Allergy season is starting earlier this year thanks to an unseasonably warm March, says a Loyola Medicine allergist.Allergy season typically begins in April and lasts until around October, or the first hard freeze. Tree pollen usually arrives first in April. Grass pollen picks up in May and June and weed pollen is most prevalent in July and August. Dr. Rachna Shah tracks the pollen levels in the Chicago area. "The tree pollen is starting out with a bang this season," said Shah, who leads the Loyola Medicine Allergy Count. Though it's normal for some tree pollen to start circulating in March, Shah's recent measurements show the levels are much higher than usual. And she's already had patients coming in with allergy symptoms, which can include itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. "That's unusual this time of year," she said. "My prediction is this is going to be a very long spring season. With tree pollen starting really strong, and given these dramatic swings in outside temperatures, it might linger when grass season kicks in."During the season, Shah gathers samples of the allergens in the air every weekday morning from the roof of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park. Loyola’s allergy count, which can be found at loyolamedicine.org/allergy-count or on social media, provides daily numbers for mold, tree, grass and weed pollens. The official count resumes April 1.Experts say climate change has led to more intense allergy seasons that start earlier and last longer.Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass. Ragweed is a big culprit during the later part of allergy season.When pollen levels are high, Shah recommends that people with severe allergies do their best to stay indoors. But because that’s not always an option, she says people should avoid going out until later in the morning because the pollen count tends to be highest before 10 a.m.“If you engage in outdoor activities for more than a couple of hours, it can be very helpful to come inside, rinse off and change clothes,” she added.Other tips for managing allergies include:Keep your windows closed at home and in the carRinse off your pets if they're going in and out regularlyAvoid going out when pollen counts are highestChange clothes and shower when you get homeWipe down surfaces at home and vacuum more regularly. Use HEPA air filters, which can filter out dander and mold indoorsOver-the-counter nasal sprays and antihistamines can help manage symptoms. For more severe allergies, consult a medical professional about other immunotherapies like allergy shots Related How to cope with worsening fall allergies amid climate change Allergy season arrived early this year. Here’s how to keep pollen from ruining your spring ...read more read less