Allergies in Tampa: What You Need to Know

Many people travel to the coast to escape from allergies. They breathe the fresh sea air and feel an escape from the sticky, pollen-filled atmosphere of inland Florida.

However, Tampa residents can’t always escape allergens, no matter how close to the Bay they are. Here’s what you need to know about the allergens in the Tampa Bay area that may be causing your itchy eyes and scratchy throat.  

What Are Common Allergies in Tampa?

If you look around the landscape of Tampa Bay, you can immediately see our top allergens.

Oak and Pine pollen tend to be the worst culprits, causing people to sneeze throughout the spring and fall. Ragweed is also another plant-based allergen that can travel hundreds of miles through the air to irritate your nose.

Along with plants, there are other allergens irritating people in Tampa Bay.

In the summer months, insects fly across the city and leave swollen, painful bites and stings on people who are allergic. Smoke allergies are also common in areas near state parks, where a controlled burn can keep sensitive people inside for days. And, yes, even cockroaches can be an allergen culprit.

When Do Allergies Flare Up in Tampa?

Allergens like pollen flare up at different times of year in different parts of the country, and Florida is unique in its spread of pollen and other irritants.

Unlike the rest of the country, Florida never experiences a deep freeze in the winter. This means plants can pollinate all year round -- and allergy sufferers can wheeze and sneeze through all seasons.

Some people report allergy symptoms starting in mid-January in warmer years and have them through November.

That being said, there are some months that are worse than others. Spring tends to be a nightmare for most people who have allergies. The pollen is at its thickest, and the Tampa rainy season hasn’t begun. February through April are the worst times. Once the rains start in summer, the pollen gets washed away faster and the air is clearer.    

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How Can You Check the Pollen in Our Area?

If you think pollen is irritating your sinuses, keep an eye on the pollen count in the Tampa Bay area. There are multiple sources you can use to check pollen levels in Tampa Bay.

Bookmark Pollen.com to check five-day forecasts for pollen in our area. You can see the top irritants each day and predict the worst days to be outside.

The Weather Channel also has an allergy tracker you can check within their app. Along with checking the weather for the day (most likely hot and humid), you can see how high the pollen count is and how irritated you are likely to become.

Bay News 9, FOX 13, and other local news channels also report pollen levels on a regular basis.

What Should You Do If You Experience Allergy Symptoms?

If you think you are suffering from allergies more than normal or want to know why your nose won’t stop running and your eyes won’t stop watering, consider taking an allergy test.

A “Skin Scratch” allergy test will tell you if your allergy symptoms are a sign of a real allergy. During the test, a doctor will lightly prick your skin in multiple places and then apply the allergen. In less than 20 minutes, you can clearly see what you are allergic to and what you should avoid.  

The salt air can reduce allergens, but you can start coughing and sneezing just a few miles inland. It’s better to know your allergies and confront them so you can get back to enjoying the things you love around the Tampa area!

For more health and wellness news, follow Florida Wellness Medical Group on 813area. Best of all, it's free! 

Cover photo from Unsplash