PHOENIX — With warm weather and near-constant sunshine, you may not expect allergies to be common in State 48. But with Arizona's year-round warmer temps, the state is a hot spot for pollen and other common spring allergies.
According to Scottsdale Ear, Nose and Throat, allergy season in Arizona can start as early as January and last until November, leaving Arizonans with just a few weeks of relief in between.
Arizona's most common allergen is soy, but the most irritating is ragweed, Scottsdale ENT said.
What are some common allergens?
- Tumbleweed
- Ryegrass
- Bermudagrass
- Mesquite trees
- Mulberry trees
- Olive trees
- Juniper trees
- Mold
- Insects
- Animal dander
- Dust and pollution
The growing cycle in Arizona means pollen production often reaches its peak in March and April. These allergens can travel farther because of the lack of rain in the region, Arizona Allergy Associates said.
How long do allergens hang around?
From February to June, pollen counts are high and windy conditions can worsen symptoms. Heavy pollinating trees during this time period include ash, mesquite, mulberry, cottonwood, oak and olive. Ragweed and grasses also pollinate during the spring.
In the summer, allergy sufferers may experience a bit of relief, with some grass and weed allergens sticking around. In the fall, there is another surge in pollination similar to the springtime, and the winter is considered the safest time for allergies, Scottsdale ENT said.
Am I sick or is it allergies?
Are you asking the age-old question "am I sick or is it allergies?" While the symptoms are similar, Arizona Allergy Associates said a good rule of thumb is the length of time you are experiencing symptoms. The common cold usually eases in approximately one week, whereas allergies can last 10 days or more.
Some common symptoms of allergies are:
- Sneezing
- Congested or runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Sinusitis
- Eczema
How can I prevent allergies?
Before you get sick, you can ease your chances of suffering from allergies by checking the pollen count regularly and planning your outdoor activities in response, keeping your windows and doors closed, using air purifiers and HEPA filters to reduce indoor allergies, and washing bedding and clothing regularly.
Dusting, taking off your shoes and socks as soon as you get home, showering after being outdoors and speaking with a medical professional about medication options can also help lessen symptoms.
And if you're curious which allergens affect you most, you can also get an allergy test, Scottsdale ENT said. Allergy tests are covered by most insurance plans and show results quickly.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
