April showers, May flowers and endless allergies: Why your allergies feel worse each year

• Pollen counts are rising due to climate change.
• Every year, people ask Dr. Robert Zemble, LVHN’s allergy chief, if it’s the worst pollen season.
• Pollen season may be longer than you think. Different plants release pollen at different times

Spring is that magical time of year when the world bursts into color, birds are back from the South singing, and the air is filled with… pollen. Lots and lots of pollen.

If you’ve ever stepped outside during the spring and immediately regretted it, you’re not alone. The great outdoors might be beautiful, but for allergy sufferers, it can feel like a personal attack.

Dr. Robert Zemble, chief of the Division of Allergy at Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, warns that pollen season isn’t just bad, it’s getting worse.

“Pollen levels historically have [always] been high. They’re consistently high, but they are getting worse, and the pollen season is getting longer and the amount of pollen in the air is increasing during the season,” Zemble said.

Thanks to climate change, pollen counts are rising. In fact, Zemble said he’s never seen a “low” pollen year. Ever. So, if you were looking for a break this year, Mother Nature has other plans.

“I’ve never had a year pass where people didn’t ask me if it was the worst season,” he said.

He said many people assume pollen season is a spring and summer problem, but that’s not true. Different plants release pollen at different times, meaning just when you think you’re clear, another wave might be waiting to ambush you. Tree pollen dominates in the spring, grass pollen takes over in the summer and weed pollen makes a grand entrance in the fall.

“Pollen seasons last until the first frost comes and kills the plants,” said Zemble. “It varies year to year, but it goes well into the fall.”

And if you thought avoiding pollen was as simple as staying inside, think again. Zemble notes that the amount of pollen in the air fluctuates depending on the time of day and location. Early mornings and dry, windy days tend to be the worst, so if you’re planning an outdoor adventure, you might want to check the pollen count first or at least bring a box of tissues.

According to Zemble, for those battling seasonal allergies there are three ways to approach the season:

• Avoidance: Keeping your windows closed during peak pollen times and using air purifiers
• Treatment and medication: Over-the-counter medication, nasal sprays and allergy shots
• Barrier protection: Sunglasses, hats and masks

Despite the challenges, Zemble emphasizes that allergies shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. Spring is meant to be enjoyed and staying active is important for your overall health. With the right precautions, you can still bask in the beauty of the season — just keep tissues handy.

Emmanuella Pierre is the trending and breaking news reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach her at epierre@gannett.com.