Idahoans are fortunate enough to live in a part of the world where they experience all seasons, from the bitterly cold winters to the scorching hot summers and everything in between.
Unfortunately, that also includes a time of year that affects over 100 million Americans: allergy season.
Idaho’s allergy season, which typically starts at the beginning of spring in late February or early March, is already underway. It can last until the first frost of the year, around October.
While some parts of the country are worse than others for allergy sufferers, Boise’s pollen-producing plants are lagging behind the curve. A study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that Boise ranks 77th in the nation for the severity of allergies, factoring in the amount of pollen in the air, how much medicine is used, and the number of specialists in an area.
Boise’s ranking is considered “better than average” compared to the rest of the nation—last year, the city ranked 50th with an “average” rating.
Despite pollen being better than average compared to the rest of the nation, the study still graded the City of Trees around average for all three categories listed above, totaling an overall score of 70.95 out of 100 — the national average score was 75.49, putting Boise right around the middle for allergy severity.
Wichita, Kansas, leads the way with a not-so-perfect score of 100.
According to the study, seasonal pollen allergy burdens are highest in the eastern and Midwestern parts of the country this year. Pollen counts are bad east of the Rocky Mountains this year because of a warmer-than-average start to spring, according to Accuweather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert.
But Boise is helping carry the banner for the western U.S. The City of Trees is the third-highest-ranked city west of the Rocky Mountains, trailing only San Diego, California (38th) and Spokane, Washington (60th).
Types of allergy-causing weeds in Boise
Allergic rhinitis, known more commonly as hay fever, is one of the most common allergic conditions, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. About 26% of adults and 20% of children suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, with the most common symptoms being:
Sneezing
A stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion
Runny nose
Red and watery eyes
Itchy nose, ears, eyes or mouth
Swelling around the eyes
Tree, grass and weed pollen are the most common causes of seasonal allergies. Tree pollen is the first pollen to appear each year and is primarily responsible for allergies between February and June, according to the AAFA study.
Cottonwood trees are producing the most pollen right now in Boise, according to the Boise Valley Asthma and Allergy Clinic, but juniper and ash trees are also producing pollen.
Grass pollen is most common from April through early June but can overlap with tree and weed pollen seasons. Rye, timothy and orchard grasses are three of Idaho’s most common sources for producing grass pollen.
Lastly, weed season runs through the fall but peaks in mid-September. Ragweed is the most common perpetrator of weed allergies, according to the AAFA study, affecting about 15% of people in the U.S.
How to ease allergy symptoms
While several over-the-counter medications, such as Claritin and Allegra, can ease allergy symptoms, the AAFA study also offers at-home tips to relieve symptoms:
Check daily pollen counts or forecasts and plan outdoor activities on low pollen days, such as the Weather Channel’s 15-day pollen forecast.
Keep windows closed during peak pollen times.
Air conditioning or air cleaners with HEPA filtration can remove at least 99.9% of pollen and other tiny airborne particles.
Remove your shoes before entering your home.
Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors and wipe down furry animals when they come indoors.
Dry your laundry in a dryer or indoor rack, not on an outdoor line.
Wear a mask outside to prevent pollen from entering your nose and mouth.
Wear sunglasses to limit the pollen that gets into your eyes.
Cover your hair with a hat or some other covering so pollen doesn’t collect in your hair.
Change and wash your clothes after outdoor activities.
Shower before bed to keep pollen out of your bedding.