Facts, Prevention and Relief for Oklahoma Allergies in 2024
Beat your allergies forever.
Get Started With WyndlyOklahoma’s climate allows for fairly typical seasons, but the dry, windy weather and shorter winters can make allergy season longer and more intense. Most airborne allergens are different types of pollen, and the windy state of Oklahoma can carry pollen pretty far, making them an issue for pretty much everyone living there.
There are always the typical allergies to consider – mold, pet dander, dust, etc – but what about Oklahoma’s seasonal allergies? What can you do to avoid the common Oklahoma allergens? What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Wyndly can help. With personalized allergy plans for Oklahoma seasonal allergies, you can treat the root of your symptoms. Get a personalized treatment plan today or read on for more information about Oklahoma allergy seasons.
When is Oklahoma Allergy Season?
Oklahoma allergies are most prominent from early spring to late fall. Unfortunately, Oklahoma’s short winters mean allergies can start as early as February. That being said, outdoor allergy sufferers do tend to find some relief during winter.
Allergens by Season
Each season in Oklahoma has specific allergens. Let’s break them down season by season.
Summer
In summer, grass allergies are the dominant problem-causer in Oklahoma. Watch for high pollen counts and try to keep working outside to a minimum in the mornings.
Fall
Grass allergies can continue into fall, but ragweed allergies will quickly take over as the primary allergen. Tumbleweed can also cause reactions in some people.
Winter
As with most Midwestern states, Oklahoma does get relatively cold in winter. This means that allergies will taper off for the most part. However, winters in Oklahoma can end quickly with some trees beginning to pollinate as early as February. This will precede the explosion of spring allergies.
Spring
As with most states, spring is the biggest allergy season for Oklahoma. Grass pollen can start up again, but trees are the primary allergen here. The trees that cause the most issues in Oklahoma include oak, mulberry, mesquite, and hackwood.
Common Allergens
The most common allergens in Oklahoma are trees, but grass and weeds can be just as bad. Mold is a problem that is prominent all year.
Common Symptoms
When it comes to allergies, the symptoms are pretty similar regardless of your triggers. Here are some symptoms you may expect to experience:
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Scratchy throat
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Asthma symptoms
Everyone will experience allergy symptoms slightly differently. Your reactions may be mild or intense and you could experience one or more of these symptoms depending on your immune system response.
Allergens Around the State
Common allergies like grass, ragweed, and mold can be found statewide. Ragweed is the most common allergen in Oklahoma overall. However, certain seasonal allergies can be more localized, namely tree allergies. This pollen doesn’t always travel as far, so your allergens may vary based on the region of Oklahoma you live in.
Oklahoma City/Norman
Residents of the Oklahoma City/Norman area can blame most of their tree allergies on oak, mulberry, and hackwood trees. Grass and ragweed pollen are also prominent in their respective seasons.
Tulsa
Elm, maple, oak, cottonwood, poplar, and cedar trees tend to cause the most issues for Tulsa residents. The ever-present grass and ragweed allergies are also common culprits for allergy symptoms.
Lawton
Oak, elm, and maple trees are typically responsible for spring allergies in the Lawton area, with grass taking over in summer and ragweed in fall.
Testing and Diagnosis
When allergy symptoms start appearing, it can be hard to pin down the specific cause of your allergies. Oklahoma has a variety of pollinating plants to cause you trouble. With an allergy test, you can determine the specific allergen you should be avoiding or treating. Wyndly's at-home allergy test is an easy and convenient way to determine your allergy triggers.
Here’s How It Works:
Old Fashioned Method: Skin Prick Test at Your Doctor’s Office
The old-fashioned method is a skin prick test from your doctor. This is the less desirable option for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s uncomfortable, itchy, and sometimes painful to get a skin prick test. You also have to take time out of your day to sit to drive to the doctor and sit in a waiting room. Fortunately, there are better options out there.
Modern and Efficient Method Taken At-Home:
An at-home allergy test from Wyndly is much easier and pain-free than a skin prick test. Here’s how it works:
- Get Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. You’ll get a CLIA-certified test shipped straight to your door.
- Take the allergy test and return it to us via mail. You take a simple finger-prick test and return your sample in the provided envelope.
- Receive your personal allergy profile. Our doctors will look at your allergy profile and create a personalized treatment plan for your specific triggers.
Treatment and Remedies
You don’t have to suffer from allergies forever. There are options out there for relief, both temporary and lifelong. There are also good methods for avoiding your triggers. Let’s take a look at these methods:
Avoiding Your Triggers
Avoiding your triggers is great for preventing symptoms, but pollen can sometimes be difficult to avoid. Still, here are some measures that may help you find relief:
- Avoid high pollen and dry, windy days: When the pollen count is high or the weather is dry and windy, staying indoors is a good idea.
- Wear a dust mask: If you do need to go outside or work in the yard on high pollen days, a dust mask can help keep contaminants out of your mouth and nose.
- Vacuum and dust often: A HEPA filter vacuum can help you remove pollen from your floors. Removing carpet entirely can also be a worthwhile step.
- Bathe and do laundry frequently: Pollen is very sticky, so it’s easy for it to get on your skin, clothes, and hair. Make sure to do laundry often and shower to rid yourself of allergens at the end of the day.
- Keep windows closed and use A/C: Keep your windows closed to prevent pollen from blowing in and use a HEPA filter on your air conditioning.
Medications
Sometimes avoidance measures can only go so far. In that case, you may want to try over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, and decongestants can all provide temporary relief.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Allergy Drops
Those seeking long-term relief should look into allergy drops with Wyndly. Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, teach your immune system how to react to common allergens, instead of overreacting and causing symptoms. Introducing your allergen in small, gradually increasing increments is a safe and effective way to find complete relief.
Get Long-term Relief with Wyndly
If you want long-term relief, it starts with an at-home test from Wyndly. Once you send our convenient and painless at-home test back to us, we create an allergy profile for you. Our doctors can then create a personalized treatment plan that helps you find relief using allergy drops. Allergy drops, unlike allergy shots, are painless and don’t require continuous doctor visits.
If you’re interested in living better and finding relief from your Oklahoma seasonal allergies, get a personalized treatment plan today.
Oklahoma Allergy FAQs
Have more questions about Oklahoma allergies? Here’s a quick rundown of some frequently asked questions.
How long is Oklahoma’s allergy season?
The Oklahoma allergy season can start as early as February and may take a small break when the weather gets cold.
Why is allergy season so bad in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is dry and windy, allowing pollen to travel easily. The lack of rain also means fewer days where pollen is weighed down and washed from the trees.
Is Oklahoma a good state if you have allergies?
Oklahoma was ranked as the 18th most challenging place to live with spring allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Why does Oklahoma allergy season start early?
Short, mild winters mean the trees will start to pollinate earlier in the year.
What are the worst months?
Spring tends to be the worst in Oklahoma, with March-June being the worst months specifically.
