Updated:
June 1, 2023
What Are The Top Allergens In June Across The Country?
Summer is finally here and many people are gearing up for outdoor activities and fun in the sun! However, for allergy sufferers, the season can be a nightmare due to the high levels of allergens in the air. The summer allergy season is notorious for triggering symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose, and this year is no exception.
Let’s talk more about what allergies you could be facing in June and what you can do to prevent and treat them.
June Allergies in the Northern United States
As June arrives, we are approaching a new allergy season in the Northern United States. With the warmer weather, we can expect high levels of allergens such as weeds and grasses. In particular, summer weeds like sagebrush can be particularly troublesome for allergy sufferers. Ragweed will also begin pollinating towards the end of June. These allergens can cause significant discomfort and symptoms, so it's important to take precautions and consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect you have allergies.
Top June allergens:
- Bermuda
- Tumbleweed
- Sagebrush
June Allergies in the Southern United States
We know most of our patients in the south are gearing up for a long and potent allergy season as the summer weather begins to finally break through. Similar to the rest of the country, we’re seeing high grass pollen counts, especially in states like Texas and Florida. Grass pollen typically doesn't peak until July, so it’s important to prepare for this month of misery.
Top June allergens:
- Bermuda
- Timothy
- Sweet vernal
June Allergens in the Eastern United States
June is one of the worst months for allergies in the east. As the hundreds of types of grasses begin to pollinate and will continue to do so through late summer. While the primary culprits include grasses such as timothy, orchard, and bermuda, it’s important to remember that while these allergens are common, they can vary depending on location and individual.
Top June allergens:
- Bermuda
- Timothy
- Orchard
June Allergies in the Western United States
A long, hot summer is beginning out west. As we enter June, similar to the rest of the country, we’re seeing high pollen counts of grass and weed pollen. Weeds are typically prevalent in states like New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado as it is one of the few plants that can actually withstand the dry, desert heat. With all of these allergens floating through the air, it can be difficult to decipher what is causing your allergies. We always recommend an allergy test to figure out exactly what is causing your allergies.
Top June allergens:
- Bermuda
- Ryegrass
- Ragweed
Top June Allergies Across the Country:
Bermuda Grass:
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that is most commonly found in the southern United States, but can also be found in many other regions during the summer months. Bermuda grass is known to be a significant allergen for many individuals, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. This grass produces a significant amount of pollen, which is easily dispersed by the wind and can travel long distances. Additionally, Bermuda grass can release pollen for an extended period, making it a persistent allergen throughout the summer months. Those who are allergic to Bermuda grass may experience more severe symptoms during the peak pollen season, which typically occurs in late spring and early summer.
Symptoms of bermuda grass allergies:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Grass Allergy Rash (a form of contact dermatitis)
- Constant sneezing or wheezing
How to prevent bermuda grass allergy symptoms and reduce allergy exposure:
- While cutting grass, wear protective gear. Simply using a mask and sunglasses can significantly help reduce the inhalation and irritation that grass pollen can cause when you come in contact with it.
- Grasses pollinate once they reach a certain length, so maintaining a low, short lawn length can help decrease the amount of pollen released.
- Rinse off after spending time outside. It's important to shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair, which can help reduce allergy symptoms.
Bermuda grass allergy treatments:
To prevent severe symptoms from developing over time, it's important to take action against your grass allergy. Allergy shots are a highly effective method of treatment, gradually increasing your body's tolerance to allergens over time by administering small doses at regular intervals (usually every two weeks).
Another option for increasing tolerance to grass pollen is allergy drops. These work in the same way as allergy shots but are portable, painless, and a preferred option for busy families and children.
Our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment is just as effective as three years' worth of allergy shots but requires only three injections over eight weeks. This is a great option if you’re tired of the constant sneezing and itchy eyes you might suffer from if you’re allergic to bermuda grass.
Timothy Grass
Timothy grass is one of the leading causes of seasonal allergies, meaning that it wreaks havoc for those with summer allergies. With hundreds of types of wind-pollinated grass that can travel for miles and affect sensitive allergy sufferers everywhere, it's no wonder that grass allergies are a major allergy concern. Timothy grass is extremely common and typically found in parks, neighborhoods, roadsides, and meadows. Symptoms range from sneezing and a runny nose to itchy eyes and skin rashes, and can significantly reduce your quality of life, especially if you live in areas with high grass pollen counts.
This is why it’s so important to stay informed about pollen levels in your area. And now you can with our free allergy calendar. This valuable tool allows you to quickly and easily check the pollen forecast for each season, including the start and end dates of grass pollen in your area, so you can plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
Timothy Grass Allergy Symptoms:
If you experience these symptoms, it could be due to a timothy grass allergy. However, seasonal allergies often look the same, so it might be in your best interest to get an allergy test to know exactly what you're allergic to.
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Allergy headaches
- Congestion
- Coughing or wheezing
Timothy Grass Allergy Prevention:
- If you suffer from a grass allergy, there are several preventative measures you can take to minimize your symptoms. First, it's important to remove shoes and change clothes immediately after coming inside, especially if you've been outdoors on a windy day. Timothy grass pollen can stick to any surface, and changing your clothes helps minimize sitting in pollen all day.
- Consider switching to artificial grass or an alternative grass option such as gravel if your grass allergy symptoms are particularly severe. This can significantly reduce your exposure to grass pollen and provide relief from your symptoms.
- Checking your local pollen count is also crucial when dealing with a grass allergy. By keeping track of the pollen count, you can avoid spending time outdoors on high pollen count days, particularly when cutting grass or lying in it. By taking these preventative measures, you can better manage your grass allergy symptoms and enjoy the outdoors with greater ease.
Timothy Grass Allergy Treatments:
If you experience symptoms such as rashes, hives, or difficulty breathing due to allergies, consider taking an antihistamine to alleviate the symptoms.
If your grass allergies are that bad, it might be worth looking into long-term treatment options such as, allergy drops, allergy shots, or ExACT Immunoplasty to eliminate your Timothy grass allergy.
Sagebrush
Sagebrush is a type of shrub that is commonly found in arid regions of North America, particularly in the western United States. While sagebrush is an important part of the local ecosystem, it can also cause allergies in some people. Sagebrush is known to produce pollen that can cause allergies, but it is not considered a severe allergen compared to other plants like ragweed and grasses. Sagebrush can be found in many areas of the Western United States, such as Nevada, and Wyoming, and can grow in a variety of habitats, including deserts, prairies, and forests.
Sagebrush Allergy Symptoms:
Some common sagebrush allergy symptoms you might experience look like:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Post-nasal drip
- Wheezing
Sagebrush Allergy Prevention Tips:
- Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove allergens from the air. HEPA air purifiers remove up to 99.99% of allergens from the air. They work especially well in areas that you spend the majority of your time in, like your bedroom.
- Regularly clean your home and workplace to eliminate dust, pollen, and other allergens. Be sure to wash bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to kill dust mites. Additionally, consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove allergens from the air.
- Brush your pets often. To minimize exposure to pollen that pets may bring in from outside, it's best to continually brush and bathe your pets to remove any pollen or other allergens that may be clinging to their fur.
Sagebrush Allergy Treatments:
Fortunately, there are treatments available for sagebrush allergies. If you're seeking long-term solutions, options like allergy shots, allergy drops, or our ExACT Immunoplasty treatment can address the root cause of your allergy, rather than merely mask the symptoms like over-the-counter medications.
How Aspire Allergy & Sinus Can Help Your June Allergies
Do you find yourself constantly struggling with allergies, experiencing persistent symptoms and a reduced quality of life? Aspire Allergy & Sinus is here to help. Our comprehensive allergy diagnosis and treatment options, including allergy shots, allergy drops, and ExACT Immunoplasty, have helped countless patients find relief from their allergy symptoms. Our team of experts will work with you to identify the root cause of your allergies and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. With our advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments, you can finally say goodbye to the discomfort and disruption caused by allergies. Don't let allergies control your life any longer - book an appointment with Aspire Allergy & Sinus today and start living your best life.