The Surprising Symptoms of DC’s Spring Allergy Season (And What to Do About Them)

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, mentally foggy, or dealing with persistent headaches this spring, allergies might be the reason. This year, the DMV region is experiencing one of its more intense allergy seasons on record, and many people are being caught off guard by symptoms they never expected.

Dr. Fishman of DMV Allergy and Asthma Center recently sat down with Good Morning Washington to talk about why this season is hitting so hard. You can watch the full segment and read the original story here: 

The Surprising Symptoms of DC’s Tough Allergy Season – Good Morning Washington, WJLA/7News.

Why Is This Spring So Bad?

A combination of environmental factors is making the 2026 spring allergy season especially brutal across Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.

A wetter-than-average winter, with higher snowfall and rainfall, created ideal conditions for plant growth. This translates directly into higher pollen counts. On top of that, rising global temperatures are extending the allergy calendar: pollen is arriving earlier in the season and lingering longer. The result is that more people are experiencing symptoms, and those who already have allergies or asthma are finding them harder to control.

Beyond Sneezing: The Symptoms That Surprise People

Most people associate seasonal allergies with the classics: sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. But allergic reactions can affect the body in ways that don’t always feel like “allergies.” Here are some lesser-known symptoms to watch for:

• Fatigue: Your immune system is working overtime during allergy season, and nighttime congestion disrupts sleep quality, leaving you drained even after a full night’s rest.
• Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, feeling mentally slow, or struggling to focus can all be allergy-driven, not just signs of stress or poor sleep.
• Sinus Headaches: Inflammation and pressure building in the sinuses often leads to persistent headaches around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks.
• Throat and Ear Itching: Post-nasal drip and allergen exposure can cause itching deep in the throat and ear canals, which many patients find frustrating and confusing.
• Skin Irritation: Some people experience hives or skin flare-ups triggered by airborne allergens.
• Worsened Asthma: For those with asthma, high pollen and environmental allergen loads can trigger flare-ups or make breathing more difficult.

Because these symptoms can mimic colds, stress, or other conditions, many people delay seeking allergy care. Sometimes by months, or even years.

When Over-the-Counter Isn’t Enough

Antihistamines and nasal sprays from the pharmacy can help manage mild symptoms, but they’re not a long-term solution for everyone. It may be time to consult an allergist if:

• Your symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse despite OTC medication
• Allergies are interfering with your work, sleep, or daily activities
• You’re experiencing recurring sinus infections or asthma flare-ups
• You’re relying on allergy medication more days than not throughout the season

A Comprehensive Approach to Relief

At DMV Allergy and Asthma Center, our board-certified allergists go beyond a standard evaluation. We combine precise allergy testing with advanced diagnostic tools, including an in-office CAT sinus scan to evaluate your sinus anatomy and specialized procedures like rhinoscopy. We also offer unique asthma testing and accelerated allergy shot therapy, which can help patients experience meaningful improvement in weeks rather than months. So you’re not waiting an entire season to feel better.

Understanding your specific triggers is the first step. From there, we build a personalized plan designed around your symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is the 2026 spring allergy season worse than previous years?
A wetter-than-average winter created conditions for heavier plant growth and higher pollen counts. Combined with rising temperatures that are extending the season on both ends, more allergens are in the air for longer periods. Dr. Fishman explained this in detail during his recent appearance on Good Morning Washington (WJLA).

Q2. Can allergies really cause fatigue and brain fog?
Yes. Allergy-related fatigue is a recognized symptom. When your immune system is constantly reacting to allergens, it drains your energy. Nasal congestion also disrupts sleep quality, which compounds the problem. Brain fog follows for the same reasons: inflammation and poor sleep affect cognitive clarity.

Q3. How do I know if my headache is from allergies or something else?
Allergy-related sinus headaches are typically felt as pressure or pain around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. They’re often accompanied by nasal congestion or post-nasal drip. If your headaches tend to worsen during high-pollen days or when you’re around known triggers, allergies are likely a factor. An allergist can help confirm the root cause.

Q4. When should I stop relying on over-the-counter allergy medicine?
OTC medications are fine for mild, occasional symptoms. However, if you find yourself taking them every day, they’re no longer working well, or your symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, or breathing, it’s time to seek professional care. Dependence on OTC antihistamines can also mask underlying conditions that need proper treatment.

Q5. What is accelerated allergy shot therapy, and how is it different from regular allergy shots?
Traditional allergy shots (immunotherapy) follow a build-up schedule that can take several months before you see relief. Accelerated therapy compresses that schedule, allowing patients to reach an effective dose much faster. Dr. Fishman’s team at DMV Allergy offers this approach so patients can start feeling better within weeks, not an entire season.

Q6. What advanced diagnostic tools does DMV Allergy and Asthma Center use?
Beyond standard skin and blood allergy testing, DMV Allergy offers an in-office CAT scan to assess sinus anatomy and rhinoscopy to visually examine nasal passages. They also provide specialized asthma testing that goes beyond a typical pulmonary function test, giving a more complete picture of what’s happening in the airways.

Q7. Do you treat both adults and children for seasonal allergies?
Yes. DMV Allergy and Asthma Center treats patients of all ages across six locations in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, and Florida. Same-day appointments are available. You can book online here.

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