See A St. Louis Seasonal Allergy Specialist

When is Allergy Season in St. Louis, Missouri?

Depending on what you’re allergic to, your seasonal allergies may peak in the spring, fall, winter, or affect you year-round. Learn about each of the allergy seasons in St. Louis Missouri below.

Spring Allergy Season

The spring allergy season in St. Louis typically starts in March and extends into mid-July. Pollinating trees usually mark the start of spring allergy season and continue releasing pollen well into May. Common culprits of seasonal allergies in St. Louis include oak trees, cedar trees, hickory trees, walnut trees, and ash trees. A number of other less common trees are also responsible for seasonal allergies in St. Louis, including aspen, alder, ash, birch, beech, box elder, cottonwood, elm, mountain elder, mulberry, olive, poplar, pecan, and willow trees.

The St. Louis Missouri spring allergy season is extended by pollinating grass, which typically starts in May and ends in mid-July.

Fall Allergy Season

St. Louis Missouri fall allergy season starts with the bloom of ragweed in August and usually peaks in mid-September. Ragweed is prevalent in Missouri, and is the primary cause of seasonal allergies from late August through the first frost of early winter (Missouri’s ragweed season). Most individuals that experience allergy symptoms in the fall are allergic to ragweed. Other allergenic plants that trigger fall allergies include burning bush, cocklebur, lamb’s-quarters, mugwort, pigweed, russian thistle, sagebrush, and tumbleweed.

Seasonal Allergy Variation

• Mold levels can peak during specific weather patterns, sometimes imitating seasonal allergies. Mold grows quickly during rainy periods, and also during hot and humid periods.
• Pollen levels are usually highest in the morning, and are amplified by wind and warm weather.
• Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate early, making spring allergy season start earlier than March.
• A rainy spring can promote rapid plant growth and high pollen levels that persist into the fall.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Seasonal Allergies in St. Louis Missouri

Are Allergies Bad in St. Louis Missouri?

For spring allergies, St. Louis, Missouri was ranked as the 31st most challenging place to live in 2021. In 2020, St. Louis was ranked 29th. In 2018, it ranked 41st. In 2016, St. Louis ranked 35th.

For fall allergies, St. Louis, Missouri was ranked as the 24th most challenging place to live in 2021. In 2020, St. Louis was ranked 29th. In 2018, it ranked 40th. In 2016, St. Louis ranked 38th.

Overall, St. Louis Missouri was ranked as the 27th most challenging place to live with allergies out of the US’s 100 most-populated metropolitan areas in 2021.

St. Louis AAFA Annual Allergy Capital Ranking

The table below shows overall, spring, and fall St. Louis Missouri allergy season rankings over recent years.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergies, also called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, cause symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and cough. Your symptoms may vary depending on what you’re allergic to, and could could include any of the following:

• Coughing
• Frequent sneezing
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Scratchy throat
• Excess saliva
• Itchy, stinging, watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Trouble Sleeping
• Asthma symptoms

Seasonal Allergy Diagnosis

Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to be relatively consistent from allergen to allergen. In other words, an allergy to oak tree pollen can look a lot like a ragweed allergy, but you’re not necessarily allergic to both if you’re allergic to one of them. Understanding exactly what you’re allergic to can make it much easier to navigate seasonal allergies in St. Louis and know what you should (and should not!) be avoiding. This is where allergy testing comes in. Dr. Cajigal is a seasonal allergy specialist that can help you determine if your symptoms are caused by allergies and pinpoint what you’re allergic to so you can find relief.

Seasonal allergy diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history, and usually involves skin or blood tests to determine your specific allergic triggers. Once your specific triggers are known, Dr. Cajigal can help you determine how to reduce seasonal allergy triggers in St. Louis Missouri.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Seasonal Allergy Treatment

Limit Your Exposure to Airborne Allergens

• Check your local pollen counts whenever you check the weather
• Limit outdoor activities during times of high pollen counts
• Wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to reduce pollen exposure when outdoors
• Change clothes as soon as you get home if you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors

When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will have additional recommendations for you based on your unique case.

Allergy-Proof Your Home

These tips can help you minimize exposure to allergens in your home:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen and mold seasons to prevent allergens from entering
• House dust can contain pollen and mold, so it’s important to clean regularly
• Steam clean carpets or remove carpets altogether
• Avoid air drying laundry outside
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander in your bedding
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust in your home
• Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent frequently to reduce allergens
• Use dust mite proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and box springs
• Men should shave frequently to prevent pollen from gathering in their facial hair

Medications for Seasonal Allergies

Medications include:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroids (nasal spray)
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
• Cromolyn sodium

Allergy Shots for Seasonal Allergies

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. Get in touch with us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about seasonal allergies and how to most effectively manage them! We’re looking forward to your visit.

References

[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: https://acaai.org/
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
[3] Allergy Capitals Report: https://www.aafa.org/allergy-capitals/