Allergy Season in Chicago, Illinois: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

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Chicago, Illinois tends to have cold winters that give those with allergies a break from their symptoms. During the rest of the year, tree, grass, and weed pollen can be abundant, making it difficult for residents to manage their allergies.

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 Chicago’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 Illinois are primarily triggered by pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds.

When Is Chicago, IL Pollen Season?

Depending on what you are allergic to, you can experience allergy symptoms at any time of the year in Chicago. Pollen allergies will flare up in the spring, summer, and fall, while indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions at any point in the year.

In Chicago, 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.

Chicago is in the Midwest Mississippi Valley allergy region. Each region has slightly different allergens and allergy seasons, so we’ve compiled the region-specific information for allergy season in Illinois.

Mid-West Allergen Zone Map

When Does Allergy Season Start?

Chicago allergy season typically starts in February or March. Trees will start pollinating in the spring around this time. This is a bit shorter of an allergy season than most other states, but Illinois still has an abundance of pollen during the spring, summer, and fall.

What Months Are Chicago Allergy Season?

In Chicago, 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 Chicago.

If you have seasonal allergies and are traveling to Chicago 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?

Chicago allergy season usually ends after the first frost of winter. This means that residents get a break from their seasonal allergies. Even though Chicago 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 Chicago include:

  • Oaktree
  • Hickory
  • Maple
  • Ash
  • Willow
  • Mulberry tree
  • Walnut tree
  • Ryegrass
  • Bermuda grass
  • Orchard grass
  • Brome grass
  • Ragweed
  • Wormwood
  • Sagebrush
  • Amaranth

Read more about allergies in Chicago.

What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?

The most common allergy symptoms stay the same between each city and state. However, the severity of your allergy symptoms will vary on the severity of your allergies and the time of year you are in Illinois.

Symptoms you might experience include:

  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Itchy, red, and watery eyes
  • Coughing
  • Congestion
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing fits
  • Brain fog
  • Painful sinuses or sinusitis
  • Scratchy throat
  • Hives or rash
  • Aggravated asthma symptoms

How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Chicago?

If 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 Chicago is by ordering Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. Get your allergy test today to identify your allergies!

Understanding what allergies are causing your symptoms will make it easier for you to avoid your triggers and find effective treatments.

Who Are Chicago Allergy Doctors?

There are several professionals in Chicago who you can visit for help with your seasonal allergies. Allergists, immunologists, and ENTs are among the most common allergy doctors. The are several things to consider when choosing a provider. However, the most important is choosing someone you trust.

When looking for your doctor, you should consider a doctor that will be easy for you to visit and whose schedule aligns with yours. It is also essential to work with someone who will take into account both your test results and your allergy history.

Wyndly’s allergy doctors are committed to providing long-lasting relief from 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 Chicago.

  • Check daily pollen count: Generally, pollen tends to be highest in the morning and afternoons, making evenings the best time to go outside in Illinois. Another tip is to check the Chicago pollen forecast and limit outdoor time on high pollen count days.
  • Trim trees, mow the lawn, and pull weeds: Regularly manicuring your yard can reduce the pollen released directly around your home in Chicago.
  • Wear a mask outdoors: To prevent pollen from entering your airways, you can wear a dust mask when you go outside in Chicago.
  • Clean regularly: Due to the sticky nature of pollen, it is essential to clean your home and do laundry frequently. Similarly, showering after being outdoors will allow you to wash off any pollen.
  • Keep windows closed: Pollen easily enters the home through open windows and doors. Running your A/C and closing windows and doors during allergy season in Chicago will effectively combat this.
  • 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 Chicago, and they provide short-term relief from your allergy symptoms. If 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 Chicago, 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.

Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Chicago is easy and convenient. Sublingual immunotherapy is also just as effective as allergy shots, but it can also be taken from the comfort of your home.

The Best Allergist in Chicago for Seasonal Allergies

If you are looking for the best doctor to treat your seasonal allergies in Chicago, 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 Chicago 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 Chicago!

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