For allergy sufferers throughout Knoxville, spring isn’t most wonderful time of year
The spring blooms are delightful, but the allergies aren’t. Here’s what you need to know as pollen counts worsen.
Pollen counts were expected to rise this week in Knoxville, according to Pollen.com. Counts through Friday are listed in the “high” range. Pollen.com identifies levels based on the amount of pollen people are likely to encounter, and the “high” range includes scores from 9.7 to 12. Pollen levels were forecast to peak Wednesday with a score of 11.8.
What allergies in Knoxville are bad right now?
This week’s top pollen sources are oak, maple and mulberry trees, according to Pollen.com. The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center of Knoxville cites the same and mentions pine, birch and sycamore as high pollen count contributors as well.
While tree pollen is high, grass is in the moderate category, and weeds remain in low.
When is peak allergy season in Knoxville? When does pollen season end?
Tree and grass pollen counts are highest in spring and summer, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, while ragweed pollen counts are highest in late summer and early fall.
Due to climate change, some parts of the U.S. are now seeing allergy season last year-round, in part because growing seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
“Longer growing seasons mean more exposure to pollen allergy triggers. Additionally, pollen counts tend to rise with warmer temperatures. Now, we see both more days of exposure to pollen and higher daily pollen counts leading to more intense, longer-lasting symptoms,” foundation President and CEO Kenneth Mendez said in a news release.
Staying in the know
Knowing when to expect high pollen levels can help those with allergies to plan around potentially severe days. Seasonal allergy symptoms, which include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and red or watery eyes, are worsened by high pollen counts, according to the foundation.
In addition to Pollen.com, a local group, Allergy,
Asthma and Sinus Center of Knoxville TN, helps keep the community informed about the pollen count through regular posts on its Facebook page.
How to cope with allergies
Knoxville ranks 29th in a list of 2024 U.S. allergy capitals released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which identified the city’s total allergy score as overall worse than average. Overall scores are based on pollen scores, over-the-counter allergy medication use and number of allergy specialists.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation describes how those who suffer from seasonal allergies can manage their contact with pollen. Here’s what they suggest:
Check the pollen count daily and plan time outside accordingly. You can see your area’s pollen count at pollen.com.
When necessary to go outdoors, try wearing sunglasses, a hat and/or a mask.
Remove clothes exposed to pollen as soon as possible, including shoes.
Don’t forget about pets; wipe down furry animals coming in from the outdoors.
Shower after exposure, especially before getting in bed.
Keep windows closed while pollen counts are high.
Use a HEPA filter for air conditioners and air cleaners.
The foundation recommends exploring over-thecounter medication options, allergist Dr. Neeta Ogden, a foundation spokesperson, said in a recent news release.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.