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Allergy season kicked off with high pollen counts

By Joanie Dugan

Posted April 12, 2024

A short winter means plants and trees are more likely to bud early and release pollen, making for a longer allergy season. (Pixabay)

Allergy season is here and pollen counts are spiking.

Pollen counts have hovered around the medium high to high levels for the past few weeks, according to pollen.com.

Climate change is one of the main culprits for the high pollen count. When there’s less of a winter and it gets warmer earlier in the year, plants and trees are more likely to bud early and release pollen. That makes for a longer allergy season.

“Essentially, as the climate has gotten a little bit warmer, we actually see that there are not only longer growing seasons, but new species that are growing in places that they weren’t growing before,” said Mark Kaplan, chair of the department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. “So we’re also getting exposed to different types of pollens and other allergens.”

Itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion are all symptoms of seasonal allergies. Underlying conditions such as asthma can exacerbate those symptoms.

It’s possible to develop seasonal allergies when you haven’t dealt with them before, especially if you’ve recently moved into a new area. There could be new allergens you haven’t been exposed to before. But you don’t have to move for your allergies to change.

“The converse is really true now that as the growing seasons have changed a little bit, new species are moving into the area,” Kaplan said. “And, so, you don't have to move to the species to become allergic to them, the species can come to you, and sensitize you in that way as well.”

Sometimes, your allergies can go away – but not always. It’s more likely for children.

“It’s very common that kids who will be allergic to a lot of things can grow out of those allergies. I think we've all used that expression. And, it certainly happens. That's with kids,” Kaplan said. “It’s because their immune systems mature and they regain some regulatory control over some of those allergic responses.”

It’s less common for adults to grow out of their allergies.

“The same thing can happen in adults where something changes and they regain some control, but it's probably more common that those allergies persist for a long period of time,” he said.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 4 adults have a seasonal allergy. For children, it’s 1 in 5.

Limiting your time outdoors on high pollen days can help. But there is more you can do around your home to discourage allergens.

“Use air filters that are relatively effective at removing pollen from the air. Purifiers can do that too,” Kaplan said. “Keeping things clean, making sure rugs are vacuumed or not having rugs at all is actually much better for allergies.”

The most important thing you can do in your home to keep out allergens is keeping your windows shut. Pollen can stick to your furniture, rugs, clothing, and hair. Opening the windows allows it to move into your space and trigger your allergies.

“Sometimes if you’re very affected, staying inside and in an air conditioned and filtered environment is much better,” said Kaplan.

The most common treatments for seasonal allergies are over the counter antihistamines, and similar medications to relieve symptoms. But for more severe symptoms, there are therapies in practice for patients that are suffering.