Why allergy season keeps getting worse

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), pollen is one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies. In many areas, pollen season peaks in May with high levels of both tree and grass pollen. 

"Simply put, high pollen counts mean increased symptoms for allergy sufferers," said Robert Zemble, chief of the allergy division at Lehigh Valley Health Network. "Different regions are worse for seasonal allergies based on their plant growth present, temperature, precipitation and geological topography."

Some symptoms of allergies include itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip. In recent years, more people have reported their allergy symptoms worsening — something that health experts say is likely due to climate change.

According to Elaine Fuertes, a public health scientist who focuses on the environment and allergic disease at the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, rising temperatures have caused pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer.

"You're going to get people who experience symptoms earlier in the year, for a longer period of time," Fuertes said.

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from burning coal, oil, and natural gas has increased plant production, which in turn has led to higher pollen counts. In the United States, pollen levels are predicted to be higher than the historical average across 39 states this year. Some cities, including Atlanta and Houston, have already reported record pollen counts.

These seasonal changes may also lead some people to develop allergies when they've never had them before.

"We hear all the time, 'I've never had allergies before and now I suddenly feel like I have allergies,' or 'I feel like my allergies are getting a lot worse,' and that's because the allergic load is that much higher because of climate change," said AAFA CEO Kenneth Mendez.

"If the trendlines continue, I think more people are going to feel miserable from allergies," Mendez added. 

2. Take over-the-counter medications

Several over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with allergy symptoms, including nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, and saline nasal rinses. Some medications, such as nasal steroid sprays, are more effective if they're used consistently two to four weeks before allergy season.

"Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops can be very effective for most people," said Steve Furr, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "It's a good idea to start using them before your symptoms really ramp up."

3. Seek professional help if necessary

If OTC medications aren't enough to alleviate your symptoms or if symptoms are negatively affecting your daily life, it might be time to speak to a healthcare professional.

"We can talk about prescription options, allergy testing or even longer-term solutions like immunotherapy (such as) allergy shots or tablets," Furr said. "You don't have to just 'tough it out' every spring!"

Are allergy shots worth getting?

Allergy shots, also known as desensitization therapy, can help your immune system build a tolerance to certain allergens, including pollen and other sources of seasonal allergies. However, they require a significant time commitment and can be costly.

After an allergist creates a specialized shot based on your allergens, you will need to get one or two shots a week for several months. Later, you will be able to space out your shots every two weeks and then eventually one shot a month at the highest dose, which is considered a maintenance shot.

It can take up to 12 months before your symptoms improve, and you will likely need to receive maintenance shots for three to five years. Although it is possible to shorten this timeline by receiving more allergy shots in the build-up phase, patients also have a higher risk of experiencing allergic reactions.  

Allergy shots can also be expensive, especially since insurance coverage varies. According to David Morris, chief of allergy and immunology at Dayton Children's Hospital, most patients can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 for office visit copays, as well as the treatment itself.

Aside from allergy shots, researchers are also working on other treatments for allergies. For example, there is a tablet form of allergen immunotherapy for people who are allergic to ragweed, some grasses, and dust.

There is also an experimental technique called intralymphatic immunotherapy where allergens are injected into a lymph node rather than under the skin. Although an ultrasound is needed to deliver the shot, patients only need three injections over two months. Currently, it is only available at a few healthcare facilities and has not yet been approved by FDA.

"Not all these are going to be right for every patient, [but] I'm excited for patients to get some quality-of-life improvements," Morris said. "I recommend people see a board-certified allergist and discuss these treatments and the risks and benefits and decide what's right for them."