Why Is Allergy Season So Much Worse This Year?

Why Is Allergy Season So Much Worse This Year? And What You Can Actually Do About It

If you feel like your allergies are out of control this year—you’re not imagining it.

More sneezing. Itchy eyes that won’t quit. A constant post-nasal drip that makes you question if it’s allergies… or something worse. For a lot of people, this season feels like it started earlier, hit harder, and is dragging on longer.

So what’s going on?

Why is this allergy season worse?

Several factors are stacking up:

1. Longer growing seasons

Warmer winters and earlier springs mean trees, grasses, and weeds are pollinating earlier and for longer.

2. More pollen in the air

Higher CO₂ levels stimulate plants to produce more pollen—and more potent pollen. Ragweed, for example, thrives in these conditions.

3. Weather swings trigger pollen surges

A warm-up followed by a cold front or heavy rain can shock plants into releasing pollen in bursts.

4. Urban areas trap allergens

City air can trap pollen and pollution closer to the ground—making it harder to escape even when indoors.

What can you do about it?

1. Time your exposure

• Avoid outdoor time in early morning and late afternoon, when pollen peaks

• Shower and change clothes after being outside

• Use HEPA filters at home

• Keep windows closed on high pollen days

2. Use medications wisely

• Daily non-drowsy antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine)

• Nasal steroids like fluticasone or mometasone

• Saline nasal rinses to flush allergens

• Consider allergy testing if symptoms persist despite treatment

3. What about natural remedies?

Some people want more than meds—or prefer to try natural tools first. These are a few with some scientific support behind them:

Quercetin:

A plant flavonoid found in apples, onions, and capers. It may help stabilize mast cells, which release histamine.

• You’d need large amounts in food, so supplements are often used

• Start 2–3 weeks before allergy season for best effect

• May interact with certain meds—talk to your doctor

  
  

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica):

Used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some small studies suggest it can reduce allergy-related inflammation.

• Usually taken in capsule or tea form

• Effects are mild but may complement other treatments

Nasal irrigation (saline rinses):

Flushes allergens and mucus.

• Use a sterile saline solution and a clean neti pot or squeeze bottle

• Daily use during peak allergy season can significantly reduce symptoms

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus):

Some research shows it may work similarly to antihistamines.

• Only use PA-free, standardized extracts—raw butterbur can be toxic

• Talk to your provider before using due to potential liver impact

Probiotics:

Emerging research links gut health and immune response.

• Some strains (like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) may help modulate allergic reactions

• Results are mixed—but improving your gut health may help long-term

When to see a doctor?

If natural remedies and OTC treatments aren’t working—or if you’re unsure what’s really going on—it’s worth getting checked.

At Sina Health, we look beyond the standard one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s customizing your meds, allergy testing, or helping you build a prevention plan—we take it seriously.

Still suffering through allergy season? You don’t have to. Let’s figure out what’s really triggering your symptoms—and fix it.

Book a visit with Sina Health