For allergy sufferers, certain times of year are unbearable. Whether it’s coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, or some combination of all these and more, allergies are just plain no fun. But understanding what regional allergens trigger you can help you make decisions that limit your exposure. Here are the most common outdoor allergens from different regions of the United States.
Allergens in the Southeast United States
Most allergies are caused by the pollen emitted by plants that help them in their reproductive cycles. These are inhaled through the nose and mouth, and are attacked by the immune system the same way that it would foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Unfortunately, the immune system doesn’t recognize that pollen is generally harmless to the body. This results in an adverse reaction in the mucus membranes that contribute to inflammation, pain, and other discomforts.
The plants and trees responsible for causing allergens include Bermuda grass; pecan, oak, cedar trees, and nettle and ragweed. Bermuda grass is the most persistent, occurring pretty much year-round in the Southern United States from coast to coast, but with high concentrations in the Southeast. Tree and weed allergies are more seasonal, with tree allergy sufferers feeling the pain in the spring, and weed allergy sufferers being affected in the fall.
Allergens in the Southwest United States
The American Southwest is very different from the Southeast in climate and geography. It thus has different allergy-causing plantlife. The most common allergen is redtop grass, a perennial groundcover plant that blooms in the early summer. Though its blooming season is short, this is the time allergy sufferers will feel the worst of it. This grass affects most people. Other allergies come from oak, cedar, elm, and chenopod blooms, throughout the summer and early fall.
Allergens in the Northeast United States
Again, redtop grass is the primary cause of allergies in the American Northeast. You’ll know this grass when you see it blooming in the spring and summer, often in unkempt fields, because of its red-colored blossoms at the end of its long stalks. The American Northeast is also home to many orchard trees, such as apple trees, and these all have prolific pollen seasons that cause allergy symptoms among certain people. These trees are frequently active in spring and summer, with ragweed and stinging nettle emerging in the fall like so many other places.
Interestingly, stinging nettle is also an herb you might have seen in your respiratory aid supplement. Taking stinging nettle is thought to introduce your body to the plant, so it begins to tolerate it and no longer overreact, resulting in an adverse reaction. Check out Aller Pro from TonicSea to see if it works for you!.
Allergens in the American Midwest
Bromegrass is the most common allergen in the late spring and early-to-mid summer in the Midwest. As elsewhere, tree allergies are commonplace from spring to mid-summer, and elder, maple, and elm trees are the most problematic for regional residents.
Allergens in the Western United States
Many regions of coastal California grow all kinds of plants so well that there are known allergen-creators. Among these, sweet vernal and other grasses cause problems for allergy sufferers from spring until late fall. From late winter to mid-summer, walnut and cedar trees are the prime offenders, and several weed allergies cause discomfort from spring to late fall.
Allergy Support
You can’t always avoid allergies, even if you stay inside and filter your air. If you wear a mask outdoors during the spring and summer, and limit these hours but still feel the effects of allergies, there are a couple of products we can recommend that may bring some relief.
It may also be a good idea to flush your sinuses periodically. Even when you blow your nose, fine particles like pollen can get trapped in hairs, mucus, or other areas and contribute to ongoing sinus troubles. Nasal Spray with Xylitol by Xlear is one way to wash your sinuses if you aren’t a fan of neti pots. If you are comfortable using a neti pot, check out the Neti Pot Starter Kit from Baraka. This nasal rinsing product includes French Atlantic sea salt to support comfort of the mucosal lining.
No matter what allergen causes you the most problems where you live, make sure to take steps to help minimize their impact on you. Close windows, clean carpets and other surfaces, use air filters, and choose a range of respiratory and sinus care supplements that provide you with the support you need each day!
