Originally written May 6, 2021

Allergies have been extremely bad this year, and many people have wished for rain to provide momentary relief. But does rainfall actually ease allergy symptoms?

In This Article...

1. How can rain make allergies better?
2. How can rain make allergies worse?
3. Spring allergy care at CEENTA

How rain makes allergies better

When it rains, the pollen that rests on the ground and our cars is washed away. It also helps prevent pollen from blowing through the air. After the rain, the humidity in the air helps keep pollen counts down, too.

"However, that relief is short-lived," CEENTA allergy specialist Roy Lewis, MD, said. "The pollen count will go back to the same level, if not higher, the next day."

How rain makes allergies worse

If you have grass or weed allergies, rainfall can break apart their pollens into smaller clumps, which can disperse quickly and cause a sharp rise in allergy symptoms. Also, mold and dust mite allergies thrive in damp environments, so it’s important to keep living areas dry and clean during rainy periods to minimize any allergy issues. "Fortunately, any elevation in mold and dust mite symptoms won't affect most patients too badly," Dr. Lewis said.

Allergy care at CEENTA

If you need allergy treatment, schedule an appointment at CEENTA for testing and treatment. Our doctors are happy to care for you, rain or shine. Schedule with Dr. Lewis at our Mooresville location today through our online platform or through your myCEENTAchart account.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointment online with any of our ENT doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.