Allergy Season in New Jersey

Certain parts of the United States seemingly host more allergy triggers, such as pollen, outdoor mold and air pollution. However, allergens are present in every state, including New Jersey. According to NJ.com, approximately five percent of New Jersey residents are sensitive to seasonal allergies. Whether you live or are visiting New Jersey, the active time of the year for certain allergens is vital to know if you suffer from allergies. Still, your symptoms can be reduced by taking certain medications and by preventing your exposure to triggers.

Types

• Pollen produced from trees, weeds and grasses are the most common types of allergens in New Jersey, according to Allergy Escape. The types of trees that pollinate in northeastern states like New Jersey include ash, beech, birch, cottonwood, elm, hickory, maple, oak, sycamore and walnut. Cocklebur, English plantain, lambs quarter, marsh elder, pigweed, ragweed and tumbleweed are the types of weeds that pollinate in New Jersey. Types of pollinating grasses include Bermuda, blue, Italian rye, Johnson, meadow fescue, orchard, perennial rye, sweet vernal and timothy.

Time Frame

• Allergy Escape reports that tree pollen season occurs in New Jersey during the spring months of April and May. Maple trees tend to pollinate earlier than the other types of trees, beginning in February depending on how long it snows. Weed pollen season occurs between May and September in New Jersey. Grasses pollinate in the northeast between May and October. According to NJ.com, mold allergies are prevalent year-round in New Jersey.

Effects

• Pollen allergies can cause allergic rhinitis, a condition also known as hay fever. Allergy Escape explains that hay fever is characterized by an inflammation of your sinus and nose membranes, as well as throat irritation. This causes symptoms such as sneezing, headache, runny nose, congestion, wheezing, coughing and respiratory infections. Allergies to mold causes similar symptoms, and can aggravate allergic asthma.

Prevention

• An allergist can determine whether you are allergic to molds or types of pollen through skin-prick tests. If you find that you are allergic to pollen from trees, weeds or grass, you can try to avoid exposure during certain times of the year by limiting outdoor activities. For example, if you are allergic to oak tree pollen, you are more susceptible to allergy symptoms during the spring months. Look up the daily pollen counts through weather.com and try to limit outdoor exposure during the early and late afternoons.

Treatment

• If you are visiting New Jersey during a time in which you are susceptible to allergy problems, consider taking an antihistamine such as Zyrtec during your stay. Antihistamines help your body combat allergens before they even cause symptoms. Recurring allergies should be treated with a prescription medication or even allergy shots, especially if you reside in the area full-time.