The Most Common Allergies in Boston (and What You Can Do About Them)

It seems like every season there’s a new cause of sniffles, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat. Science would say that’s correct; each season introduces different allergens into the air. Trees bloom, mold grows, and flowers pollinate at different times of the year.

And if you have bad allergies, you’re probably allergic to many different things.

For a person living in Boston, you’re going to struggle with a parade of seasonal allergies. Is there any hope for relief, or do you just have to bear with uncomfortable symptoms?

The medical experts at Five Journeys want you to know that there is hope for allergy relief. Through over-the-counter medication and immune therapy, you can reduce your reactions to pollen and trees. For more information, get in touch with our team and read more about our Boston allergy treatment.

Most common allergies in Boston

Spring Allergies

Tree pollen causes the most intense allergic reactions in Boston. The geographical region is considered a mixed forest, which doesn’t come as a surprise. Boston is known for its fall colors, after all. But beautiful orange leaves need to grow. Hence high tree pollens in the spring.

Common trees include elm, white pine, and maple. Expect these common Boston allergies to pick up starting in March and last into the summer.

Summer Allergies

Grasses and weeds are the most common allergens during summer in Boston. After the spring snows are finally over, grass can begin its annual return. Of course, grass needs to reproduce, which means seeds and pollen. Crabgrass, dandelions, bluegrass, and ryegrass are all common summer allergens.

If you’re allergic to grasses, try to avoid picnics and lawn mowing if you can. Or wear protective respirators over your mouth and nose while doing landscaping activities.

Fall Allergies

Fall is heavy in weeds and grasses among other common allergies in Boston. Mold can also be an issue as leaves fall from trees and start decomposing. An early snow can compound leaf mold as the moisture gets trapped under leaf piles. So, although leaf peeping is a popular pastime, consider viewing from a distance and don’t take pictures in those oh-so-festive leaf piles.

Winter Allergies

Ah, a break from outdoor allergies! Our notoriously cold winters can provide much-needed relief from the common allergies in Boston.

However, don’t forget to pay attention to allergens indoors. Pets, dust, and holiday decor can still cause issues. Consider adopting a hypoallergenic pet if possible. Clean the house regularly and dust in hard-to-reach places. Maybe this year is the year to switch to an artificial tree if you’re allergic to pine or holly. 

Get Treatment for the Most Common Allergies in Boston 

As we’ve seen, Boston has many common allergies. (We haven’t even covered food allergies!). What can you do to reduce symptoms? Because we all know how miserable uncontrolled allergies can be. 

Here are four actions you can take to reduce your common Boston allergy symptoms.

1. Get Tested: Testing is at the heart of allergy treatment. If you don’t know what you’re allergic to, then you can’t take steps to address your symptoms. Most people who get tested realize they’re affected by many more allergens than they previously thought. For example, you might think your seasonal headaches are from pollen, but really, you’re allergic to the fragrances in your scented candles. Sign up for allergy testing at Five Journeys today!
2. Practice Good Allergy Hygiene: There are many things you can do to reduce your symptoms. Practicing good allergy hygiene takes discipline, but you can do it! Getting rid of your runny nose and itchy eyes is worth it. Consider doing a regular nasal rinse, washing your bedding regularly, dusting your shelves and furniture, changing clothes after being outside, and taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. Small steps can lead to incredible relief. 
3. Go in for Allergy Shots and LDA Treatment: Five Journeys specializes in Low-Dose Allergy treatment. This is a special type of injection that uses enzymes to acclimate the immune system to certain allergens. Over time, your immune system learns to produce lower reactions, and you’ll start feeling better even if allergens remain at their current levels.
4. Improve Your Immune System: Allergies are immune responses at their core. Sometimes our immune systems are out of whack, so healing should go beyond allergy-focused LDA treatment. At Five Journeys, we practice functional medicine, a holistic approach to healthcare that seeks out the root causes of sickness and disease. Perhaps something is causing your immune system to be hyperresponsive to common Boston allergies or seasonal allergies. Our medical team will work with you to find out whatever is causing your issues.

If you’re struggling with allergies in Boston, consider exploring a holistic approach to treatment. At Five Journeys Boston, our team of experienced holistic doctors and functional doctors in Boston specialize in identifying and addressing the root causes of allergies, offering personalized care through our concierge medicine Boston model. In addition to traditional allergy treatments, we provide complementary therapies like IV therapy in Boston and nutritional guidance from our skilled nutritionist in Boston to support your overall immune health. Don’t let allergies hold you back from enjoying all that Boston has to offer.

Contact Five Journeys today to take the first step towards lasting relief and improved well-being.