Suffer From Allergies? Avoid These NYC Places

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A surge of allergens is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when spring finally hits the city known for its concrete. Considering all the smaller parks sprinkled throughout the five boroughs, and Central Park largely dominating Manhattan, pollen counts are thought to be higher than ever this spring, according to Dr. Leonard Bielory of Rutgers University's Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Pollen is not the only culprit of allergy irritation, though it is the biggest. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology describes the allergen as a "tiny grain needed to fertilize many kinds of plants." Tree pollen is often the reason for allergic reactions—like sneezing and itchy throat, mouth, ears, and eyes—in early spring.

Since the wind carries most pollen, it's hard to completely avoid interaction, but avoiding these areas during days with higher allergy forecasts will help keep allergies at bay.

Manhattan

Central Park is the largest park on the island, spanning over 750 acres. The world-famous park is filled with a large variety of flowers, plants, grass, and trees. While beautiful, some can be dangerous to those severely affected by allergies in the springtime. According to The Weather Channel's allergy forecast, tree pollen is expected to be very high this season, particularly in the Central Park area. Instead of retreating to the woods, find fresh air this spring at one of New York's many beaches.

Brooklyn

Prospect Park is like Brooklyn's own mini Central Park. With the pros of being one of the largest parks around comes the cons, too. Prospect Park offers outdoor activities like horseback riding and nature programs, however, for someone prone to pollen allergies, participating in activities surrounded by trees may not be the best idea.

Queens

While the Queens Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, it could be detrimental to controlling allergies this season. A lot of the Garden's displays are made up of beautiful, colorful flowers. According to the AAAAI, while flowers do have pollen, they are not usually the root cause in allergy irritation. However, plants can have flowers that can cause irritation. Pollen from colorful flowers is mostly transferred by birds and insects whereas trees a powdery pollen that is easily blown into the wind.

Bronx

Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center that overlooks the Hudson River. This garden was designed to let the public experience nature, flowers, trees, and plants along with art and culture. With a mix of flowers, trees, and the breeze coming off the river, allergen counts in this area could be high.

Staten Island

The Greenbelt in Staten Island is made up of over 2,600-acres of both private and public land. High Rock Park, located within the Greenbelt, is known for being "forever wild." Red Maple trees, a moderate allergen, are concentrated throughout the hiking trails open to the public. Though labeled as moderate, a high-concentration of these trees may effect those who are sensitive to this allergen more than usual.