Iowa can have a rough allergy season that makes it hard for residents to find effective treatment plans for relief. Without knowing when to expect allergy season to start, peak, or end, it can be even more difficult. But Wyndly can help.
Wyndly is a great resource for allergy sufferers. Our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan to help provide you with long-term relief from your allergies. Schedule a consultation today to get a personalized treatment plan, or read on to learn more about Iowa’s seasonal allergies.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies typically refer to allergies that are triggered by pollen. Each type of plant only releases pollen during certain times of the year. Pollen allergies in Iowa are primarily triggered by pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds.
When Is Allergy Season in Iowa?
Depending on what you are allergic to, you can experience allergy symptoms during any time of year in Iowa. Pollen allergies will flare up in the spring, summer, and fall, while indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions at any point in the year.
Iowa is in the Northern Great Plains and Midwest Mississippi Valley allergy regions. Each region has slightly different allergens and allergy seasons, so we’ve compiled the region-specific information for allergy season in Iowa.
When Is Iowa Pollen Season?
In Iowa, most spring allergies are the result of tree pollen. Summer pollen allergies are primarily caused by grass pollen. If you have seasonal allergies in the fall, your allergies are likely caused by pollen from weeds.
When Does Allergy Season Start?
Iowa allergy season starts in early spring. Because Iowa has a cold winter, seasonal allergies will commonly begin in late February or early March. This is a fairly average start to allergy season when compared to other states, but Iowa can still be a difficult place for seasonal allergies.
What Months Are Iowa Allergy Season?
In Iowa, you’ll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, June, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower in Iowa.
If you have seasonal allergies and are traveling to Iowa during April, May, June, or September, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan that works for you before your trip. During your trip, check the local pollen count daily to adjust your plans accordingly.
When Does Allergy Season End?
Iowa allergy season usually ends around the first hard frost of fall. This means that residents get a good break from their seasonal allergies. Even though Iowa might not have as many outdoor allergens to worry about during the winter, indoor allergens can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers.
If you suffer from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold, you might notice that they worsen during the winter if you spend more time inside than usual.
Common Allergens
While this is not a comprehensive list, some of the most common allergens in Iowa include:
- Ryegrass
- Timothy grass
- Orchard grass
- Brome grass
- Fescue grass
- Lamb’s quarters
- Ragweed
- Sagebrush
- Hickory tree
- Ash tree
- Walnut tree
- Mulberry tree
- Willow tree
Read more about allergies in Iowa.
What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
The allergy symptoms you will experience in Iowa will vary based on the severity of your allergies and the time of year you are in Iowa.
Symptoms you might experience in Iowa include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Watery or red eyes
- Itchy nose, mouth, or ears
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Sneezing fits
- Fatigue
- Scratchy throat
- Rash or hives
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Iowa?
If you think you are suffering from seasonal allergies, take an allergy test to identify what allergens are triggering your symptoms. The easiest way to get an allergy test in Iowa is by ordering Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. Get your allergy test today to identify your allergies!
By understanding what allergies are causing your symptoms, it will be easier for you to avoid your triggers and find effective treatments.
Who Are Iowa Allergy Doctors?
There are several different types of providers you can go to for your allergies in Iowa. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists or immunologists, and ENTs. When choosing an allergy doctor, the most important thing is choosing a provider you trust.
It is also important to work with a doctor who will consider both your test results and your allergy history to make sure they make sense together. You should also consider how long you will need to wait to be seen by them and how convenient it is for your schedule.
At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will work with you to get you long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your allergy test results and your allergy history.
Allergy Symptom Relief and Treatment
Allergies can feel difficult to manage, but there are several different methods you can try out to decrease or eliminate your allergy symptoms.
Limit Exposure
An effective method of decreasing your symptoms is limiting your exposure to the allergens that are triggering your allergies. While pollen can be difficult to avoid, there are ways that you can decrease your exposure to pollen in Iowa.
- Check daily pollen count: Keep an eye on pollen levels to see how high they are in Iowa for the day. If it’s a high pollen count, try limiting your time outside that day. Pollen tends to be at its highest in the morning and afternoon in Iowa. Evening hours will be the best time to go outside during the Iowa allergy season.
- Trim trees, mow the lawn, and pull weeds: By keeping tree branches trimmed, grass short, and your lawn free of weeds, you can reduce the pollen that will be released directly around your home in Iowa.
- Wear a mask outdoors: Wearing a dust mask when you go outside in Iowa can help prevent pollen from getting in your airways.
- Clean regularly: Pollen is a very sticky substance, meaning it’ll get in your home and on you and your clothes. Be sure to clean your house and do laundry frequently. Also, make sure to shower after being outdoors to wash off any pollen.
- Keep windows closed: Opening your windows will allow for more pollen to get into your home. If you can, keep your windows closed and run your A/C instead for the duration of the allergy season in Iowa.
- Install a HEPA filter: Installing a HEPA filter on your A/C can help reduce the pollen levels circulating in your home.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely available in Iowa, and they provide short-term relief from your allergy symptoms. If you find that antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops don’t provide enough relief from your seasonal allergies, you can look into allergy treatments that will provide long-term relief instead of just masking your symptoms.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
If you want lifelong relief from your seasonal allergies in Iowa, sublingual immunotherapy is the best solution. Sublingual immunotherapy involves exposing your immune system to small doses of the allergens that trigger your allergies. Through this exposure, your body becomes desensitized to your allergies, providing long-term relief. Sublingual immunotherapy is just as effective as allergy shots, but it can also be taken from the comfort of your home.
Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Iowa is easy and convenient. You can get it shipped right to your home!
The Best Allergist in Iowa for Seasonal Allergies
If you are looking for the best doctor to treat your seasonal allergies in Iowa, look no further than Wyndly. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies to get you long-term allergy relief from your Iowa seasonal allergies.
Take our easy online assessment now to see if our doctors can get you long-term allergy relief from your seasonal allergies in Iowa!
