Pollen Count In Brandon Fl (2024)

FAQs

Why is pollen so high in Florida right now? ›

Across most of the country, trees don't release their pollen until early spring. But, thanks to our temperate climate here in North Florida, local trees usually start producing an abundance of pollen starting in February (and sometimes as early as December).

In Florida, you'll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak.

The risk of tree pollen symptoms is moderate.

The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores.

The allergy season is bad in Florida due to the warm and rainy weather. The weather creates ideal conditions for grass, weeds, and trees to grow. This makes Florida a lush state, but also one that can be a nightmare for allergy sufferers.

Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

Here are some effective treatments: Over-the-counter Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms. Prescription Medications: For more severe allergies, prescription medications or nasal sprays may be necessary.

For instance, December through May is the season for pine and oak pollen, while grass pollen poses a problem from April through October. But don't think that people with allergy symptoms must be housebound all year long.

When Is The Pollen Count High? Pollen counts usually rise in the morning, and reach their peak by midday or early afternoon. This is the time of day that allergies are often the worst, since there is a high concentration of pollen in the air.

People with pollen allergies only have symptoms when the pollens they are allergic to are in the air. Symptoms include: Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea – this is typically a clear, thin nasal discharge) Stuffy nose (due to blockage or nasal congestion – one of the most common and troublesome symptoms)

How long should pollen allergies last? ›

In many areas of the United States, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Tree pollination begins earliest in the year followed by grass pollination later in the spring and summer and ragweed in the late summer and fall.

We recommend cetirizine for initial treatment. Third-generation antihistamines: levocetirizine (Xyzal), desloratadine (Clarinex). 'Improved' versions of second-generation products. May work better or have better side effect profile but this has not been proven and the products are generally more expensive.

Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms.

Cool your home using air conditioning but stay away from humidifiers and swamp coolers. Clean off outdoor pollen residues: After being outside on high-pollen days, shower to wash away pollen and put on clean clothes. Use saline nasal wash to help clear allergens from your nose.

Common Florida Allergens

Grass pollen season extends from April to October. Weed season for ragweed and dog fennel goes from May through December, with a secondary weed pollen season from March though July for sorrel and dock. Ragweed is rampant all over Florida and is a prime cause of allergies, especially in Fall.

“In warmer years, trees will produce more pollen. Of the three major trees producing much pollen this year, oak, pine and palm are the major culprits.” On a daily basis, nearly all of Florida is considered to have medium to high or high pollen counts. Florida isn't alone.

AP reports that climate change and a relatively mild winter led to higher pollen counts earlier in the year. The Times reports, “Warmer temperatures, higher concentrations of carbon dioxide and increased precipitation can all contribute to plants' growing bigger and producing more pollen over longer periods of time.”

Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution and concentration of allergens. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity may lead to longer and more intense allergy seasons.