Seattle, Washington is known for its mild temperatures and beautiful nature. Despite its vast landscape and plant life, Washington state has some of the lowest pollen counts in the nation. While Seattle can be a good city to live in with seasonal allergies, it isn’t free from pollen.
If you suffer from allergies, Wyndly can help. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your allergy triggers and get a personalized treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about Seattle’s seasonal allergies.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Pollen is the primary cause of seasonal allergies. Plants only release pollen during certain times of the year. For this reason, seasonal allergies are not year-round and only last throughout the pollen season. Seattle's primary producers of pollen are grasses, trees, and weeds.
When Is Seattle, WA Pollen Season?
Depending on what you are allergic to, you can experience allergy symptoms at any time of year in Seattle. Pollen allergies will flare up in the spring, summer, and fall, while indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions at any point in the year.
In Seattle, 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.
Seattle is in the Pacific Northwest allergy region. Each region has slightly different allergens and allergy seasons, so we’ve compiled the region-specific information for allergy season in Washington state.
When Does Allergy Season Start?
Seattle allergy season starts in the spring. Winters can be mild and wet in Seattle, so seasonal allergies will commonly begin in February. Compared to other places, this is still an average allergy season length, but pollen allergies tend to be better in Seattle.
What Months Are Seattle Allergy Season?
In Seattle, you’ll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower.
If you plan to visit Seattle during April, May, or September, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan that works for you before your trip. Pay attention to local pollen counts during your stay, and plan to limit time outdoors when pollen levels are high.
When Does Allergy Season End?
Those in Seattle tend to get a short break from their seasonal allergies throughout the winter months. While Seattle has fewer outdoor allergens to worry about during the winter, indoor allergens can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers.
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 Seattle include:
- Ryegrass
- Bermuda grass
- Orchard grass
- Redtop grass
- Johnson grass
- Ragweed
- Russian thistle
- Pigweed
- Juniper trees
- Alder trees
- Willow trees
- Oak trees
- Birch trees
Read more about allergies in Seattle.
What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
Unfortunately, you cannot know exactly which symptoms you will experience as there is a wide range during allergy season in Seattle. The symptoms you will experience will vary based on the severity of your allergies and the time of year.
Symptoms you might encounter in Seattle include:
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy nose, mouth, or ears
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Post-nasal drip
- Rash or hives
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Seattle?
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 Seattle 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 Seattle Allergy Doctors?
You can visit several different professionals in Seattle for your allergies. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists, immunologists, and ENTs. Take your time to select your provider. When choosing an allergy doctor, choosing a provider you trust is the most important thing.
Aim to find a doctor who will comprehensively examine your case, considering both your test results and allergy history to make sure they make sense together. You should also consider 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 work with you to get you long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan based on your allergy test results and 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 Seattle.
- Check daily pollen count: Keep an eye on pollen levels to see how high they are in Seattle 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 in Seattle. Evening hours will be the best time to go outside during the Seattle allergy season.
- Stay on top of yard work: 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 Seattle.
- Wear a mask while outdoors: Wearing a dust mask when you go outside in Seattle can help prevent pollen from getting in your airways.
- Clean your home regularly: Pollen is a very sticky substance, meaning it’ll 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.
- Keep windows closed: Opening your windows will allow more pollen into your home. If you can, keep your windows closed and run your A/C instead for the duration of the allergy season in Seattle.
- Install a HEPA filter: Installing a HEPA filter on your A/C can help reduce the pollen levels circulating in your home.
Medications
A short-term solution that can mask your symptoms is over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops are common OTC medications that are widely available in Seattle. If they don’t provide enough relief from your seasonal allergies, you can look into treatments that will provide long-term relief instead of just masking your symptoms.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is one of the most effective and convenient methods for life-long allergy relief. SLIT 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 can be safely taken from the comfort of your home.
Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Seattle is easy and convenient. You can get it shipped right to your home!
The Best Allergist in Seattle for Seasonal Allergies
Wyndly is home to some of the best doctors that can help treat your allergies in Seattle. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies to get you long-term allergy relief.
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