What Are The Top Allergens in April Across the Country?

April Allergies in the Northern United States 

Winter is officially over, even in the North. We’re finally beginning to see signs of spring and nature is blooming! While it might be beautiful, it can be a sore sight for allergy sufferers. One of the reasons why spring allergy season is so bad is because there are large amounts of pollen being released into the air all at the same time. In northern climates allergies can be especially bad, where the heavy pollinating trees such as cottonwood, juniper, cedar, aspen and more cover the land.

Top April allergens:

• Elm
• Cottonwood
• Juniper

April Allergies in the Southern United States

When it comes to allergies in the south, the recent high winds and temperate weather are causing some of our patients to experience an even earlier arrival of tree pollen season, which we’re now in the peak of. Especially in states like Texas and Florida, we’re continuing to experience record-breaking high temperatures this year making for a  longer, more potent allergy season. This will continue to wreak havoc on our allergies here in the south. While we are only seeing tree pollen in the beginning of April, towards the end we might see grass pollen counts start to rise as well. 

Top April allergens:

• Oak
• Elm
• Mulberry
  
  

April Allergens in the Eastern United States

No one can catch a break from spring allergy season. Even in the east we’re seeing outdoor allergens are slowly but surely increasing for the spring tree pollen season. Similar to the rest of the country, we’re seeing the same primary culprits of trees including, oak, maple, and birch (all of which are considered heavy pollinators) causing some intense symptoms for allergy sufferers in the east. 

Top April allergens:

• Oak
• Maple
• Birch
  
  

April Allergies in the Western United States

The West is known for its lush state parks full of beautiful trees and nature. This makes for a very bad spring allergy season. In states like Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, the tree allergy season remains severe for months on end and if weather conditions keep up, it could be even longer. Currently, we’re seeing high counts of cottonwood, ash, and mesquite in the peak of tree allergy season. However, as we continue to move through April we might see an increase in grass pollen counts as well, so be sure to keep an eye out on that. 

Top April allergens:

• Ash 
• Mesquite
• Cottonwood

Top April Allergies Across the Country:

Oak Tree: 

Oak trees are common in many parts of the United States, including the eastern and southern regions, and their pollen can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Oak trees are often known for the cloud of hazy, green pollen it leaves in the air, on our cars, and everywhere in between. Oak is known to have severe allergies due to its pollen. It is a fine powder that can easily be carried by the wind for miles, making it difficult to avoid exposure.  

Symptoms of oak tree allergies:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Allergy headaches
• Sore throat
• Constant sneezing or wheezing

How to prevent oak allergy symptoms and reduce oak exposure:

• Keep windows and doors closed. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home or workplace. Use air conditioning with HEPA filters to help reduce allergens indoors.
  
  
• Vacuum and dust regularly. Make sure to dust first and then vacuum to pick up all the fallen and kicked up dust.
  
  
• Rinse off after being outside: Shower and change clothes after spending time outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair.

Oak allergy treatments:

• Get ahead of your oak allergy because severe symptoms can develop over time. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a great way to begin treating your allergies. These shots are given at regular intervals, usually every two weeks. They slowly increase the body's tolerance to allergens by exposing it to small amounts of each allergen over time.
  
  
• Allergy drops work in the same way as allergy shots by gradually increasing your tolerance to the allergen, but they're portable and painless! They’re a great option for busy families and kids love them!
  
  
• If you're tired of suffering from the harsh symptoms of oak pollen, our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is just as effective as three years' worth of allergy shots—but with just three injections over eight weeks.
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Elm

Elm trees can be very difficult to avoid. The 35 different species of Elm trees cause a large amount of pollen to be produced, on top of that, this wind-pollinated tree can travel miles, creating a significant impact on sensitive allergy sufferers. You’ll want to make sure that you try to prepare for elm season as much as possible. But it can be hard to know when elm trees begin pollinating due to different weather climates across the country. That’s why we created our free allergy calendar: so you can quickly find out what allergens will affect each season in your area. Check out our free allergy calendar today and start living confidently!

Elm Tree Allergy Symptoms:

If you experience these symptoms, it could be due to an Elm allergy. However, seasonal allergies often look the same, so it might be in your best interest to get an allergy test to know exactly what you're allergic to. 

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Coughing or wheezing
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Elm Allergy Prevention:

• Wash your clothes immediately after coming inside. Elm pollen can stick to any surface. If you’ve been outdoors, especially on a windy day, there’s a good chance you have pollen stuck to your clothes.
  
  
• Keep your windows closed. It’s better to run the air conditioning instead of opening windows during allergy season. This goes for your car as well.
  
  
• Check your local pollen count. Keep in mind that pollen levels are usually highest from early morning to mid-afternoon, so try to plan your day accordingly on high pollen level days. 
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Elm Allergy Treatments:

• If you experience symptoms such as rashes, hives, or trouble breathing, take an antihistamine.
  
  
• If you’re looking for long-term allergy relief, immunotherapy—also known as allergy shots—is a great way to go. Allergy shots are administered by an allergist in the clinic. You receive injections every week or bi-weekly until your body is able to tolerate the allergen without an allergic reaction. The goal is complete tolerance!
  
  
• Allergy drops work like allergy shots, gradually exposing the body to an allergen under the tongue. This treatment is great for those who want an easy way to manage their allergies but don't have time for frequent office visits.
  
  
• Our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is a convenient alternative to allergy shots. This revolutionary new treatment requires just three shots over the span of eight weeks! Studies have shown that our ExACT treatments effectiveness is comparable to three years' worth of traditional allergy shots!

Ash:

Ash is known to be a severe allergen due to the potent pollen they release throughout the spring. There’s estimated to be 45 to 60 different species of ash trees around the world. So if you didn’t think you had an ash tree allergen, it might be something to look further into. Ash trees are typically found in parks, gardens, and along streets and neighborhoods. This common tree is hard to miss and their sturdy timber is often used for commercial items. 

Ash Tree Allergy Symptoms:

Some common allergy symptoms you might experience from ash are:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Wheezing

Ash Allergy Prevention Tips:

• Use allergy-friendly products. Use allergy-friendly bedding, such as hypoallergenic pillows and mattress covers. Wash bedding frequently in hot water to remove allergens.
  
  
• Keep your environment clean. Regularly cleaning your home and workplace can help reduce allergens. Use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from carpets and floors.
  
  
• Keep pets out of the bedroom. Your furry friend can bring a lot of unwanted pollen into the home. Keeping them out and away from your bed can actually contribute to a better night's sleep.
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Ash Allergy Treatments:

Luckily, ash allergies can be treated! If you’re looking for long-term treatment options, allergy shots, allergy drops, or even our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment will help treat the root cause of your ash allergy, not just mask the symptoms.

How Aspire Allergy & Sinus Can Help Your April Allergies

Spring represents new growth and change. If you’re tired of the same itching and sneezing, and constant headaches and restless nights, then it’s time to see what we can do for you at Aspire Allergy & Sinus. At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, we can help minimize your symptoms and treat the root cause of your troubles. We provide allergy diagnosis and treatment that works year-round, so you can be free from sneezing, itching and other allergy symptoms.  Don’t let allergies ruin your life; book an appointment today!