cause allergy symptoms, which is why it’s important to keep your Pennsylvanian home clean!

How to Treat Allergies During the Pennsylvania Allergy Season

If you are tired of suffering from a runny nose, dry eyes, and so much more during the Pennsylvania allergy season, what can you do to help your symptoms? Here are some suggestions. 

Keep Things Clean

As previously mentioned, keeping your home clean can help you during any allergy season, no matter the time of year. This doesn’t just include vacuuming and dusting your things. Taking more showers, washing your clothes, and taking care to separate your shoes from the rest of the house may also assist in limiting your symptoms. Plus, you should also consider cleaning your children and pets more too!

Allergy Shots or Medications

Amazon Basic Care Loratadine Antihistamine

• Long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms
• Non-drowsy formula
• Active ingredient is the antihistamine Loratadine (10 mg)
• 24-hour allergy relief

Check Amazon

Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may want to consider some medical relief. Over-the-counter medications are something that many allergy sufferers invest in, but you may want to talk to your doctor and see what potential options there are for you. You can always get tested so that you know your specific allergies, and you can even invest in allergy shots or immunotherapy to get you through.

Avoid Your Triggers

At the end of the day, avoiding your allergies is the best way to avoid symptoms. However, this isn’t always realistic for everyone. If you are able to remain inside on days with terribly high pollen counts, this may help your body recover from the worst of your allergy symptoms. You may also want to consider air purifiers and other options that keep the air healthy!

Up Next:

• Vermont Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms
• Discover Pennsylvania’s Coldest January on Record
• 11 Native Plants in Pennsylvania