Are Allergies Bad In Florida Right Now

Misconceptions About Tree Pollen Allergies

Most people assume that trees with large or fragrant flowers must be the cause most allergy problems, but actually the opposite is true. Trees with showy flowers have larger, stickier pollen that quickly falls to the ground. As a result, flowering trees depend on insects to carry their pollen. Since these pollen arent blowing in the wind, youre less likely to inhale them and develop allergies to them.

Another common misconception is that you cannot develop seasonal allergies as an adult if you didnt have them as a child. Allergic reactions can come on rapidly and appear even in adulthood. It is also common when people move to new regions and are exposed to allergens they may not have been exposed to where they previously lived.

Also, people believe that there is little to no pollen near the beach but pollen can be airborne and carried for hundreds of miles well into our beach areas. While our beaches do have lower pollen counts, they also have wild grasses and plants that can increase allergic reactions.

One Mans Food Is Another Mans Poison:

Food Allergy is relatively rare, it affects approximately 1% of the adult population and up to 6 to 8 % of children under 3 years. For reasons not well understood, the incidence of food allergy is increasing and peanut allergy is particularly increasing in some countries such as the United States. Any food can cause an allergic reaction but the foods implicated in the great majority of reactions are cows milk, egg peanut, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish.

The allergic reaction is an immunologic reaction to a protein in the food. The reaction occurs shortly, usually within 4 hours but sometimes immediately after the ingestion of the food and can cause itchy hives in the skin, swelling, a lump in the throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, tight chest, dizziness, loss of consciousness and even death. People with food allergies, like people with insect allergies, should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector or EpiPen to be used immediately after a reaction to accidental food ingestion. Also, Fire Rescue should be called to the scene to continue medical management as the duration of the effects of EpiPen is only about 15 min.

Prepare and make a checklist to not forget the necessary medications, sprays, and inhalers. If allergic to insects or foods, be vigilant of flying insects, Fire Ant mounds and inform everyone that you have a food allergy. And always, always bring your EpiPen. Have a wonderful and safe summer!

How Common Are Allergies

If you suspect you may have an allergy, dont underestimate the possibility that you could be right. Each year, more than 50 million Americans are affected by allergies. They are the sixth largest cause of chronic illness, and treating them in the U.S. alone costs more than $18 billion each year.

A Miami allergy doctor can tell you with certainty whether you belong in this group, but if youre suspicious, it makes good sense to have a consultation. This is not a rare affliction, and its one that is usually easy to manage.

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Get Seasonal Allergy Relief No Matter Where You Live

In the spring, the warm weather brings people outdoors to face one of the seasons biggest problems: tree pollen. Grass pollen follows later in spring into summer. Then in the late summer and early fall, weed pollen especially ragweed pollen can trigger symptoms just as kids are returning to school.

Take these actions to reduce your contact with pollen:

• Check pollen counts or forecasts daily and plan outdoor activities on days when pollen counts are expected to be lower.
• Keep windows closed during pollen season or peak pollen times.
• Use central air conditioning or air cleaners with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter and/or HEPA filtration to reduce indoor airborne allergens .
• Wear sunglasses, a mask, and a hat or other hair covering when outdoors.
• Take a shower and wash your hair before going to bed .
• Change and wash clothes after outdoor activities.
• Dry laundry in a clothes dryer or on an indoor rack, not on an outdoor line.
• Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors. Wipe pets off with a towel before they enter your home.
• Remove your shoes before entering your home.
• Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.

When cleaning inside your home, be aware that you may stir up pollen that has collected on surfaces. CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®vacuums and dusting cloths help trap and contain allergens such as pollen.

There are also over-the-counter and prescription allergy treatments available to prevent or treat allergy symptoms:

How To Breathe Easy Throughout Floridas Allergy Season

While Florida may avoid the winter freeze felt by the rest of the country, that doesnt mean that residents can give all seasonal problems the cold shoulder. In fact, the states warm climate results in very high levels of pollen, which can lead to severe allergy symptoms. Floridas year-round warmth means that the state suffers from a prolonged and more powerful allergy season than the rest of the United States. So along with more sun and balmy breezes, Florida residents also face more sneezing, wheezing, and congestion. But when the allergy forecast shows signs of trouble, MD Now has some helpful suggestions for surviving seasonal allergies with ease and with barely a sneeze. And if youre unsure about whether you are prone to allergy symptoms, MD Now offers quick and convenient allergy testing to prevent any seasonal sneezing surprises.

Different times of the year bring different allergy triggers. For instance, December through May is the season for pine and oak pollen, while grass pollen poses a problem from April through October. But dont think that people with allergy symptoms must be housebound all year long. Its possible to enjoy the warm weather throughout the year with the proper planning and protective measures.

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Common Allergies In Florida:

There are several kinds of allergies that Floridians suffer from the most, each with its unique struggles. Some of the most common allergies in Florida include:

• Dust/dander allergies: When dust begins to build up, and pets enter a home you may find yourself having an allergic response. For many, this means itchy eyes and congestion.
• Flower pollen allergies: In Florida, there are wonderful species of flowers all around. One of the most common is ragweed. When the wind blows their pollen around, many allergy sufferers feel the effects such as sneezing, watering eyes, and a blocked nose.
• Mold allergies: Because of Floridaâs damp and humid weather, mold allergies in Florida can occur frequently. Mold allergies can be dangerous to many, especially those with asthma. Many sufferers see a stuffy nose, congestion, and more.
• Grass pollen allergies: Because Florida is prone to having wind coming through the state, pollen from the grass is spread in the same way that flower pollen is.
• Tree pollen allergies: Tree pollen is also carried through the wind. Our diverse assortment of trees means that there is plenty of tree pollen to go around. Those with severe tree pollen allergies have to be careful about going out on especially windy days.

Tree Pollen Allergy Symptoms

A sensitivity to pollen causes your body to produce an abundance of allergic antibodies called IgE. IgE allows your immune system to launch a full scale allergic response when it sees a culprit tree pollen. These reactions result in a flood of histamines in your eyes and respiratory tract and can lead to following allergy symptoms:

• Itchy and tearing/watery red eyes. Your eyes may be inflamed, itchy and red. There might also be crust along your eyelids, most commonly experienced upon waking in the morning.
• Bags under the eyes. You might also notice dark circles and bags under your eyes. These are sometimes called allergic shiners and are due to congested blood vessels associated with nasal inflammation.
• Runny nose. People with tree pollen allergies experience nasal congestion and a runny nose at the same time. A runny nose might also result in post-nasal drip. Children can develop a semi-permanent crease along their noses from constantly rubbing the tips of their runny noses upwarda maneuver affectionately termed the allergic salute!
• Sneezing and congestion. You may sneeze frequently, have an itchy nose, and feel pressure in your nose and sinuses.
• Coughing fits or sore throats. Allergies to tree pollen may also cause you to experience a scratchy, sore throat. The discomfort can be due to inflammation, post-nasal drip or both. Depending on how much youre coughing, you could also develop laryngitis and hoarseness.

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Causes Of Fall Allergies

While grasses and flowers are allergy culprits during the spring and summer, ragweed is the most common cause of fall allergies in Florida. Long summers can lead to prolonged grass allergies, as grasses can grow longer and continue to produce pollen.

Mold allergies are another major cause of symptoms during the fall. Unlike pollen, which dies during frost, mold goes dormant and resumes growing when the temperature warms. There are two main categories of mold allergies: indoor and outdoor.

Wet or humid areas are the perfect environment for indoor mold, especially basements and kitchens. Outdoor mold thrives in damp leaf piles, compost or grass piles, and on rotting logs. Allergy symptoms occur when the individual comes into contact with mold spores, or inhales them.

Do I Have An Allergy Or A Cold

Some of the symptoms of a common cold are very similar to the symptoms of allergies. Runny noses, watery eyes, congestion, and other symptoms are common to both. However, there are differences between the two:

• If your eyes feel itchy, youre wheezing, or you have a skin rash or hives, its likely allergies.
• If youre tired, have a fever or sore throat, or other aches and pains, its likely a cold.
• Its not a hard and fast rule, but as you may have noticed, colds are much more common during the fall and winter.
• If you regularly get colds in the spring and summer, theres a good chance youre reacting to a sudden influx of pollen.
• How long are your symptoms persisting? Your allergy wont calm down until you get treated or remove yourself from whatever is causing it.

If you experience any of these symptoms and are in the south Florida area, it may be time to see an allergist in Miami.

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What Do You Do If Youre Caught Off Guard Without Allergy Medicine

Heres a great, quick remedy treatment you can use in case you find yourself in a situation where you cant take medication or avoid your triggers.

First, check the pollen forecast. Then use nasal saline rinse or irrigation several times throughout the day during the worst of the tree pollen season. The saline irrigation removes pollen particles from the surface of your nasal passages, clears thick or crusted nasal drainage and soothes irritated nasal membranes.

There are a number of studies that found that patients with allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis who use regular saline rinses have less bacterial load and require fewer antibiotics. Using a rinse may also reduce your need for medication to control allergies.

You can buy saline rinse or irrigation kits at any drugstore and many grocery stores. These kits usually use a squeeze bottle or gravity to direct saline through the nasal passages. A common squeeze bottle technique is to position your head downward and rotated slightly to the left . Gently squeeze some of the solution into your right nostril the solution will come out through your left nostril. Now repeat on the other side.

Start Taking Medication Early

To prevent or lessen an allergic reaction, start taking antihistamines early if you have a history of allergies. Allergy specialists can prescribe antihistamines or recommend over-the-counter options that can help prevent allergies from developing in the first place. Furthermore, prescription options, such as immunotherapies, can help control allergies. If you suffer from severe allergies and prefer not to take medication every day, ask your doctor about the different allergy shot options.

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Do You Dread Going Outside Because You Have Pollen Allergies

Allergies in Florida are seen most often in children, but actually, allergies can develop or disappear at any time or any age. Sometimes an allergy that you seem to lose, will return years later. Thatâs because allergies are the result of a chain reaction that starts with your genetics, triggers your immune system, and results in unpleasant, sometimes dangerous, symptoms.

Additional Tips To Manage And Control Your Fall Allergies

• When possible, stay inside and keep doors and windows closed when pollen is at its highest to get daily pollen counts in our area or visit Pollen.com for your own local area.
• Before you turn on the heat in your house for the first time, make sure to clean the heating vents and change filters. Sometimes mold and other allergens get trapped in the vents over our humid summers and will fill the air in your house once the heat kicks on.
• Invest in a HEPA filter for your homes HVAC system. These filters force air through a fine mesh and traps harmful allergens and particles such as pollen, pet dander, mites, and tobacco smoke.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep the air inside your home below 50% humidity.
• Wear a mask when working outside and in your yard so you dont breathe in mold sporesthis is especially important if you are raking leaves or picking up decaying grass clippings.

With proper care and clean up, and some preventative medications, you can enjoy the great fall weather we have here in Jacksonville.

Contact us to schedule an appointment for allergy screenings or to discuss an allergy management plan.

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Avoid Outdoor Activities If Pollen Counts Are High

Stay indoors when pollen counts are high usually in the morning and on windy days. Wear sunglasses and a hat to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes or hair when you go outside.

You can also minimize your exposure to pollen by wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. In addition, avoid activities that increase your exposure to pollen, such as mowing the lawn, walking in the woods, or gardening.

Longer Allergy Seasons May Be Linked To Climate Change

Have you noticed that your allergy symptoms worsen as the seasons change? Studies predict that this will be one of the worst years for allergies on record because of climate change. Allergy experts say warmer temperatures increase pollen production and lengthen allergy seasons by several weeks. Add the increasing levels of carbon dioxide emissions to the mix, and you have the perfect combination for an intense season.

Carbon dioxide promotes photosynthesis, causing plants to grow bigger and release more pollen, making symptoms more severe even during shorter allergy seasons. TheCCIA reportstates CO2 may have a stronger impact on pollen levels in the future than temperature. A significant temperature increase in northern regions will cause the pollen season to change rather than in the southern areas. The southeastern states, such as Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, are likely to see an increase in grass and weed pollen in the coming years.

Likewise, the CCIA estimates that U.S. pollen levels will rise by 200 percent if greenhouse gas emissions from cars, power plants, and others remain high. In that case, the spring pollen season would begin approximately 40 days earlier and continue for an additional 19 days. In comparison with previous time frames, that’s a significant increase.

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What Causes Allergies In Florida

The main cause of allergies in Florida is ragweed, as long summers lead to allergies due to foliage having the optimal weather to grow.

Apart from allergies to plants, mold is the second largest cause of seasonal allergies in Florida during the fall season. Mold allergies are unlike pollen allergies because when the temperature drops, mold simply becomes benign . Where there are humid and moist conditions, you can count on mold thriving as it is the perfect environment for it to grow. If you are sensitive to allergies, ensure that you never leave water standing, and try to make your home as dry as possible.

Sniff Out Ways To Survive Allergy Season

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Spring Time Allergies Starts Early And Intensifies This Year

The 2022 spring allergy season has sprung with a bang in Florida. This year’s sneeze season is expected to start earlier and lasts longer as the average weather temperatures increase. A combination of factors, including higher temperatures, strong winds, and vegetation blooming throughout the winter, led to an early and rapid pollen bloom.

Pollen levels were already high in some parts of the state at the end of February.The pollen count for most of Florida is going up,especially along the coast. Spring pollen levels will be higher than average from mid-February through late May. Count on itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion until then! Individuals should expect symptoms to continue throughout the year, with different allergies at their peak depending on the month.

Many people suffer from year-round allergies because Florida’s climate supports many plants, trees, and grass that cause allergies, including oak trees and Bermuda grass. In spring, tree pollen can pose a problem, while grass pollen causes problems in late spring and early summer. The other big difference between Florida and other states is humidity.Mold and mildew allergytriggers thrive in humid conditions because moisture helps them spread more rapidly and easily through the air.