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In general, spring is wonderful. In many parts of the country, people are coming out of hibernation in droves to see the sun shining and flowers blooming. But this year, more than ever before, it feels like a lot of those people are sneezing.
Or at least I'm sneezing. My eyes are swollen and watery. Last week I had to use so many wipes that the skin on my nose became red and flaky. I almost, ALMOST didn't want to go outside on a bright, almost 70 degree day because I was struggling so much inside and couldn't handle exposing myself to more potential allergens.
While my spring and fall allergy symptoms have definitely gotten worse as I've gotten older, I've never experienced anything like it. However, almost everyone I complained to was sympathetic, which led me to believe that I was not alone in this new extreme reaction. And it wasn't just about people. New Yorkwhere I live – I heard this from people who lived in different places.
Not only was I confused as to why things had gotten worse this year, but I also needed to know what we (I) could do to feel better, stat.
Have your allergies gotten worse this year?
Allergy season is indeed getting longer and more intense, and climate change is the culprit, according to Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
If allergy season has taken you by surprise, it's because rising temperatures have started the growing season earlier. Your symptoms may last longer than expected due to a late first frost, Mendez says. The first frosts completely kill ragweed, which is the main autumn allergen.
“When you add to that the carbon dioxide and the ozone layer from climate change, which actually acts as a stimulant or actually increases the pollen rate of plants, it's a double whammy,” he said. “So your allergies can certainly get worse because there's more pollen shedding and a much earlier and longer growing season.”
How to cope with allergy symptoms
Mendez's first advice to anyone with allergy symptoms is to see a doctor, ideally an allergist. To find the right treatment, it's important to understand what triggers you, and prescription allergy medication can help.
There are also over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays that can relieve some symptoms. However, what you should use will vary from person to person and depend on your specific experience. He also recommends starting any allergy medications before allergy season begins because they may take a while to take effect.
Mendez recommends checking weather forecasts for air quality and pollen counts, and avoiding being outside during the worst of times. To prevent the spread of allergens in your home, it's a good idea to leave shoes and coats by the door when you come inside and to dry off pets that have been outside with you.
Basically, do everything you can to prevent pollen transfer, which will make your home more comfortable. This also means keeping the windows closed. cleaning any surfaces that may hold allergens, wash sheets once a week at high temperature and use air purifier.
