Achoo! The Top Allergy Triggers You’re Facing in Maine This Spring

When you go through a box of tissues a day, and it's not because you've got a cold, you know allergy season has hit the state. And with the recent deluge of rain and smattering of sunshine, everything and anything seems to be starting to bloom.

So what exactly is there in the state of Maine that has folks sneezing from early May through the month of June?

Let's break down exactly what it is that starts the seasonal allergy season in the Pine Tree State, and how you might be able to make it through the next few months relatively unscathed.

Trees

Let's start with the trees, since we're talking about them. According to experts with the state, the worst culprits that kick off the springtime allergy season are the trees. As the snow melts away and the branches start to bud, everyone's noses start to feel that telltale tickle.

"Once winter melts away, tree allergy season will begin in Maine. Juniper, poplar, maple, oak, and birch trees are the primary spring allergies for Maine residents."

Grass

Following the budding of the trees, the second wave of seasonal allergies in Maine tends to be triggered by something that most people love the smell of, but which will also instantly turn your nose into a running faucet: grass.

"The grass allergies in Maine will include ryegrass and bent, timothy, brome, fescue, sweet vernal, and orchard grass pollen."

Weed Pollen

While the trees are "a budding" and the grass is "a cutting," the third tier of seasonal allergy agony comes in the form of the powdery plant calling card that propagates their species while terrorizing ours; weed pollen.

It starts in April with the tree pollen, grows in June and July with the grass pollen, and then gets kicked into high gear with the arrival of ragweed. It hangs out and keeps noses and eyes inflamed and dripping until the first frost kills the plants in October/November.

So, what can you do to survive the spring and summer allergy seasons in Maine?

Here are some tips that might not cure all, but make living in Maine less miserable.

1.) Keep an eye on the pollen count/season. 

There are a number of great apps and tools that give you an up-to-date look at what's in bloom in your area, and what might be about to cause you some hystamine issues.

The website allergychoices.com gives a breakdown, state-by-state and month-by-month, of what exactly is coming into bloom, so you can be ready for it.

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There are also sites that give you the pollen count for that day, like Pollen.com, which, much like a weather forecast, gives you more immediate information so that you can plan to take precautions accordingly.

2.) Stay inside

If you know the allergens are going to be on the high side, it's recommended that folks who are worst affected by things like pollen remain inside to limit their exposure to them.

3.) Run an air purifier and/or an air conditioner

"Pollen can float in through the windows, so keep them closed and run the air conditioner during allergy season. A HEPA filter on your A/C can also help."

4.) Clean your house and yourself 

You have likely seen pollen in the air before. We know it's floating around and landing on everything from our car to our clothes, even our pets. Keeping your body (and the space it occupies) clean can help cut down on your allergy issues. Vacuuming frequently and wiping things down with a wet cloth is a good way to limit what pollen you come into contact with.

5.) Treat the symptoms with antihistamines or medication

Thankfully, allergies aren't anything new, and folks in the medical field have been coming up with ways to ease some of the symptoms brought on by allergies, or to plain old stop them altogether. Making use of those things, when you need to, can help make the spring and summer months more tolerable.