After a long and particularly “white” winter - especially if
you’re in the NYC area - we bet you are more than ready for spring. But for
those of you with seasonal allergies, the dawning of spring also means the
beginning of the much dreaded sneezing, wheezing, and itching. The real culprit
in this case is pollen, or the grains emitted by trees, weeds, and grasses to
fertilize other plants, thus completing the essential process of life and of
sending your immune system into overdrive. Today we’ve gathered for you five
signs that spring and spring allergies are coming soon to New York City, and
some tips that can help you enjoy blooming flowers without blooming allergies
too!
1. Warming weather: This winter we’ve went through a
particularly busy onslaught of snow storms, with temperatures dipping down to
near record lows and treacherous conditions forcing school closings and traffic
accidents. But relief is near! After a few chilly days at the end of February,
weather forecasts get a great deal sunnier, and those of us who’ve battled
through this winter can relax and expect some pleasant days ahead. However, for
the city’s spring-blooming trees (whose pollen are the most to blame for spring
allergies), especially in beautiful Central Park, this thawing is their signal
to begin sending their pollen spores out and begin their beautiful and itchy
return to life.
2. Late winter precipitation: In addition to the vigorous
snow storms throughout the season, we’ve also seen quite a few thunderstorms in
this late winter. This plentiful watering creates favorable conditions for
trees and plants to bloom and could mean higher pollen counts when they do.
3. We’ve got top secret information that bulb flowers like
tulips and daffodils are already beginning to sprout in Central Park through
the melting snow. Although bulb flower pollens or fragrances are not notable
spring allergens, their presence is the harbinger of the season and the
blooming of other Central Park and city-wide trees and plants, much like the American
elm.
4. Early blooming American elm flowers: Fortunately for many
NYC dwellers, there’s a great stock of the graceful and massive American elm
trees throughout Central Park. Unfortunately for many of us, elm pollen is one
of the greatest offenders of spring allergies in New York City and the
Northeast. In addition, American elm flowers bloom in clusters in early spring,
as early as late January. This means that by late February, if we’re not
experiencing elm pollen already, we should be expecting them, and the
accompanying allergy symptoms, soon.
5. Allergenic city trees: Along with elm, some of the most
common street trees in New York City, such as maple, ash, and oak (which
account for 5 of the 10 most common NYC trees) are among the top culprits of
spring allergies and of your sneezing, sniffling, misery.
So what are some ways to combat the dark side of a coming
spring?
- Shut windows and doors to keep out pollen
- Avoid going out in the morning when pollen count is the highest
- Keep track of pollen levels and stay in when they’re particularly high
- Regular house-cleaning to prevent outdoor allergen build-up on furniture
These are a few basic tips to help you enjoy the spring
season. Seeing an allergist before pollen arrives can also help you identify your
offending allergens and fight (aka treat) the battle early. If this is you, get in contact with us, you
will be glad you did.
