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Pollen can be a real pest if you have nasal allergies. And it’s tough to avoid during peak pollen seasons. Knowing when different parts of the country experience pollen seasons might help when you’re planning vacations or outdoor activities. This section covers details about pollen and when and where it’s at its worst.

pesky pollen
Are your nasal allergy symptoms worse at certain times of the year? The reason is probably plant pollen, which can cause allergies and irritate your airways.

When you are exposed to pollen, your body responds by creating a defense called antibodies, which attach themselves to special cells in the nose and airways called mast cells. In turn, the mast cells produce and release chemicals that cause nasal allergy symptoms like sneezing and a stuffy, runny, itchy nose.


While you can't avoid pollen entirely, the following facts might help you weather the seasons better:
  • Not all pollens are equal! Tree pollens cause problems in early spring, while grass pollens strike in late spring and early summer. Weed pollens will cause flare-ups in late summer.
  • Seasons begin at different times in the United States. For example, weed pollen strikes the North-Northeast from June to October. But the Pacific Northwest has a high weed pollen count from April to December. That's why it's so important to learn your area's seasonal pattern.
  • Weather and time of day also affect nasal allergy symptoms. Ragweed releases its pollen in the morning, and a strong wind may carry it right through an open window.
  • Heat, humidity, and air pollution can also worsen symptoms.
peak pollen seasons in the united states
In North America, weeds such as ragweed are the most common sources of problematic pollen. A single ragweed plant can generate one million grains of pollen a day. Some common grasses in North America that cause allergic reactions are timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Johnson grass, redtop grass, orchard grass, and sweet vernal grass. North American trees that produce allergenic pollen include oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder, and mountain cedar.

Here is a breakdown of peak pollen seasons in the continental United States. Check out your regional pollen count and refer to it when planning a trip.

Pacific Northwest
Trees: February to May
Grasses: April to September
Weeds: April to December
West
Trees: January to June
Grasses: Year-round
Weeds: April to December
Great Plains
Trees: February to May
Grasses: April to October
Weeds: June to October
South Central
Trees: January to July
Grasses: March to November
Weeds: May to November
North-Northeast
Trees: March to May
Grasses: April to October
Weeds: June to October
South-Northeast
Trees: February to June
Grasses: April to October
Weeds: June to September
Southeast
Trees: January to May
Grasses: April to October
Weeds: June to October


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