Allergy Season in Frederick: What ENT Specialists Want You to Know

If you’re experiencing common sinus issues such as frequent and uncontrollable sneezing, mucus dripping down the back of your throat, nasal congestion, thin and watery nasal discharge, itchy and watery eyes, and sinus pressure, seasonal allergies may be one of many possible underlying causes behind these symptoms.

Maryland is home to a mix of coastal plains and mountain areas, as well as a mix of diverse plant life. This means that the state is home to a wide variety of local allergens that vary depending on different weather patterns.

This guide from Frederick Breathe Free can help patients in Frederick, MD, understand their local allergy triggers better and learn how they can support symptom management.

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What Are Seasonal Allergies in Frederick, MD?

Seasonal allergies refer to allergies that are triggered by pollen released by plants, trees, grasses, and weeds. They are also sometimes referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever.

Seasonal allergies, as the name suggests, occur only during specific seasons or times of the year. Plants release pollen at varying times throughout the year, and depending on what your allergy triggers are, you may experience allergic reactions only during specific seasons or throughout the year.

What are the common symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Symptoms of seasonal allergies vary per patient, but common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Persistent nasal congestion
• Breathing difficulties through the nose
• Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Runny nose with thin, clear, and watery nasal discharge
• Itchy, watery, and red eyes
• Coughing or irritated throat
• Itchy nose, throat, or roof of the mouth
• Daytime fatigue due to poor quality or lack of sleep

What You Need to Know About Allergy Season in Frederick, MD

Frederick and the rest of the state of Maryland has fairly mild weather all year-round, but the state does experience all four seasons, which means allergy season is quite typical as well.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Frederick’s allergy season throughout the year:

• Summer

The summer season in Frederick and the rest of the state of Maryland is grass allergy season. During this time, the main culprit are Bermuda grass and ryegrass, and may cause major issues for many sensitive individuals across the county.

• Fall

During the fall season, ragweed becomes the main trigger for many allergy sufferers. Other weeds such as wormwood, sagebrush, orache, and amaranth may also start to cause issues. Moreover, mold spores from fallen leaves may also exacerbate allergy symptoms as they become more prevalent during this time of year.

• Winter

Outdoor pollen levels may decrease during the cooler winter months as many plants become less active. However, indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can continue to trigger symptoms. 

• Spring

The spring season in Frederick means tree allergy season, with the main culprits being oak, birch, hickory, ash, and maple trees.

How to Manage Seasonal Allergies in Frederick, MD

✅Minimize and limit your exposure to potential allergens, triggers, and irritants

While you can’t completely avoid exposure to allergens and irritants, you can take proactive measures to minimize and limit your exposure:

• Track daily pollen counts and allergen forecasts, and plan your day according to this information. Consider limiting outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, particularly if pollen tends to worsen your symptoms. 
• Keep you home clean and allergen-free. Wear proper protective gear if you’re planning to mow the lawn, trim trees, or remove weeds around your property.
• During peak allergy seasons and windy days, keep your doors and windows closed to keep allergens out of your home.
• If you’re going out, it might be a good idea to do so when pollen levels are low, which is usually at night.
• If you have to head out, make sure to wear a protective mask to keep pollen, allergens, and irritants out of your airways.
• Use high-quality HEPA filters in your HVAC system and vacuum cleaner to filter out potential allergens and irritants.
• Immediately get out of your outdoor clothes, get in the shower to wash away particles and irritants you might have picked up, and get into fresh clothes to prevent the spread of allergens in your home.

✅Try over-the-counter medications that may support allergy symptom management

Some patients may find that some over-the-counter medications may offer support in symptom management. These medications may include:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Saline nasal sprays
• Eye drops
• Pain relievers

✅Ask your allergist about immunotherapy

If your allergy symptoms don’t seem to respond well to other forms of treatment, your allergist or ENT doctor in Frederick, MD, may start discussing other treatments, such as immunotherapy, which may come in the form of either allergy shots or allergy drops.

Immunotherapy works by helping the immune system build tolerance to certain allergens over time. A consultation with your care provider can help assess your condition and determine if allergy shots or drops are necessary and which of the two is more appropriate for your condition, allergy profile, symptom severity, treatment goals, lifestyle, and other individual health factors.

An important note on FDA approval:

Certain sublingual immunotherapy tablets are FDA-approved for specific allergens in the United States. Custom-compounded sublingual allergy drops are not FDA-approved, although healthcare providers may prescribe them off-label when clinically appropriate. 

Learn More About Your Allergies and How to Manage Your Allergy Symptoms With Frederick Breathe Free

Frederick Breathe Free provides allergy testing, sinus evaluations, and treatment guidance for patients in Frederick, Urbana, Walkersville, Middletown, Brunswick, and the rest of Frederick County.

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If yu are experiencing persistent allergy and sinus issues, contact our team to learn more about your allergies and what you can do to manage your symptoms.

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