Allergy Season Brings Stronger Symptoms to Sufferers This Year

While allergy season has arrived in Massachusetts later this year, that doesn't mean its telltale symptoms of itchy eyes, runny noses, and congestion have abated by any means.

Dr. Caroline Sokol, a practicing allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital, told the Boston Globe that high pollen counts have been plaguing those with seasonal allergies, including those who normally don't suffer from them.

A delayed spring, followed by sunny, windy weather, has created ideal conditions for increased tree pollen. As May begins, grasses begin to overtake trees, causing allergy symptoms for allergy sufferers.

“It's right in the peak of some overlap of different types of pollen,” said Dr. John Accarino, a clinical allergist and immunologist at Mass. General, in a statement shared with the Globe. “We've got two main triggers, grasses and trees ... the earliest weeds can also start in May as well. So May is really the biggest overlap between seasonal [allergens].”

Climate change, higher temperatures, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide are linked to longer growing seasons and greater pollen production, intensifying allergy symptoms and extending the season from late winter into late fall.

Patients who experience more severe eye allergy symptoms, including itchy and watery eyes, rely on daily medications or higher doses. Some may take extra precautions, such as using air conditioning instead of opening windows and wiping down pets to reduce indoor allergen levels.

For persistent symptoms that impact quality of life, Sokol recommends seeing an allergist for skin or blood testing to tailor treatments. Long-term options, such as allergy shots, may be considered with ongoing visits. Common allergy treatments include steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, eye drops, and saline rinses, which require consistent use to achieve full effect.