Sneezing Already? What to Know as Allergy Season Arrives Early

Spring allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer than in previous decades, and physicians are urging people who suffer from seasonal allergies to begin treatment before symptoms strike.

Dr. Michael Mandarino of Northwell Health’s Dingmans Ferry location in Pike County, PA, said rising temperatures and increased CO2 emissions are driving the trend by boosting plant and pollen growth.

“The pollen season generally has been increased by 20 to 21 days,” Mandarino said, adding that the unusually cold winter in the Northeast has somewhat delayed the onset locally this year.

Start Treatment Early

Mandarino recommended beginning allergy medication two to three weeks before symptoms appear.

“Once those symptoms start, it’s really hard to play catch-up,” he said.

For moderate allergy sufferers, he said treatment options range from over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays to immunotherapy — allergy shots or sublingual tablets — for more severe cases. He recommended non-sedating antihistamines, noting they work well against itching but are less effective at reducing congestion. Daily use of nasal steroid sprays, he said, can help control itching, sneezing and post-nasal drip.

Allergies or a Cold?

Mandarino said a key distinguishing factor between allergies and a cold is the presence of fever, which typically accompanies a cold but not allergies. Cold symptoms also tend to include body aches, a sore throat and thick, discolored mucus, while allergy symptoms usually involve clear discharge, nasal congestion and itchy eyes, nose and throat.

Reducing Exposure

Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce pollen exposure, Mandarino said. He advised people to monitor daily pollen counts through local news outlets or websites and plan outdoor activities accordingly. On high-pollen days, he recommended keeping windows closed in both homes and cars, changing clothes after spending time outside, showering before bed to remove pollen from skin and hair, and rinsing nasal passages with saline.

Patients should stop self-treating and see a physician if symptoms persist for several weeks, interfere with sleep, school or work, or fail to respond to over-the-counter medications after two to three weeks, he said. People with asthma whose symptoms are worsening should also seek medical attention.

Other Spring Health Concerns

Beyond allergies, Mandarino flagged farm safety as a critical spring concern, particularly for children. He said tractor-related injuries — including rollovers, run-overs and entanglement — are among the most common causes of injury and death in children on farms. Children ages 3 to 4 are most often at risk as bystanders or riders, while teenagers ages 13 to 16 are more frequently injured while operating equipment themselves. He urged families to use seat belts and ensure tractors are equipped with rollover protective structures.

Tick exposure also increases as people spend more time outdoors in warmer months, he noted.

Healthy Habits

To support overall immune health heading into spring, Mandarino recommended regular sleep, adequate hydration, stress management and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. He highlighted foods containing vitamin C, as well as onions and apples, which contain quercetin, a compound with natural antihistamine properties. An anti-inflammatory diet including leafy greens, olive oil and nuts may also help reduce allergy symptoms, he said.

Northwell Health opened its Dingmans Ferry location in January, making Pike County the first county in Pennsylvania to gain a primary care center after previously being the only county in the state without one.

Image: In this Aug. 14, 2001, file photo, Loretta McConegy points to the pollen on a ragwort plant in Newark, N.J (AP Photo/Daniel Hulshizer, File)