As allergy season returns to NYC, here's how you can save yourself from pollen
Gothamist • • health
Key Points:
- Tree pollen, especially from less conspicuous trees like birch, maple, poplar, and willow, is the primary cause of seasonal allergies in New York during spring, while grass and weed pollen dominate in summer and fall.
- Seasonal allergy symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes, and can be distinguished from colds by their timing, duration, and absence of fever.
- Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) and nasal corticosteroids (e.g., Flonase) are effective treatments, and minimizing outdoor exposure during dry, windy days can reduce symptoms.
- This year's allergy season in New York is expected to be average despite an early start due to warm weather, though climate change is causing longer and earlier pollen seasons overall.
