You’ve probably noticed yellow pollen floating through the air and collecting on windshields, especially near Piedmont Park, indicating allergy season has begun. However, for some allergy season is year-round. This is because the onset and duration of allergy season depend on what exactly you’re allergic to. We explain more below.
Understanding Pollen Counts
Pollen counts are measured by air sampling devices around the country. These devices measure the concentration of pollen in the air over a 24-hour period. You can check the concentration of pollen in your area online or on your local weather channel.
Most of the time, pollen counts are highest in the morning, peaking mid-day. Pollen counts also tend to be higher during warm, dry periods. The best time to go outdoors if you have a pollen allergy is in the late afternoon or after a good rain has settled the pollen in the air.
Tree Pollen Season
For those with a tree pollen allergy, allergy season starts early. While tree pollen counts tend to peak late March to early April, trees in the Atlanta area can start to produce pollen as early as January. Usually tree pollen season wraps up by late May.
Grass Pollen Season
Grass pollen season starts around the time tree pollen begins to subside and peaks in June. This allergy season is shorter but tends to be more intense than tree pollen season.
Ragweed Pollen Season
Ragweed, among other types of weeds, starts in late August and goes until the first or second freeze of the year. There is some overlap between when grass pollen season ends and ragweed pollen season begins, meaning symptoms are worst for people who have both allergies in the late summer/early fall.
Year-Round Allergies
If you’re allergic to pet dander, mold or dust mites, you may experience year-round allergies. Compounded with pollen allergies, it is possible to experience symptoms year-round with worse symptoms around spring, summer or early fall. For more information about pollen allergies or to talk to an allergy expert about treatment options, call ENT of Georgia today!
