It’s that time of year again when the nasal congestion and sneezing start. Your runny nose and itchy eyes force you to stay indoors, and you wonder when it will end. If you believe your allergies seem to get worse every year, you’re not alone. Millions of people seem to think that allergy season escalates in severity each year, but why are your allergies so bad right now and what can we do to mitigate the problem?
Why are Allergies So Bad Right Now?
When Is Allergy Season & How Long Does It Last?
The length of the allergy season depends on the allergens involved:
- Tree pollen: starts floating in the air in the early springtime and persists through the beginning of summer.
- Grass pollen: reaches a peak at the beginning of summer and lasts until August.
- Weed pollen: takes up the torch in August and lasts until winter.
These timelines vary depending on your location in the United States and the climate conditions in your area.
Why are Some Years Worse for Seasonal Allergies than Others?
It’s a combination of factors, but mostly due to the effect of spring arriving earlier each season. It’s unlikely that this trend will stop anytime soon. This problematic pattern sends you filling your nasal spray and antihistamine prescription earlier each year.
The allergy season varies in intensity each year, with some being worse than others. But lately, it seems like it’s getting worse every year. The problem has several factors, which we’ll examine in this post.
Climate Factors & Allergen Exposure
The key factor causing the issue is the shift in climate. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature influence plant behavior and the growing season, changing how species produce and shed pollen.
For instance, an early spring leads to larger pollen release and higher pollen counts, which create severe allergy responses in sensitive individuals. Wetter and colder spring weather delays pollen production, leading to a milder pollen season.
The fluctuation in weather influences the severity of the allergy response in sensitive people. Allergen exposure also determines the severity of the problem. Pollen levels in the air depend largely on the amount and location of plants in the area during the season.
Factors that contribute to allergies in sensitive individuals can be:
- plant distribution
- local vegetation
- wind patterns
These factors affect pollen counts in your area and the intensity of a person’s allergic reaction.
Use this helpful tool to discover the pollen count in your area.
Seasonal Weather & Allergies
Seasonal weather is a key factor in the allergy season’s length and severity and its impact on sensitive individuals. The changes in precipitation, humidity, and temperature all account for the duration and severity of the allergy season and the symptoms they produce in affected people.
Plants bloom earlier, extending the allergy season and the number of allergens in the air. Plants start releasing pollen earlier and increase the amount of pollen they release, increasing allergens. The effect of climate change primarily drives the approximate 8% increase in allergens in the air.
There’s a 21 percent increase in allergens in the air during allergy season than in 1990 when looking at the data. That’s a significant increase and an important factor in understanding why allergy seasons worsen yearly.
In the United States, spring kicks off 20 days earlier than previous records, and this effect isn’t slowing down. The early arrival of spring is a nightmare for allergy sufferers, extending their plight.
The decrease in the number of freezing days in colder regions means flowers and trees bloom earlier, releasing pollen into the air where the wind carries it across great distances. The warmer weather also allows trees and plants to bloom longer, extending the allergy season.
Let’s look into each of these factors in detail.
Rain & Temperature
The warm spring weather signals the early production and spread of pollen by trees and plants. Higher temperatures mean enhanced pollen production and dispersion of these particles, exacerbating symptoms in allergy sufferers and asthmatic individuals.
Increases in precipitation remove pollen from the air, lowering the presence of these particles and reducing symptoms. However, with dryer weather persisting in many parts of the country, we’re seeing an increase in the persistence of the allergy season.
Humidity
Humidity in the air also affects allergies. Elevated humidity increases the proliferation of mold spores, creating a higher risk of people coming in contact with these allergens.
Air Quality
Adverse air quality conditions increase airborne pollutants and their spread throughout communities. The increase in wind strength and patterns mixes pollen and pollutants in the air, further exacerbating allergy symptoms.
Take Precautions in Allergy Season
It’s vital to prepare for allergy season in advance. Allergic reactions cause inflammation throughout your body. Allergies left untreated can have long-term effects on your immune system.
Ensure you have your allergy medication, and nasal steroids on hand before the season arrives. Allergy shots can be chosen if symptoms are hard to control or if other allergy medications have too many side effects. Be prepared to compensate for the effect of an extended allergy season on your health.
Additional Reading: Treating Seasonal Allergies at Omaha Urgent Care
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