As spring emerges across the country, so too does a less welcome seasonal visitor: tree pollen. Recent data shows that tree pollen counts have reached record highs in many regions, exceeding historical averages. This surge is causing considerable distress for millions of allergy sufferers who find themselves reaching for tissues and antihistamines more frequently than ever before. At our clinic, we have observed a significant uptick in patients reporting severe symptoms, from persistent congestion to itchy, watery eyes — clear indicators that we may be entering one of the most challenging allergy seasons in recent memory.
Recent analyses indicate that tree pollen levels in California have been rising, leading to more pronounced allergy seasons. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reported in their 2024 Allergy Capitals™ report that several California cities rank among the top 100 most challenging places for seasonal allergies, with high tree pollen scores contributing significantly to these rankings.
Climate change plays a role in these trends, with warmer temperatures causing pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer. AccuWeather’s 2025 predictions suggest that tree, grass, and weed pollen levels will be elevated across many regions, including California, leading to intensified allergy seasons. Pollen counts are expected to grow nearly 40% in the coming decades, leading to more intense allergies. In Northern California, allergy season typically spans from early March to mid-June. Various factors, including temperature and precipitation, influence pollen counts during this period.
Rising global temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are fundamentally altering how plants reproduce. Research shows that these climate shifts are causing flowering plants to produce pollen in significantly greater quantities. Some studies indicate that up to 40% more pollen per plant will be produced in the coming decades. Additionally, the chemical composition of the pollen itself appears to be changing, potentially making it more allergenic and problematic for sensitive individuals.
The surge in tree pollen concentrations has intensified seasonal allergy symptoms for millions of Americans. Patients frequently report persistent nasal congestion, sneezing fits, and postnasal drip that disrupts sleep and daily activities. Itchy, watery eyes have become particularly problematic, with many individuals experiencing symptoms severe enough to impair driving and computer work. Additionally, we’re seeing more complaints of scratchy throats, ear pressure, and the distinctive “allergic shiners” — dark circles under the eyes caused by congested sinuses. For many, these symptoms are no longer merely annoying but have become genuinely debilitating, affecting work performance and quality of life.
While tree pollen allergies can affect anyone, specific populations face significantly higher risks and more severe consequences:
Previous allergy history plays a crucial role in predicting susceptibility, as the immune system demonstrates a “memory” for allergen exposure — patients who experienced even mild tree pollen reactions in past seasons frequently develop more pronounced symptoms with each subsequent exposure. These allergies create cascading health effects beyond the immediate symptoms, with asthma exacerbations being perhaps the most dangerous secondary impact.
Pollen-induced asthma attacks can be particularly severe during early morning hours when pollen counts typically peak and coincide with the body’s naturally lower cortisol levels. Sleep disturbances represent another significant consequence, as nighttime congestion and coughing create a cycle of fatigue that compounds allergy symptoms and reduces the body’s natural resilience to inflammatory responses.
Minimizing pollen exposure requires a strategic approach to daily activities during peak season. We recommend checking local pollen forecasts and scheduling outdoor activities for lower-count periods, typically in late afternoons or after gentle rainfall. Keep windows closed, particularly overnight and early morning when pollen release is highest. If you have to keep your windows open, try to install a pollen filter on them, which will allow fresh air in but can help prevent pollen from coming in. You may also consider using HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and main living spaces. After spending time outdoors, change clothes immediately and shower before bedtime to remove pollen from hair and skin. For those with severe sensitivities, consider wearing oversized sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats during outdoor activities to reduce eye and facial exposure. These simple adjustments can significantly reduce your overall pollen burden.
The foundation of symptom management for many sufferers begins with readily available allergy medication designed to alleviate symptoms without requiring a prescription. Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine offer effective relief without the level of drowsiness associated with older formulations. Intranasal corticosteroid sprays can dramatically reduce nasal inflammation and congestion when used consistently, beginning 1-2 weeks before peak season. Saline rinses and nasal irrigation systems help physically flush pollen from nasal passages, while decongestants can provide temporary relief for severe congestion. For eye symptoms, antihistamine eye drops offer targeted relief. While these options work well for many patients with mild to moderate symptoms, they’re most effective when started before symptoms appear and used consistently throughout the pollen season.
For patients experiencing inadequate relief from over-the-counter options, our clinic offers comprehensive treatment solutions tailored to your specific allergy profile. Prescription-strength antihistamines, nasal sprays, and leukotriene modifiers can enhance symptom control under medical supervision.
For long-term relief, we specialize in immunotherapy treatments that address the underlying cause of allergies rather than just managing symptoms. Traditional allergy shots (including cluster immunotherapy) involve regular in-office injections of gradually increasing allergen concentrations to retrain your immune system, with high success rates for most patients. For those seeking a more convenient option, we also offer allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy), allowing at-home administration by placing liquid extracts under the tongue daily.
Both approaches can significantly reduce sensitivity to tree pollens over time, often providing relief beyond the treatment period and potentially preventing the development of new allergies or asthma.
The Allergy & Asthma Clinic is a premier destination for allergy and respiratory care in California, serving the Bay Area with distinction for over 30 years. Led by Dr. Andrew C. Engler, a Stanford-educated physician recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 25 consecutive years, our clinic offers comprehensive allergy testing, immunotherapy options, and specialized treatments for conditions ranging from seasonal allergies to complex immunological disorders. We have a team of board-certified specialists with impressive credentials from leading institutions, including Yale, UCLA, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania. Our patients benefit from personalized care plans incorporating innovative treatments and attentive service in a warm, welcoming environment designed to address their unique health needs.
As tree pollen counts continue to rise, taking proactive steps is essential for managing your allergy symptoms and protecting your quality of life. While environmental changes present new challenges, remember that you don’t have to suffer through allergy season. Our experienced team at the Allergy & Asthma Clinic offers comprehensive testing, personalized treatment plans, and the latest therapeutic options to help you breathe easier.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you find relief from seasonal allergies — because life is too short to spend it sneezing.
San Mateo Office
Phone- (650) 343-4597 | Fax-(650) 343-3402
Daly City Office
Phone- (650) 991-0405 | Fax-(650) 343-3402
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First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.
My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.
