Are you finding yourself sneezing, coughing, and dealing with itchy, watery eyes this spring? You’re not alone. Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever, affect millions of people every year, and the intensity of symptoms may be worse than ever before.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
If you’ve suddenly started feeling sneezy, stuffy, or itchy during certain times of the year, you might have seasonal allergies. These symptoms can develop at any point in life, even for those who haven’t experienced them before. For many, this is a new phenomenon, with adult-onset allergies becoming increasingly common.
Climate change has played a role in the worsening of seasonal allergies. Rising temperatures mean more pollen in the air, which in turn increases the number of allergy sufferers. Areas with warmer climates, such as the South and East, are particularly affected, but even regions that weren’t traditionally allergy hotspots are seeing a rise in symptoms. The pollen season is longer, more intense, and begins earlier each year, all due to changes in climate patterns.
Why Do Allergies Get Worse?
When you experience symptoms like a runny nose or itchy eyes, your immune system is reacting to something it sees as a threat. In this case, it’s pollen, dust, or mold. The body releases histamines to combat the perceived threat, leading to sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.
The spring allergy season can be particularly challenging, as it coincides with tree pollen release. But the allergy season doesn’t end in spring. Grass pollen can cause issues into the summer, and weed pollen continues through the fall, creating an almost year-round allergy season, especially in regions with mild climates.
The Role of Climate Change
Recent studies have shown that allergies are becoming more severe as a result of climate change. Higher carbon dioxide levels and warmer temperatures are causing plants to produce more pollen. This increased pollen production is making allergy symptoms worse for many people. Additionally, extreme weather events such as high-wind thunderstorms, wildfires, and hurricanes are spreading pollen farther than ever before.
The extended allergy season is also linked to shifts in weather patterns, with many cities experiencing longer pollen seasons due to fewer frost-free days. For example, areas that used to have shorter seasons are now seeing tree, grass, and weed pollen overlapping, making it harder for people to avoid allergens.
Can You Prevent or Reduce Allergies?
While it’s not always possible to completely avoid allergens, there are a few steps you can take to reduce symptoms. Closing windows and doors to keep pollen out, changing clothes after being outside, and showering after outdoor activities can help minimize exposure. Regular cleaning, including washing bedding and vacuuming with a HEPA filter, can also make a big difference.
Over-the-counter allergy medications are a good first step in managing mild to moderate symptoms, but if these remedies don’t work, it may be time to consult with an allergist. They can help identify specific allergens and offer treatment options like allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (drops under the tongue), which can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most allergy symptoms are manageable, they can sometimes lead to more severe conditions. If your allergies trigger asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing, it’s important to see a doctor. These symptoms can indicate asthma, which requires medical attention. Ignoring these signs can be dangerous, as asthma attacks can be life-threatening.
Remember, seasonal allergies can be more than just an inconvenience; they can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to get professional help to ensure you’re managing your allergies properly and not putting your health at risk.
