What seasons cause the most allergies?
In spring and summer, during tree and grass pollen season, levels are highest in the evening. In late summer and early fall, during ragweed pollen season, levels are highest in the morning.
In fact, the most common allergens—house dust mites, animal dander, cockroach droppings, fabric fiber, bacteria and forced-air furnaces circulating airborne dust—are actually worse in winter when there is less ventilation.
The main culprits triggering this misery are tree, grass and weed pollen. These yellowish powders fertilize plants and are spread by wind, insects and birds. A rainy spring can help plants - and mold - grow more quickly, causing allergy symptoms to linger for months.
The rotting leaves of fall provide an excellent home for mold growth, and to the detriment of allergy sufferers, release spores into the air to reproduce. These tiny spores are often the culprit for the nasal congestion, runny noses, sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes you see in allergy sufferers.
During the winter, there's less pollen (if any) floating around, but cranking up the heat indoors can kick up house dust, a winter allergy trigger. If you're allergic to dust, winter allergies can be just as bad as in the spring and fall.
Winter is supposed to be the one season we get a break from our seasonal allergies, but if you live in a warm climate where grasses are still growing (and releasing pollen) in December or you are allergic to dander, dust mites, or mold, you might not get a reprieve from allergy season.
Allergies can worsen over time because, as you age, your immune system changes. Sometimes it can become intolerant to allergens it used to tolerate. Seasonal allergies can also be worse due to climate change.
But to make matters worse, we're in the midst of one of the worst cold and flu seasons in recent years. Which raises an interesting question – do allergies weaken our immune system, and are those who suffer from allergies thus at greater risk of getting sick? The short answer to that question is yes.
Dry, windy days:
Gusts of wind can blow pollen and other allergens into the air, causing hay fever and other reactions. If you have a pollen allergy, it's wise to stay indoors with the windows shut on windy days.
This is because you tend to stay inside during cold weather, increasing your exposure to the winter allergens. Keeping windows and doors tightly shut, with the heating system recirculating indoor air, can also reduce ventilation and allow allergens to build up. Dust mites commonly cause allergies year-round.
What month is pollen the highest?
June, July, and August is usually when the grass pollens are high, sometimes into September in a warm year. August through the end of October is weed pollen season - it takes a hard freeze to kill off the weeds. Some outdoor molds also peak in the fall months.