Allergy season is getting worse and lasting longer. Here’s what doctors want you to know.

Allergy season is in full swing. This may vary depending on where you live, but generally it refers to the time between early spring and late fall When different trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air.

Unfortunately, allergy season is getting longer and worse, according to a new report released this month by Climate Central. Climate change is causing plants to leaf and flower earlier in many parts of the country, producing a longer and overall more intense period for those who suffer from seasonal pollen and mold allergies.

Climate Central examined growing seasons in the United States from 1970, finding that the time between the first and last frosts lengthened by an average of 15 days and at least a month in 31 cities. Reno, Nevada had one of the longest extensions, with an increase of 99 days. (Find out how your city ranks among other “allergy capitals,” according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.)

“There have been several studies supporting that allergy seasons are now lasting longer with more intense and higher pollen counts due to climate change,” said Dr Shuba Iyngar, co-founder and chief medical officer of Allermi. “Rising temperatures have led to changes in pollination patterns, causing more intense and longer-lasting symptoms in people with pollen allergies.”

Some people have itchy eyes while others may have to deal with a runny nose or other frustrating symptoms. We spoke with two allergists about how to prepare for allergy season and what to look out for.

As with many common illnesses, symptoms can vary, but there are a few that are more common.

“The most common symptoms people have when they have seasonal allergies include nasal congestion, itchy eyes, itchy nose, runny nose,” said Iyengar.

She said people can also experience more frequent sinus infections and snoring issues at night due to seasonal allergies.

Another lesser-known indication of seasonal allergies can be asthma symptoms.

“People don’t realize that asthma is usually triggered by seasonal allergies,” said Dr. Purvi Parikh, allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Network. “Don’t take respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath lightly.”

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, side effects from pollen counts and other irritants are fairly unavoidable. However, Iyengar suggested a few preventative measures, including closing bedroom windows to keep pollen out at night, showering frequently to remove pollen from your body, and removing your shoes at the door to prevent pollen from entering. in the House.

You may already have allergy medication in the cupboard to take when symptoms appear, but Parikh recommended taking allergy and asthma preventative medication early. “Now is a great time to manage it more easily, before symptoms get worse, rather than after.”

This best treatment option depends on the type of seasonal allergies you are dealing with. However, Iyngar echoed what other allergy experts have previously told HuffPost: nasal sprays are generally more effective at treating seasonal allergies.

“The best drugs for treating environmental allergies are nasal sprays,” Iyengar said. “Most over-the-counter antihistamines reduce the itching, but they don’t prevent the actual problem from occurring. Nasal sprays work best because they go directly inside the nose where the inflammation occurs. .