15 May Spring Allergy Season Expected to Be Longer and More Severe

As the weather warms up, millions of people are experiencing spring allergies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children suffer from seasonal allergies.

If the spring allergy season has felt longer and more severe, that’s because it is. Public health organizations, including the CDC and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, are citing climate change as a possible contributing factor to worsening allergy seasons. In fact, researchers at Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators, found that the pollen season in the United States is roughly three weeks longer now than it was 50 years ago. The longer pollen season correlates with a longer growing season (or freeze-free season). Warmer temperatures mean that pollinating plants may experience earlier and longer growing seasons, which, in turn, produce more pollen. Tree pollen is the most common spring allergen, with grass pollen occurring in June and July. Ragweed is a common fall allergen, but it can bloom as early as August.

While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergens. Health experts recommend closing doors and windows and using high-efficiency particulate air (or HEPA) filters on your heating, ventilating and air conditioning units to keep pollen outside your home. Like viruses, pollen can also be on your hands, so wash your hands frequently and shower after spending time outdoors.

If you plan to be outside, be sure to monitor allergens, especially tree pollen and mold, online or on the local news so you can try to avoid excessive time outdoors when allergens will impact your body the most. For many people, avoiding allergens and using overthe-counter medications are enough to ease their allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms remain bothersome; they can provide guidance on alternative treatments.

Managing Seasonal Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the nation’s sixth-leading cause of chronic illness. Seasonal allergies are an annual nuisance for many people and typically ramp up this time of year. It’s no surprise that as plants bloom and neighbors cut their grass more frequently, people living with allergies across the nation start sniffling and sneezing. Further, mold growth occurs indoors and outdoors, so escaping these seasonal allergy triggers is almost impossible.

Some allergy symptoms may consist of sneezing a couple of times a year. Alternatively, seasonal allergies can cause congestion, a runny or itchy nose, watery eyes and headaches—among other symptoms—for weeks or months. Seasonal allergies develop when your body’s immune system detects and then overreacts to a foreign substance it deems harmful. Spring, summer and fall are the most common times when seasonal allergy symptoms arise. What may trigger your seasonal allergies depends on what you’re allergic to and where you live.

To reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms, consider the following tips:
• Keep track of local allergen (e.g., pollen and mold) counts to help you know when to avoid spending excessive time outside.
• Wash your bedding in hot water to help keep the spread of pollen under control in your home.
• Utilize washable indoor rugs to remove allergens easily.
• Take a shower after spending time outdoors, as pollen can stick to your hair, skin and clothing.
• Clean your floors often with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
• Change your air conditioning and heating HEPA filters often.

Treatment for most seasonal allergies is available both over the counter and by prescription. You may need a series of allergy shots if your symptoms are severe or chronic. Contact your doctor or allergist to determine which seasonal allergy treatment option is best for you.