Allergy Season in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Everything You Need to Know (2024)
Philadelphia, PA is a challenging place to live with seasonal allergies. Not only is there an abundance of pollen allergies, but there are also indoor allergies that can cause problems year-round. But what can you do to make your Philadelphia allergies manageable?
Wyndly is an excellent resource for allergy sufferers. Our doctors will create a treatment plan that is designed to give you long-term relief from your allergies. Schedule a consultation today to get your personalized treatment plan, and read on to learn more about Philadelphia’s seasonal allergies.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies typically refer to allergies that are triggered by pollen. Because pollen is only released by plants during certain times of the year, these allergies aren’t year-round. The primary producers of pollen in Philadelphia are grasses, trees, and weeds.
When Is Philadelphia, PA Pollen Season?
It depends on what you are allergic to, but you can experience allergy symptoms at any point in the year in Philadelphia. Pollen allergies typically occur in the spring, summer, and fall. However, indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions all year long.
Summer primarily produces grass pollen, while tree pollen is the main spring allergen. Weeds produce pollen in the fall, so these allergies will worsen in late summer and up until the end of allergy season.
There are different allergy regions in the country. Philadelphia is in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal allergy region. Each region has slightly different allergens and allergy seasons, so we’ve compiled region-specific information for environmental allergies in Pennsylvania.
When Does Allergy Season Start in Philadelphia?
The allergy season in Philadelphia starts in the spring. Because Philadelphia has a colder winter, seasonal allergies will commonly begin in February. This is a pretty average allergy season length. However, Pennsylvania has high pollen concentrations, so Philadelphia’s allergy season can still be bad.
When Is Peak Allergy Season in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, the peak seasonal allergy months are from April to June and in September. During peak allergy season, limit your time outdoors during the morning and afternoon. When you need to go out, try to do so in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower.
If you have seasonal allergies and will be visiting Philadelphia, make sure you have a personal allergy treatment plan ahead of time to avoid experiencing bad symptoms. You’ll also want to check the local pollen count daily to adjust your plans accordingly. Having these steps in place will help you deal with your allergies better.
When Does Allergy Season End in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, winter typically is fairly cold. This means that residents get a break from their seasonal allergies during the cold months. However, indoor allergens, such as pet dander or mold, can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers in the off-allergy season.
Common Allergies in Philadelphia
While this is not a comprehensive list, some of the most common allergens in Philadelphia include:
- Orchard grass
- Sweet vernal
- Fescue
- Ragweed
- Amaranth
- Sagebrush
- Orache
- Hickory
- Walnut
- Willow
- Oak
- Maple tree
Read more about allergies in Philadelphia.
What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms in Philadelphia?
The allergy symptoms you will experience in Philadelphia will vary based on the severity of your allergies and the time of year you are in Philadelphia. If you find that you experience strong symptoms or are in Philadelphia in peak season, then you’ll want to be extra careful.
Symptoms you might experience in Philadelphia include:
- Stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Brain fog
- Hives
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Philadelphia?
The first step to getting over your allergies is to take an allergy test to confirm you have allergies and identify what allergens are triggering your symptoms. The easiest way to get an allergy test in Philadelphia is by ordering Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. Order yours today!
By understanding what allergies are causing your symptoms, it will be easier for you to avoid your triggers and find effective treatments.
Who Are Allergy Doctors in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, there are several different types of providers you can go to for your allergies. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists, immunologists, and ENTs. These professionals specialize in allergies and will be the best ones to help you with your allergies.
Choosing a provider you trust is the most important thing when deciding on an allergy doctor. Your doctor should make you feel heard and consider both your test results and your allergy history to make sure they make sense together. Finally, you’ll want to think about how long you will need to wait to be seen by them and how convenient it is for your schedule.
At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your allergy test results and your allergy history.
Allergy Symptom Relief and Treatment in Philadelphia
While allergies can be difficult to manage, there are several different methods you can try out to decrease or eliminate your allergy symptoms.
Limit Exposure
Limiting your exposure to the allergens that trigger your allergies is one of the best ways to reduce your symptoms. While pollen can be difficult to avoid, there are ways that you can decrease your exposure to pollen in Philadelphia.
- Check daily pollen count: If there’s a high pollen count for the day, limit your time outside that day. Pollen tends to be at its lowest in the evening hours so that will be the best time to go outside during the Philadelphia allergy season.
- Trim trees, mow the lawn, and pull weeds: Yard and garden upkeep can help reduce the amount of pollen released around your home. You can do this by keeping tree branches trimmed, grass short, and your lawn free of weeds.
- Wear a mask outdoors: Wearing a dust mask creates a barrier between you and pollen, so it’s a good way to protect yourself when you go out.
- Clean regularly: Pollen can get in your home by sticking to you and your clothes. Be sure to clean your house regularly, do laundry frequently, and shower after being outdoors to wash off any pollen.
- Keep windows closed: Opening your windows will allow for more pollen to get into your home. If you can, keep your windows closed and run your A/C instead for the duration of the allergy season in Philadelphia.
- Install a HEPA filter: Installing a HEPA filter on your A/C can help reduce the pollen levels circulating in your home.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops, are widely available in Philadelphia. These medications can help get rid of your symptoms but only provide short-term relief. For long-term relief, look into allergy treatments that do more than just mask your symptoms.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy can help get you lifelong relief from your allergy symptoms. The way it works is by exposing your immune system to small, increasing doses of the allergens that trigger your allergies. Over time, your body becomes desensitized to your allergies, providing long-term relief. This method is just as effective as allergy shots but has the bonus of being to be taken from the comfort of your home.
Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Philadelphia is easy and convenient. You can get it shipped right to your home!
The Best Allergist in Philadelphia for Seasonal Allergies
If you are looking for the best doctor to treat your seasonal allergies in Philadelphia, look no further than Wyndly. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies to get you long-term allergy relief from your Philadelphia seasonal allergies.
Take our easy online assessment now to get one step closer to an allergy-free life!