Tree pollen season for the Tampa Bay area will be starting in mid-January/February and lasts until May. These common allergens are some of the first major outdoor allergens to strike in the late winter or spring. Since many types of trees continue to produce pollen until late spring, anyone with a tree pollen allergy should prepare now to combat allergy symptoms. Otherwise, you may find yourself sniffling and sneezing for much of the first half of the year.
What Is a Tree Pollen Allergy?
Trees release pollen to fertilize other trees of the same type. This pollen is released at different times of the year depending on the tree species. Many different tree species in Florida produce pollen that triggers allergies, including oak, cypress, cedar, elms, maple, bayberry, and pine. There are 11 different species of oak growing in the Tampa Bay area making oak pollen counts very high during the late winter/spring.
Here in Tampa Bay, many people will start to feel the effects of a tree pollen allergy in mid-January or February. Pollen grains are tiny and travel easily in the wind. This makes it common for pollen to end up on clothing and shoes, or to blow into homes through open windows. If you have an allergic reaction to the pollen, this exposure will cause allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of Tree Pollen Allergies
Common symptoms of a tree pollen allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Runny and/or itchy nose
- Excess mucus
- Nasal congestion
- Red, itchy, and/or watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Inflammation around the eyes
How To Prevent Tree Pollen Allergy Symptoms
There are many ways that you can minimize your exposure to tree pollen during its peak season. If you are allergic to tree pollen, we recommend that you start to implement these tips in the coming weeks to ensure that you’re protected.
- Close your home’s windows. To cool down, use air conditioning instead.
- Change the filters in your air conditioner.
- Wash your bedding frequently in warm water.
- Take off your shoes before entering your home.
- Wash your hair often so that any pollen in your hair doesn’t reach your pillow.
- Change your clothes after entering your home if you spent a significant amount of time outside.
- Wear sunglasses to stop pollen from entering your eyes.
- Start taking your prescribed allergy medications as instructed by your doctor.
- Visit us (AllergyTampa.com) now for a professional allergy assessment.
