For some of those living in The Sunshine State, spring may not feel all that different than winter. For allergy sufferers, however, this particular transition between seasons means one thing: tree pollen season in Florida.

Now, let’s be clear. If you’re wondering, “What is the pollen season in Florida?” the answer is: always. Even winter allergies in Florida are common. But springtime allergies here can be especially bothersome if you don’t know how to handle them.

Learn more about pollen, the trees that might be triggering your allergies, and how you can live a more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed life even in the midst of tree pollen season in Florida.

When and how long is the tree pollen season in Florida?

Springtime in Florida (aka, tree pollen season in Florida) can begin as soon as late December and run through May. That’s anywhere from five to six months. The long season is great for Florida trees; they use that extra-long springtime to mate.

Ultimately, that’s what pollen is: the means by which a tree transmits its DNA from the stamen (the “male” part of the plant) to the pistil (the “female” part). Unfortunately, we can’t tell Florida trees to go get a room. Instead, a lot of the pollen winds up giving our cars a light golden dusting and giving us a sneezing fit.

The trees of tree pollen season in Florida

While grass pollen in Florida and other allergens are gearing up after winter, the award for the worst spring allergies in Florida goes to the trees. Interestingly, it’s pine trees which tend to produce the most pollen and not flowering trees (as many people tend to think).

The following trees are the main culprits during tree pollen season in Florida:

  • American Elms
  • Bayberry trees
  • Bluejack Oaks
  • Maples (one of the first trees to start pollinating!)
  • Pine
  • River Birch

Allergy symptoms during pollen season in Florida

Allergy symptoms across the various pollen seasons in Florida will differ from person to person. The following, however, are the allergy symptoms most commonly found:

  • Asthma
  • Coughing
  • Itchy, watery, red eyes
  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Sinus pressure
  • Frequent sneezing

If severe enough, these symptoms can lead to further health complications, including chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, post-nasal drip, and more.

Allergy treatments for pollen season in Florida

Actively taking preventative measures against pollen can yield great benefits during tree pollen season in Florida. Keeping your home allergen-free by vacuuming often, replacing air filters, and drying your clothes inside are all great first steps. When you do go outside, try to avoid areas where your trigger trees are prominent, and remember to shower frequently.

If these measures, in combination with OTC medicines or saline solutions, do not provide you relief, you may need to take more action. Allergy shots are one good option, but they can take years to complete.

For many, balloon sinuplasty, a minimally-invasive, in-office procedure that expands the sinus drainage passageways, is a simpler means to achieving long-lasting sinus relief. The procedure lasts less than 20 minutes, requires little to no recovery time, and has been hugely successful in addressing multiple sinus-related ailments.    

Prep for tree pollen season in Florida

Spring should be the season of growth and renewal, not sniffling and discomfort. Dr. Napoleon Bequer of Sinus Solutions of South Florida has provided hundreds of patients in the Tampa and West Palm Beach areas with relief using balloon sinuplasty and other treatments.

It’s time to see the forest for the trees without worrying about allergies. For more information on how to best prepare yourself for tree pollen season in Florida, what to expect after balloon sinuplasty, and more, call 561-790-7744 or request a consultation online today.

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