By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 report states that “warmer-than-usual spring and summer combined with frequent rain” contribute to higher pollen levels and longer and more severe allergy seasons.
Physician Haidy Adly Marzouk, a pediatric and adult ears, nose and throat doctor and an oto laryngologist with St. Joseph’s Health, recommends trying a few everyday habits to reduce pollen exposure.
“With our current technology, we can have information regarding pollen counts right at our fingertips with local weather service and phone apps,” Marzouk said. “Highest pollen counts tend to be early in the morning hours. One might plan their outdoor activities later in the day based on this information. While outside, choose routes away from freshly cut grass or high-traffic green spaces. Physical barriers such as a hat with a brim and sunglasses can prevent pollen from reaching the eyes and hair.”
When exposed to pollen, it can help to shower and change clothing upon arriving home, as this may help reduce shedding pollen inside.
“This can wash away lingering pollen that might trigger symptoms later,” Marzouk said.
Pets can also play a role in bringing pollen inside. Wiping down animals when they come inside and avoiding sleeping with them may make a small difference.
Opening the window for fresh air can allow more pollen inside.
Mark Davidson, marketing and technical materials manager at Camfil USA, Inc., which has a location in Syracuse, said that HVAC systems may help allergy sufferers.
“High efficiency HVAC filters or standalone air cleaners are very effective at reducing indoor pollen levels by removing pollen and other allergy-causing particles from the air before they recirculate through occupied spaces,” Davidson said. “This improves overall indoor air quality during allergy season.”
These particulate air filters work by trapping particles in the air so they don’t infiltrate the home, whether running the air conditioning or fan function.
In addition, “standalone air cleaners or purifiers filter recirculated air, often through HEPA filters, and are very effective for individual rooms or smaller common areas,” Davidson said.
He said that using the filter recommended for that particular model is important to avoid damaging the equipment. Using a filter that’s too restrictive on airflow works the system too hard.
In addition to pollen avoidance, physician Mariah Pieretti, with Asthma & Allergy Associates in Fayetteville, encourages allergy patients try medication and immunotherapy.
“We tell people who are tree pollen allergic to start the nasal steroid spray prior to tree pollen season,” Pieretti said. “It takes one to two weeks to work. Antihistamine eye drops work well as-needed. Use that with an antihistamine. There are some nasal antihistamines. We recommend avoiding Vicks and Afrin, as they’re meant for three days with a cold, not allergies.
“We don’t like Benadryl as it sedating and it lasts only four hours. We prefer 24-hour medication like Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec. People use medications incorrectly. These can work correctly, like taking it before exposure and showering after. Nasal sprays have to be used consistently to see result.”
Talking with an allergist or pharmacist can help patients avoid contraindications with other medication or health conditions.
“If avoiding and medication aren’t working, get tested,” Pieretti said. “There’s a lot we can help with. About one-third of adults have allergies and not everyone needs to see an allergist. Immunotherapy makes a big difference.”
The regimen of monthly shots can take three to five years. but for about 75% of patients shots provide lasting reduction of allergic response. The sublingual therapy can last for six months at a time.
Sublingual therapy for grass, ragweed and dust mites can help people who don’t want to do injections.
Seasonal allergy patients often have more than one type of allergy. Lowering overall irritants can help calm an inflamed system. Washing bedding frequently can help reduce dust mites. To reduce pet allergies, go for breeds that are hypoallergenic. Poodles, “doodle mixes,” terriers and other breeds that shed little are good choices. For cats, opt for Siberian, Siamese, Bengal, Russian blue, Balinese, sphynx, Cornish rex, Devon rex and Burmese. These tend to be low-shedding breeds and breeds that produce a lower level of allergens. Proper grooming and washing pet bedding can reduce allergens.