HF 7383

Outdoor Allergens

An allergen is something in your environment that can cause allergy symptoms. Symptoms include:

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy watery red eyes

  • Runny nose

  • Nasal congestion

Outdoor allergens have certain seasons of the year when they are present. Pollen and mold spores are carried by the wind. Some pollen can travel hundreds of miles. This is why warm, dry, and windy weather often makes allergy symptoms worse. Since pollen and mold are carried by the wind, it will not help to remove plants or trees in your yard.

Outdoor Allergy Season in Wisconsin

  • Tree pollen usually occurs from April through early June.

  • Grass pollen usually occurs from mid-May through June, but you can also see small counts in July, August, and September.

  • Ragweed pollen usually occurs August through September. Common weed pollen increases in the late summer into the fall months. Peak time for ragweed pollen is about the time that school begins in the fall.

  • Mold spores can appear in the early spring, but peak in warmer, humid months, such as July through early October. Mold spores may be present until there is full snow cover.

  • Pollen counts are often higher in the morning from 5 am – 10 am.

Wisconsin Allergy Seasons

Wisconsin Allergy Graph

Steps to Limit Pollen and Mold Exposure

  • Keep windows closed and use air conditioning.

  • Stay indoors when the pollen or mold counts are high.

  • Wear a pollen mask if you cannot avoid going outdoors or if you are doing yard work.

  • Avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves. These chores will stir up pollen and molds.

  • Avoid hanging laundry outside to dry. Pollen and molds can cling to laundry and be brought indoors.

  • Shower and change clothes after you have been outdoors for a long time. Pollen and mold can be carried indoors on clothes and hair. Pets such as cats and dogs can also carry pollen inside. They should be bathed more often during pollen seasons.

Treating Outdoor Allergy Symptoms

Medicines can help allergy symptoms. Take the allergy medicine as prescribed. These medicines can include:

  • Antihistamine (helps runny/itchy nose/eyes, sneezing)

  • Nose spray (helps nasal stuffiness)

  • Eye drops (helps itchy eyes)

Immunotherapy or allergy “shots” may be used for children and adults who still have symptoms even while taking allergy medicines.

You can find out more about outdoor allergens through the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) at: https://www.aaaai.org.