Spring represents a new beginning with warmer weather, blooming flowers and longer days. But for people dealing with seasonal allergies, spring is characterized by itchy eyes and throat, runny nose and lots of sneezing.
This spring season is especially difficult 80 million people suffer from allergies every season.
Allergy season has arrived early and is expected to last longer. North American Pollen Seasons It is 20 days longer than in 1990, according to the non-profit news organization Climate Central reported.
In recent years, changes in us Climate They have increased snow-free days and led to changes to warmer seasonal temperatures and precipitation patterns. These factors make plants grow faster and longer.
Spring allergies can start earlier due to climate change
Climate change could make your spring allergies start sooner, experts say.
Unknown – lifestyle
Where are the pollinators found at the highest level?
Parts of the South, Southeast and Midwest have the highest pollen counts in the country since early April. According to data from Pollen.com.
Denver, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Dallas, Texas had the highest pollen counts. In the first week of April.
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These US cities are the worst for people with seasonal allergies.
of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Find out which major cities in America are the worst for people with seasonal allergies. The researchers looked at daily pollen counts, availability of allergy specialists and over-the-counter medications in 100 of the nation’s largest cities.
Wichita, Kansas tops the list of worst places to live with seasonal allergies. The following cities have the top 10:
- Wichita, Kansas
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Dallas, Texas
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Richmond, Virginia
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
Tired of suffering from allergies? These expert tips can provide relief
Where is the longest allergy season?
Climate central analyzed data Out of nearly 200 cities, they found that the allergy season has grown longer in 83% of areas, or a total of 164 cities. Since 1970, due to the increase in temperature, the allergy season has grown longer. A longer and earlier spring means plants have more time to grow and release allergy-inducing pollen in early spring and later into fall, the researchers say.
These cities had the longest allergy season since 1970.
- Reno, Nevada: Over 95 days
- Las Cruces, New Mexico: Over 65 days
- Medford, Oregon: Over 61 days
- Boise, Idaho: 51 days longer.
- Tupelo, Mississippi: Over 50 days
- Missoula, Montana: 48 days longer.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: 48 days longer.
- El Paso, Texas: 47 days longer.
- Toledo, Ohio: 45 days longer.
- Eugene, Oregon: Over 40 days
High CO2 levels are possible Increases pollen production In plants, for example Grasses And ragweed, climate central base. The outlet reported that the US may face Pollen production increases up to 200% At the end of this century due to high CO2 production.
Is it already allergy season? How early spring is bringing lots of pollen (and sneezing)
How does pollen affect your body?
Plants, trees and grasses release pollen in the spring to pollinate other plants of the same species. Dust particles float in the air and are easily absorbed.
In some people, inhaling pollen can cause their immune system to overreact. The immune system sees the pollen as a threat and releases antibodies that attack the allergens. This causes the release of histamine into the bloodstream. Histamines cause runny nose, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms
Common symptoms of pollen allergies
Do you find yourself uncomfortable after breathing in fresh air? You can suffer from seasonal allergies. As of 2011 Asthma and Allergy Foundation of AmericaThe most common symptoms include:
- Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea)
- A stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, ears and mouth
- Red and watery eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
If you already have asthma, exposure to pollen can make your symptoms worse. This is called Allergic asthma And it is the most common type. Contact your health care provider if you notice that you are experiencing more or worse asthma symptoms due to environmental exposures.
Contributed by: Mary Walrath-Holdridge