Allergy season in Southwest Florida? It’s pretty much all year round

With Florida’s subtropical climate supporting continuous pollen production, Southwest Florida residents battle allergy symptoms year around.

“Peak allergy season in Southwest Florida typically occurs year-round with several overlapping peaks,” said Dr. Elvin Mendez, Lee Physician Group, allergy & immunology, in an email response to The Breeze. “This differs from the traditional spring-summer-fall pattern seen in temperate climates. Tree pollen often peaks in late winter through spring. Grasses pollinate much of the year but are more prevalent in the late spring through the summer. Weeds contribute to allergy symptoms mainly in the fall. Florida’s warm temperatures mean allergenic plants do not follow the same seasonal patterns as the rest of the country.”

 Although rain can temporarily wash out airborne pollen, providing short-term relief, he said, long-term precipitation patterns have varying effects depending on plant species.

 “Temperature appears to have a stronger effect than precipitation, with warmer temperatures correlating with earlier, longer, and more intense pollen seasons. During periods of drought, however, conditions have complex effects on pollen production and allergies. While short-term drought may reduce pollen production, the overall impact of dry weather is to lengthen pollen seasons and increase total pollen production,” Mendez said.

 Ninety-four percent of the main allergy symptoms include nasal congestion — stuffy nose, while rhinorrhea — runny nose symptoms are at 90%. Mendez said other symptoms include sneezing, postnasal drainage, itching of the eyes, nose, and throat.

 “Some individuals may also experience fatigue, cough, and sinus pressure. Children may primarily complain of fatigue or cough rather than classic nasal symptoms,” he said.

 The highest pollen levels are between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. with peak concentrations typically occurring in the morning after sunrise.

 “Symptoms often worsen in the morning, with approximately 70% of allergy sufferers experiencing their most severe symptoms during this time,” Mendez said. “For those wanting to ventilate their homes, opening windows after 9 p.m., or early in the morning between 6 and 9 a.m., before pollination restarts, is recommended.”

 There are a few ways individuals can alleviate allergy symptoms.

 “For individuals with mild intermittent symptoms, second-generation oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) or intranasal antihistamines (azelastine, olopatadine) are first-line treatments and are all available over the counter without a prescription,” Mendez said. “For those with moderate to severe or persistent symptoms, intranasal corticosteroids (fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide, triamcinolone) are most effective, either alone or combined with intranasal antihistamines. These are also available without a prescription.” 

Another option — saline nasal irrigation with distilled or sterilized water — can significantly reduce symptom severity and is relatively inexpensive, he said.

 Some natural remedies include Butterbur, which shows symptom improvement comparable to nonsedating antihistamines by inhibiting leukotriene syntheses. Mendez said quality and safety vary by preparation.

Local honey is a safe alternative with no known side effects. Mendez said the evidence for efficacy is limited.

“Probiotics, especially specific strains, show promise in some studies. Vitamin D supplementation and quercetin combinations also show promise.  Overall, evidence for most herbal remedies remains limited, inconsistent and of low quality. The best natural remedy is use of nasal saline irrigation using purified water (distilled or sterilized only-never tap water). These can provide significant relief,” he said.

With most things, avoiding or reducing exposure to triggers is the most crucial component of managing allergy symptoms.

“These include keeping windows closed during high-pollen times, use of air conditioning with a HEPA filter, and showering after outdoor activities to remove pollen from hair and skin. Combination therapy may be necessary for adequate control; particularly intranasal corticosteroids combined with antihistamines for moderate-to-severe symptoms. Consider evaluation by a board-certified allergist if symptoms persist despite optimal medical therapy and environmental control measures,” Mendez said.

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com