Allergy season in Las Vegas traditionally begins in spring with mulberry and olive trees as the biggest culprits, but sniffles can start as early as January with the arrival of ash tree pollen. To make things worse, Vegas has another allergy season in late fall, thanks to ragweed. UNLV Pollen Lab Supervisor Asma Tahir shares some thoughts on how 2024 is shaping up for allergies and what we can do about it. (Interview edited for length and clarity.)
Allergies are already bad in Las Vegas. Are they getting worse?
“Whatever happened last year is going to affect this year. Trees store rain for the following year’s bloom. And we did have a lot of rain in 2023, more than what Las Vegas usually gets. So we’re bracing ourselves for the numbers to be high, but we'll see. Wind combined with rain [recorded at high levels recently] usually destroys the pollen for plants lower to the ground, which is a good thing for limiting ragweed allergies.”
So what’s the best way to treat allergies in Las Vegas?
“If it reaches a point that allergies are affecting your everyday life, consult a physician. Everybody is different. Besides that, if a person knows they are allergic to certain trees and plants around their area, avoid going out early in the morning and late in the evening. Limit your outdoor activities. Keep the doors and windows shut. Don't hang-dry your laundry outside. Change the air filters.
“If you’re coming back after a long day's work, leave your outer clothing and shoes in the garage. Take a shower. The allergens are on your hair. So they go on your pillow and you’re inhaling it while sleeping. Pets also bring allergies in. If you’re sleeping with your pets right next to you, you’re going to inhale that too.”
What about over-the-counter medication?
“I've been told to take antihistamines at night and not early in the morning, because they're going to take time to set in. But I'm not a physician. If symptoms persist, consult an allergist.”
➕ Need more? Check out these life hacks to prepare your home for allergy season. [City Cast Las Vegas 😷]
