Are you sneezing, itching your eyes or feeling a bit congested? You have probably been hit with spring allergies.

According to some experts, allergy sufferers may be dealing with symptoms for the long haul this year

"I feel like this season is going to be a long season," said Dr. Ujwala Kaza, an allergist and immunologist at ENT & Allergy Associates located in New York City. "And why do I say that? Because of global change."

Warmer temperatures have caused plants to blossom earlier and produce pollen longer than in previous decades, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Tree pollen season

Tree pollen is typically the first to appear in the United States every year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Trees typically produce the most pollen from February through April. In some regions, including the South, trees can produce pollen as early as December or January and peak several times in the year.

Some of the types of trees that cause the most allergy symptoms include oak, birch, cedar, juniper, hickory, ash and elm.

Grass pollen season

Grass pollen is the next to show up, typically during late spring and summer, according to the AAFA. But in warmer regions of the country — California, Texas and the South — grass pollen can be found year-round.

Some of the types of grasses that cause the most allergy symptoms include: bahia, Bermuda, Kentucky bluegrass, orchard and Timothy.

Weed pollen season

Weed pollen starts hitting people typically in the late summer and fall. It can travel hundreds of miles in the air, making it hard to avoid, according to the AAFA.

Some of the types of weeds that cause the most allergy symptoms include ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, burning bush and cocklebur.

What remedies actually work?

The National Consumer Unit spoke with Kaza on what remedies actually help keep symptoms at bay.

For nasal and eye symptoms, Kaza recommends an antihistamine. Allegra and Claritin tend to be non-sedating, she said.

Eye drops are recommended as needed.

Check pollen levels

Before you head out for the day, check the pollen levels. Many local weather reports provide pollen counts, and you can also check out the National Allergy Bureau map made by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Take allergy medication early

Experts suggest staying inside during peak pollen times, but if you have to go outside during those times, make sure you take medication hours before you have symptoms.

Routinely wash clothes, bedding

The main point Kaza emphasizes is that pollen can stick to your clothes. So, when you get home, shake off your jacket, take off your shoes and keep them in an area near the door so they do not spread the pollen throughout your home.

Change your clothes immediately and take a shower to wash off the pollen. Experts suggest routinely washing your clothes with hot water.

Experts suggest cleaning bedding, floors and upholstered furniture once a week.

If you walk your dog outside, wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth when they come inside or give them a bath once a week.

Once inside, keep your doors and windows closed. Run your air conditioner, especially when pollen levels are high.

Add air purifiers

For indoor allergens, like dust, air purifiers can help. Experts suggest true High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, or HEPA filters, as they capture around 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns, a standard set by the Department of Energy.

If you see a filter that says "MERV," it stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV filter number, the smaller the size of particles it is able to filter. According to the Sleep and Sinus Center of Georgia, the MERV 13 filter is an "excellent balance" between filtration and proper air flow through your HVAC system. These filters capture the vast majority of allergens, including 90% of particles in the three to 10 micron range, where most pollen falls.

And most importantly, make sure the filters are replaced when needed.

Do home remedies work?

Some claim home remedies like eating locally sourced honey can help ease allergy symptoms. Kaza told us that while there is not enough evidence yet to support it, she does not discourage anything that can personally help you.

Rinse your nasal passages

Kaza does recommend rinsing your nasal passages with an over-the-counter saline solution as it is a quick and inexpensive way to relieve congestion.

BREATHE BETTER THIS SPRING 

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