If you’re sneezing, dealing with a runny nose or rubbing your itchy eyes in February, you might suspect that spring allergies are starting earlier than they used to. What once felt like a March or April problem is now showing up weeks sooner.
So, is allergy season really changing? And what can you do to prepare?
Yes, allergy season is starting earlier
Research shows pollen seasons in the U.S. are starting earlier and lasting longer than they did decades ago. Tree pollen, which often kicks off seasonal allergies, is being released earlier in the year. In some areas, allergy season can begin in late winter instead of early spring.
This shift means people who already deal with seasonal allergies may feel symptoms before they expect them.
Why spring allergies are starting sooner
“As the climate changes, fluctuations in temperature and moisture in the winter can confuse the plants, which have an annual cycle for pollination and growth,” said Kevin White, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Banner - University Medicine. “Research has found both higher pollen counts and longer seasons have occurred with climate change.”
- Warmer winters and climate changes: Milder winters mean fewer long freezes to slow plant growth. When temperatures rise earlier, trees and plants start producing pollen sooner.
- Higher pollen levels: Plants don’t just release pollen earlier, they often release more of it. That’s because higher carbon dioxide levels increase pollen production. More pollen can make symptoms more intense.
- Regional differences: Allergy timing depends on where you live. Southern and warmer regions often see earlier pollen seasons, while colder climates may still have later starts. Even within the same state, timing can vary.
“As a local example, Tucson doesn’t get much of a break for seasonal allergy sufferers. Juniper trees from the mountains release pollen in the late fall and early winter and then ash and mulberry trees pollinate early in the spring. So if temperatures are above normal, the trees are going to think it is time to start pollinating, which can result in a longer pollen season that can make allergy sufferers miserable,” Dr. White said.
Common early spring allergy symptoms
Early allergy symptoms look similar to typical spring allergies and may include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy, runny or itchy nose
- Nasal congestion
- Post-nasal drip
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or ears
- Coughing or clearing your throat
Is it allergies or a cold?
Because symptoms of allergic rhinitis (the medical term for allergies) can overlap with colds or sinus infections, it’s easy to mistake allergies for something else, especially early in the year.
A few key signs can help you tell whether it’s allergies or a cold:
Allergies
- Symptoms tend to last weeks or even months
- Itchy eyes, nose or throat are common
- Nasal drainage is usually clear and watery
- No fever or body aches, though you may have headaches
Cold
- Symptoms usually improve within seven to 10 days
- Mucus may become thick or yellow/green
- You may have body aches or fever
- A sore throat often appears early
“In general, the more itching you have, the more likely it is to be allergies and the more aches and fever you have, the more likely it is to be a cold. But it is possible to have both allergies and a cold at the same time, which can be quite miserable,” Dr. White said.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms or they’re getting worse, a health care provider can help figure out what’s behind them and how to treat them.
How to prepare before symptoms spike
Getting ahead of allergy season can make a big difference.
Start allergy medications early
Many over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines work best when you take them before symptoms get severe. “If you don’t take your allergy medication year-round, start taking it at least two weeks before the season starts,” Dr. White said.
Starting treatment early can help reduce inflammation and control your symptoms once pollen levels rise.
“There are many safe OTC options for treating allergic rhinitis,” Dr. White said.
- Nasal corticosteroids can reduce all the symptoms of allergies such as itching, sneezing, drainage and postnasal drip. “They tend to work better when used every day rather than as needed,” Dr. White said.
- Nasal antihistamines are a good medication to add to nasal corticosteroids if the corticosteroids are not reducing the symptoms enough.
- Non-sedating antihistamine tablets are good at reducing itching but not always as good at reducing nasal congestion.
“All three of these medications can be safely combined together to reduce symptoms,” Dr. White said. “For severe allergies, it often takes more than one medication to calm down symptoms.”
Track pollen forecasts
Checking daily pollen counts can help you plan your outdoor activities. On high-pollen days, try to limit your time outside, especially in the morning when pollen levels are usually highest.
Reduce pollen exposure
Simple habits can help lower how much pollen you bring indoors:
- Keep windows closed at home and in your car
- Change your clothes after being outside
- Shower before you go to bed to remove pollen from your skin and hair
Support your immune system
Good sleep, staying hydrated and managing stress can help your body handle allergy triggers more effectively.
When to talk with a provider
You may want to see a provider if:
- Symptoms last for weeks or keep returning
- Allergies interfere with sleep, school or work
- OTC treatments aren’t helping after two to four weeks
- You have asthma and symptoms are getting worse
“A provider can evaluate you to see if there are other treatments that might benefit you. You might be developing sinus inflammation (sinusitis) or you may need a referral to see an allergy specialist. A provider can help confirm whether allergies are the cause and recommend treatment options, including prescription medications or allergy testing,” Dr. White said.
The bottom line
Changing weather patterns and higher pollen levels are shifting allergy season for many people. The good news is that by starting medications early and reducing exposure, you can help keep symptoms under control.
“There are many options for identifying and treating allergies,” Dr. White said. If allergies are affecting your quality of life, a Banner Health provider can help you find relief.
