Allergy Season in Washington, D.C.: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Washington, DC has a fairly average start and end to its allergy season. But depending on what you’re allergic to, Washington, DC can still be a difficult place to live in with seasonal allergies. Many residents with allergies have a hard time finding effective treatments for long-term relief.

Wyndly can help you with your allergy problems. Our allergy doctors can create a personalized treatment plan to help deal with your day-to-day allergies. It can even help you achieve long-term relief from them. Schedule a consultation today to get your personalized treatment plan or read on to learn more about Washington, DC’s seasonal allergies and what other steps you can take to prevent a reaction.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Pollen is the primary cause of seasonal allergies. Because plants only release pollen during certain times of the year, these allergies typically aren’t year-round. The primary plants to cause pollen allergies in Washington, DC are grasses, trees, and weeds.

When Is Washington, DC Pollen Season?

There are different allergens around at different points in the year. So, depending on what you are allergic to, your allergies can flare up at any time. The pollen allergy season typically lasts from spring to fall. Meanwhile, indoor allergens can be around all year long.

In Washington, DC, tree pollen is the main allergen in the spring. Grass pollen is mainly produced during the summer months. The fall is when weeds produce pollen, so these allergies will be worse in late summer and up until the end of allergy season.

When Does Allergy Season Start?

Washington, DC’s allergy season typically starts in late February or early March. This is a pretty average start to the season when compared to surrounding states. Watch out for the spring, though, since allergies then can get pretty bad due to the abundant tree life.

What Months Are Washington, DC Allergy Season?

In Washington, DC, keep an eye on pollen counts in April, June, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, limit your time outdoors, or go out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower in Washington, DC.

If you have seasonal allergies and will be in Washington, DC during these months, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan in place while you are there. Another thing you’ll want to do is check the local pollen count daily and adjust your plans accordingly.

When Does Allergy Season End?

Allergy season in Washington, DC ends at the first frost, which is usually around November. This means residents get a break from their seasonal allergies for a few months. While during those winter months you don’t have to worry about outdoor allergens, indoor allergens can still cause issues.

If you suffer from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold, you might notice that they worsen during the winter if you spend more time inside than usual.

Common Allergens

While this is not a comprehensive list, some of the most common allergens in Washington, DC include:

• Bermuda grass
• Wormwood
• Sagebrush
• Orache
• Amaranth
• Oaktree
• Hickory tree
• Ash tree
• Maple tree

Read more about allergies in each state.

What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?

The allergy symptoms you will experience in Washington, DC will vary based on the severity of your allergies and the time of year you are in Washington, DC. For that reason, look into when your allergens peak in the year, so you can take steps to mitigate symptoms.

Symptoms you might experience in Washington, DC include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Uncontrollable sneezing
• Brain fog
• Painful sinuses
• Sore throat
• Aggravated asthma symptoms

How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Washington, DC?

If you think you are suffering from seasonal allergies, take an allergy test to identify what allergens are triggering your symptoms. The easiest way to get an allergy test in Washington, DC is by ordering Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. Get your allergy test today to identify your allergies!

By understanding what allergies are causing your symptoms, it will be easier for you to avoid your triggers and find effective treatments.

Who Are Washington, DC Allergy Doctors?

In Washington, DC, there are several different types of providers you can go to for your allergies. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists or immunologists, and ENTs. When choosing an allergy doctor, the most important thing is choosing a provider you trust.

Your doctor should also meet some other criteria. First, when making a diagnosis, prescribing medicine, or giving medical advice, they should take both your test results and allergy history into consideration. Secondly, when you make the appointment, think about how long it will be before you can see them. Try to choose a doctor whose schedule is convenient for you.

At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will work with you to get you long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your allergy test results and your allergy history.

Allergy Symptom Relief and Treatment

Allergies can feel difficult to manage, but there are several different methods you can try out to decrease or eliminate your allergy symptoms.

Limit Exposure

An effective method of decreasing your symptoms is limiting your exposure to the allergens that are triggering your allergies. While pollen can be difficult to avoid, there are ways that you can decrease your exposure to pollen in Washington, DC.

• Check daily pollen count: Keep an eye on pollen levels to see how high they are in Washington, DC for the day. If it’s a high pollen count, try limiting your time outside that day. Pollen tends to be at its highest in the morning and afternoon. Evening hours will be the best time to go outside during the Washington, DC allergy season.
• Trim trees, mow the lawn, and pull weeds: By keeping tree branches trimmed, grass short, and your lawn free of weeds, you can reduce the pollen that will be released directly around your home in Washington, DC.
• Wear a mask outdoors: Wearing a dust mask when you go outside in Washington, DC can help prevent pollen from getting in your airways. Another tip is to wear sunglasses if you can to prevent anything from getting into your eyes.
• Clean regularly: Pollen can easily get in your home and on you and your clothes. Be sure to clean your house and do laundry frequently. Also, make sure to shower after being outdoors to wash off any pollen. If you have any pets, make sure to bathe them after they’ve been outdoors.
• Close your windows: 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 Washington, DC. If you are in the car, try to run the A/C instead of having your windows open.

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely available in Washington, DC, and they provide short-term relief from your allergy symptoms. If you find that antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops don’t provide enough relief from your seasonal allergies, you can look into allergy treatments that will provide long-term relief instead of just masking your symptoms.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

If you want lifelong relief from your seasonal allergies in Washington, DC, sublingual immunotherapy is the best solution. Sublingual immunotherapy involves exposing your immune system to small doses of the allergens that trigger your allergies. Through this exposure, your body becomes desensitized to your allergies, providing long-term relief. Sublingual immunotherapy is just as effective as allergy shots, but it can also be taken from the comfort of your home.

Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Washington, DC is easy and convenient. You can get it shipped right to your home!

The Best Allergist in Washington, DC for Seasonal Allergies

The best allergy doctors in your area are a lot closer than you think. In Washington DC, look no further than Wyndly. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan to get you long-term allergy relief. No more struggling with the DC allergy season for you!

The best part? You don’t have to wait for an appointment. You can get started online. Take our easy online assessment now to see if our doctors can get you long-term allergy relief from your seasonal allergies!