Are you plagued by ‘double allergy season’? Find out what it is.

Symptoms of climate change, including rising temperatures and an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, could be contributing to a health phenomenon called “double allergy season.”

Dr. Kathleen May, division chief of allergy, immunology, and pediatric rheumatology at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, said “double allergy season” refers to an overlap of allergy seasons.

“I can’t say that I’ve heard it called ‘double allergy season,’ but I can see why people would say that,” May said. “When it peaks depends on where you are. In Augusta, we really have that peak now. The farther south you go, the earlier that double peak is going to be.”

Climate change is contributing to rapidly rising spring temperatures, more frequent extreme heat events, and heavier rainfall, according to Climate Central.

World Asthma Day, which is recognized on May 5, aims to raise awareness about asthma and its triggers. People with asthma may be more sensitive to pollen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pollen exposure is associated with asthma attacks. Higher pollen levels and longer pollen seasons can increase sensitivity to allergens and trigger asthma symptoms.

In Augusta, the onset of tree pollen season is late January to early February, May said. That means tree pollen can still be present into March and mid-April because different trees pollinate at different times. Grass pollen season in Augusta typically begins in March.

“You have to be sensitive to both tree pollen and grass pollen for the overlap to really hit you,” May said. “If you’re allergic to just tree pollen or grass pollen, you’ll have symptoms from one or the other. Unfortunately, people who have sensitivities to both tend to have worse symptoms throughout the tree season.

“Then, when your body first encounters grass pollen that it hasn’t seen for a year, you are sensitive to a lower level. So it’s really a double hit for those folks who are sensitive to both tree and grass pollen.”

Pollen consists of tiny grains produced by flowering plants, trees, and grasses. These particles can be carried by the wind and may trigger symptoms depending on exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Common pollen allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, congestion, postnasal drainage, coughing, and wheezing.

There are also signs that an allergy treatment routine may not be working, May said, including increased postnasal drainage, worsening itching, congestion, and uncontrolled sneezing.

“Any of those symptoms breaking through a medication regimen suggests that your condition is not optimally controlled,” she said. “Postnasal drainage can be very bothersome. It can lead to increased coughing and irritation. Chronic drainage can also lead to inflammation of lymph nodes in the back of the throat.”

May recommends several preventative steps for allergy sufferers.

“We can’t avoid going outside, but if you’re sensitive to trees and grass, there’s really not a great time to be outdoors,” she said. “We tell people who are sensitive to tree pollen to avoid exercising first thing in the morning because that’s when trees tend to pollinate. Grass pollen levels are highest in the early afternoon.”

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also help, May said.

“The cornerstone is using a daily nasal corticosteroid spray,” she said. “Some people can even use that up to twice a day because it reduces swelling and drainage and suppresses mucus-producing cells when it’s working well. That said, some people’s symptoms aren’t fully controlled with that.”

Topical nasal antihistamines can also provide temporary relief and can be used as needed, she said, adding that they are not addictive.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.