Experts recommend getting a jumpstart ahead of seasonal allergies

“We are in the middle of oak pollen season,” said Dr. Russel Settipane, an allergy and asthma specialist with Brown University Health who’s affiliated with Newport Hospital.

Any medications you take now will help lessen your symptoms, but it’s not as effective as getting a jumpstart.

“Seasons are starting earlier now with this global warming effect,” said Settipane.

Science backs that up.

Based on temperature trends over the last 55 years, the average growing season, or allergy season in Southern New England, is 29 days longer, compared to what it was in 1970.

From trees, it’s on to grass pollens, which starts in a few weeks.

“If you start treating two weeks before the season, it can make a big difference in preventing its level of severity,” he said.

That may include over the counter allergy medicines, and, or an intranasal steroid spray. This is best, again, if used at least two weeks before, which means starting now if grass pollen is your nemesis.

Minimizing exposure, too, is crucial.

“With just 10 minutes of exposure they can have significant eye symptoms, swelling, tearing, nasal symptoms that may last throughout the remainder of the day,” said Settipane.

Closing your windows is also a great idea. Those pollens will blow right on into your home if you don’t.

He said we get a little bit of a break from pollen in mid July into August. Then it’s ragweed season, which begins in late August and can go until October.

If your allergies are severe, it’s a good idea to see your health professional who can narrow down what’s responsible. It could be a combination of both outdoor and indoor allergies.