It's Summer: Why Am I Still Sneezing? The Lengthening of Allergy Season

From sniffling and sneezing to itchy, runny eyes, allergies can make daily life miserable.  If you’re among the over one in four Americans who has a seasonal allergy, knowing your symptoms are temporary may bring some peace of mind. If they seem to be raging on longer than usual, though – well, you’re not alone there either.

Allergy season, which is often synonymous with springtime in the United States, has lengthened by 15 days on average since 1970. 

At her office in Valencia, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia provides comprehensive allergy care for people of all ages, no matter the season. 

Read on to learn why seasonal allergies may last increasingly long, plus smart ways to find relief.

The basics of seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies cause your immune system to overreact to particular outdoor stimulants. In the spring, tree pollen is the most common allergy. During early summer, grass pollen reigns. Common allergens in the fall include mold and ragweed.

While seasonal allergies affect people differently,  symptoms typically include:

• Congestion
• Coughing
• Dark circles under your eyes
• Fatigue
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Post nasal drip (mucus at the back of your throat)
• Runny nose and eyes
• Sneezing

Once your allergen is diagnosed or confirmed through allergy testing, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, such as wearing an N-95 mask outdoors or taking medication in the form of pills, shots, or an inhaled mist.

Why seasonal allergies are lasting longer

Seasonal allergies are lasting longer in some, but not all, regions of the United States. And where you live makes a significant difference. For example, while Denver, Colorado, hasn’t experienced lengthened allergy seasons, Reno, Nevada, has increased by 99 days since 1970. 

Experts point to climate change as the cause behind lingering allergies. Warmer temperatures, which make for shortened frost, and high carbon dioxide levels in the environment cause plants to bloom earlier and produce pollen for longer. These changes can also lengthen the effects of mold allergies. 

What to do about longer allergy seasons

If you’re bothered by allergies, working with an expert is an important way to manage and minimize your symptoms. Dr. Cutillar-Garcia can recommend an ideal treatment plan or changes to your ongoing care to ensure you stay comfortable. 

She can also recommend steps you may not have considered, such as monitoring pollen and mold counts and changing your clothes after spending time outdoors. 

If your allergies aren’t only lasting longer but are also becoming more severe, an allergy shot treatment plan may be needed.

To learn more about seasonal allergies or get started toward longer-lasting relief, call our office or book an appointment through our website today.