Living in New England can be tough for people with allergies. Just when the weather gets nice, and we want to spend more time outside, many of us start to suffer. Common allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, sneezing, and a stuffy or runny nose. Spring and summer are the hardest times for allergies because trees, shrubs and grasses all release pollen. Mold can also cause problems, especially when the weather is damp.

Your immune system is to blame

Allergy symptoms happen when your body reacts too strongly to things like pollen, ragweed, or mold. These are usually harmless, but your immune system thinks they are dangerous. This causes your body to produce antibodies, which cause the allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to stay away from pollen in the warmer months if you like to be outdoors. Even having a few open windows can set off allergy symptoms. Tree pollen is most common in the months of March through May. Grass pollen is the main cause of allergies in late spring and early summer. By mid-August, ragweed becomes a big problem. There are many types of ragweed, and they can cause symptoms throughout the fall.

Rainy days are good for allergy sufferers

You may notice that your allergies feel better during or after a rainy day. The rain helps wash pollen out of the air, so there is less to breathe in. So it’s good to pay attention to weather reports if you suffer from allergies, especially if you like to be outside. No matter how bad your allergy symptoms are, there are simple steps you can take to feel better:

• Check the pollen count. Stay indoors more often when pollen levels are high. Warm and windy days usually have the most pollen.
• Keep windows closed. Using air-conditioning at home and in the car can help keep pollen away from you.
• Clean often. Vacuuming and dusting help remove pollen from indoor surfaces. Wearing a mask while cleaning can help protect your nose and lungs. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home can also be helpful.
• Shower often. Washing your hair and changing your clothes can remove pollen from your body and help reduce symptoms.

If your allergies do not improve after taking these steps, talk to your primary care provider. They can suggest the best type of allergy medications to help relieve symptoms and let you know if you need more testing. Finding out what causes your allergy symptoms can help you get the right treatment. Some people will need regular allergy shots to help make their symptoms less severe. The Atrius Health Allergy Department offers testing, diagnosis, and treatment for those suffering from all types of allergies.

Having seasonal allergies doesn’t mean you have to miss out on outdoor summer fun. With a little planning and help from your provider, you can enjoy the season and still feel your best.