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When Is Allergy Season In Colorado

Take A Shower After Spending Time Outside

Strong allergy season from dry Colorado winter

Allergies can get worse when you spend time outside, especially if the specific allergens that youre allergic to are currently floating through the air. Since Western Colorado is far too scenic to spend time locked up inside, youll need another solution.

In an interview with KKCO NBC 11 News, Dr. David Scott shared a useful tip that any allergy sufferer can try: After you’ve been outside, if you’re someone who is allergic to pollen, then showering, changing clothing can help.;

If you wont have access to a shower, bring some baby wipes and fresh clothes you can change into after adventuring.;

Is It Allergies Or Covid

Allergy symptoms such as

. Dr. Michelle;Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for;UCHealth, encourages people who are feeling sick to consider whether any of their symptoms are typical for them.

Do you typically get headaches or seasonal allergies? If not, consider COVID-19 as a possible culprit for your symptoms, she said.;And;if you have any doubts about whether you might have symptoms of COVID-19,;get tested.

We have plenty of tests now. The threshold for getting tested should be low,” Barron said.;”Even if youre fully vaccinated, consider getting tested if youre having any symptoms.”

… You could have a cold and be just fine, but it also could be COVID-19, and there are implications for that, Barron said.

She also;recommends getting a;COVID-19 vaccine,;if you haven’t already, and your flu; shot as soon as it is available. And as always, wash your hands and wear a mask.

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When Does Allergy Season 2021 Start

Well, its technically *always* allergy season due to year-round offenders such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. But some allergenspollens, specificallyare seasonal.

Tree pollen, for example, pops up in the spring , grass pollen arrives in the late spring , weed pollen is most prevalent in the summer , and ragweed pollen takes over from summer to fall , says Dr. Parikh.

And, as mentioned, climate change means allergy season begins earlier and lasts longer, adds Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, a professor and allergist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Specifically, the season has been arriving 20 days earlier than it did in 1990, and contains at least 20 percent more pollen, the New York Times reported.

To get super-specific, Pollen.com has a National Allergy Map that provides an up-to-date allergy forecast in different areas around the country and an Allergy Alert app that gives five-day forecasts with in-depth info on specific allergens, helping you decide if you should stay indoors that day. You should also note that windy, warm, and sunny days can increase levels of pollen turnout, while drizzling or rainy weather is actually associated with no or lower levels of seasonal pollen, explains Clifford W. Bassett, MD, medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.

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The Battle With Allergies Is Not All In Your Head

Why allergy testing and treatment might be the key to your familys thriving this spring.

The worst time for seasonal allergies is upon us, according to Dr. William Storms, an allergist whos been practicing in Colorado Springs and Pueblo since 1975.;

The spring tree pollen starts at the end of February every year; rain or shine or snow, he notes. Thats usually a bad season. It goes until the first of June.

Colorados trees that shed the most bothersome allergens include: elm, juniper, cedar, the cottonwood family , and scrub oak in the later spring. Pollens from these blooming trees might be the cause of you or your loved ones persistent sniffles, coughs, headaches, itching, or low energy.

Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, is commonly mistaken for a cold, but its symptoms can last weeks more than the typical five-to-seven-day cold, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This condition affects around 6.1 million children and 20 million adults seasonally or throughout the year.

Since allergies run in families, says Storms, there can be a problem of unrecognition. If everybody in the family has a stuffy nose all the time or they sneeze a lot, they think its normal, he says.

Allergies going unrecognized, warns Storms, can lead to lost sleep, underperformance in work or school, and, over time, can be a factor in developing recurrent bronchitis and sinusitis . Powering through is not recommended.;;

Pollen Count And Air Quality In Colorado

Colorado Allergy Season 2019

Harvest is a factor, depending how much moisture there’s been throughout the season, Sigmon said. A dry spring and summer means there’s a decrease in the;root system of plants, weeds and trees. A wet spring can increase;the amount of foliage growth and increased pollen counts.;Drying foliage can be picked up in the air and increase pollen counts.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, can be caused by breathing in airborne mold spores, while non-allergic rhinitis can be triggered by physical conditions like strong odors, change in humidity or temperature, smoke fumes or even bright sunlight.;

Either way, it makes fall allergies hard to avoid. Sigmon said he’s seen an increase in non-allergic rhinitis an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose ;indicating “air quality in general is not up to snuff.” A high count of;particles in the air; could be caused by smoke,;dust or dirt and contributes;to poor air quality.

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Smoke, like that from wildfires, can be an irritant and exacerbate allergy symptoms, Lanting said. “Between the ozone thing going on and smoke from the fires, even though they are far away, they’re making things worse on top of a pronounced allergy season.”;

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It will likely be a couple more months before cold weather kills the outdoor allergens, but then we’ll move indoors, where mold and dust mites contribute to allergies.

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How To Prepare For Allergy Season

There are many ways that you can get prepped for allergy season, and one of the best ways to start is by reducing your exposure to allergens like pollen.;

Discover our simple tips on how to prepare for allergy season from checking pollen reports in your area to dressing for pollen-heavy weather.;

If you are suffering from allergy symptoms, however, you can manage them with an effective over-the-counter allergy relief medicine, like FLONASE Allergy Relief Spray. FLONASE relieves your worst allergy symptoms by blocking six of the inflammatory substances produced by your body in response to allergens, while most allergy pills only block one.**

FLONASE relieves nasal congestion, as well as sneezing, itchy, watery eyes*, and runny nose for more complete allergy relief.**

Mechanism vs most over-the-counter allergy pills. FLONASE nasal sprays act on multiple inflammatory substances . The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown. * FLONASE SENSIMIST is indicated for itchy, watery eyes in adults and children 12 years of age and older. ** vs single-ingredient antihistamines which do not treat nasal congestion

For more information on allergy season, watch our quick video below.

i. Seasonal allergies. Nemours Kids Health. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/seasonal-allergies.html. Accessed 17/07/20.;;

ii. Allergic Rhinitis. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis. Accessed 17/07/20.;

Are Colorado Springs Allergies Bothering You

Allergies may be difficult to identify, since they often feel like a cold or even the flu. Common symptoms include:

â Runny nose or nasal congestion

â Scratchy throat

â Fatigue or difficulty sleeping

â Coughing or wheezing

Symptoms that are more likely to indicate allergies include:

â Itchy, stinging, or watery eyes

â Hives or rash where your skin came in contact with an allergen

â Dry, scaly skin

â Symptoms that change with your environment

If you canât tell what is causing your symptoms, you can check out our guide to help you tell the difference.

Also Check: How To Stop Sore Throat From Allergies

Avoiding Allergens Sounds So Simple But Takes Some Effort:

  • Keep bedroom windows closed at night. Run a fan to keep the cooler air circulating.
  • Using a HEPA filter in your bedroom.
  • Shower before bedtime and place dirty clothes in the hamper!
  • Pay attention to pollen counts which are posted on our website daily during the pollen season. This will alert you to days that may be particularly difficult for you.
  • Think about reducing animal dander exposure by keeping furry pets out of the bedroom areas and off of furniture. Your indoor allergies often compound the effect of the seasonal allergens you experience outside.
  • Dont forget to change the filters in your furnace/AC and swamp coolers.
  • When travelling, dont forget to take the correct supply of medication and be aware of potential triggers in the places you visit.

Try Over The Counter Allergy Medications

Allergy Season Is In Full Bloom Across Colorado

In his interview with NBC 11 News, Dr. Scott also shared some advice for people who suffer from more severe allergies. According to his expert advice, If you have worse symptoms, then you may need to take medication. There’s a lot of options over the counter. antihistamines, we recommend taking a non-sedating type, like Zyrtec or Allegra.;

Also Check: Can Your Lymph Nodes Swell From Allergies

Enjoying Life During Eye Allergy Season

Spring is in the air. But along with the beauty of the blooming flowers and budding trees, comes allergy season. The high pollen count and allergens floating in the fresh spring air can certainly wreak havoc on the comfort level of those suffering from allergies, causing an otherwise nature-loving individual to seek respite indoors. Your eyes are often one of the areas affected most by allergens which can leave them red, itchy and watery, making you feel achy and tired.

Front Range Pollen Season

DENVER This spring, weve enjoyed big rains and its made the grass green, the bulbs burst and trees leaf out and flower.

If youve taken a stroll around a Denver city park, you can probably vouch that some scenes look like something youd see in a Monet painting. But as rain causes plants to burst with color, it also can cause them to burst with pollen, and later this spring it can get bad.

With more rain on the way this Mothers Day weekend, theres more hope for Front Range lawns and gardens that have suffered through extreme dry periods over this past summer, but it will also provide ample opportunity for once-dormant wild land grasses and weeds to wake up and shed their pollen grains later this spring.

While thats a daunting possibility, there is good news today about what a wet spring means, beyond the obvious hopes of further drought relief. While some of us are already sneezing, the generally wetter conditions should add humidity to the air, which tends to weigh down pollen grains and reduce overall pollen count.

Today the pollen count is high, but it could be much worse.

During times of dry weather, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the pollen count can become considerably worse, as the microscopic particles can better float on the wind and travel great distances.

Rain is better than no rain, but the positive impacts for our pollen count may not be quite as dramatic due to our mile-high level.

Read Also: When Is Grass Allergy Season Over

Why Your Fall Allergies Feel Worse In Colorado This Year

If your allergy symptoms feel worse this year, they probably are. But;it can be hard to tell the difference between seasonal allergies exacerbatfed by smoke blanketing the area from California wildfires and, perhaps, COVID-19.;

Fort Collins allergist Dr. Bill Lanting of Allergy & Asthma Center of the Rockies said this year’s rough allergy season;can be blamed on a wet spring.;

Good precipitation in the spring led to a good tree, grass and weed season.;

“Even though it’s been dry the last couple of months, everything was well seeded and there was more concentration of allergens out there,” Lanting said.;

Certain weeds, like ragweed, are more prominent in the fall. And as trees drop their leaves, they can increase mold counts, said Dr. Jason Sigmon, a UCHealth otolaryngologist in Steamboat Springs. “Everything that was living that’s now dead involves mold,” he said.

When Is Allergy Season

thedesignerchallenge: Allergy Season Colorado

You may have heard the phrase allergy season is upon us, but what exactly does that mean? When does allergy season start? Or, better yet, when does it end?;

Read on to learn all you need to know about allergy season including what you can expect throughout the year if you experience allergies, common allergy symptoms, and how you can best prepare for allergy season.

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Is Colorados Allergy Season Worse Than It Used To Be

The Sun chats with a leading allergist on whats making us sneeze right now, what will make us sneeze next month, and whether climate change has made it worse than it used to be.

  • Credibility:
  • This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter. This includes directly interviewing sources and research / analysis of primary source documents.×closeOriginal Reporting
  • As a news piece, this article cites verifiable, third-party sources which have all been thoroughly fact-checked and deemed credible by the Newsroom.×closeSources Cited
  • This Newsmaker has been deemed by this Newsroom as having a specialized knowledge of the subject covered in this article.×closeSubject Specialist

Ah, spring, the crocuses popping up to see if the pandemic is over. Lambs and calves gamboling in the fields.;

Pollen coating your car and your lungs like Denver was rolled in baby powder.;

More than 24 million Americans report hay fever each year, according to the CDC, and the sneezing and scratching of allergic rhinitis leads to 15 million doctor visits.;

So we checked in with Dr. Pete Cvietusa, an allergist with Kaiser Permanente in Colorado, about the unofficial start of allergy season and what weve learned over the years. Cvietusa is board certified in allergy and immunology; he trained in pediatrics in Colorado, completed his allergy training at National Jewish and now cares for all ages of allergy patients.;

Tips To Control Your Allergies In Colorado Springs

â Track pollen counts in Colorado Springs with an app or website

â Keep doors and windows closed during high pollen counts

â Remove shoes when coming inside your home and change your clothes immediately

â Change your indoor air filters every season

â Indoor-outdoor pets should be bathed or wiped down at least once a week

â Backpacks, purses, and other bags that are carried around outside should be left in home entryways, and never brought into the bedroom

â Pollen counts are the highest in the early morning, so avoid staying outdoors during these times

â Wash rugs, curtains, and bedding regularly during allergy season

â If you are allergic to any trees on your property, keep branches trimmed to reduce pollen production

Allergies shouldnât have to keep you from enjoying the beauty and climate of Colorado Springs! At The William Storms Allergy Clinic and Aspire Allergy & Sinus, our specialists are trained and experienced in testing, diagnosing, and treating outdoor allergies.Stop depending on short-term, over-the-counter solutions, and request an appointment today!

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What Are The Common Symptoms Of Ragweed Allergies

  • itchy, watery eyes
  • sinus pressure, which may cause facial pain
  • swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes
  • poor sleep quality

Many people who live with a ragweed allergy also experience allergic reactions to other foods. The proteins in some types of produce are like the proteins found in certain pollens. These proteins confuse the immune system and cause an allergic reaction. Which makes existing symptoms worse. One of the key things to avoid is chamomile tea. Its a popular beverage, but for people suffering from ragweed allergies, chamomile tea can increase the severity of allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, headaches, and irritated eyes.

Allergy Forecast: A Bad Year For Everyone

Bad allergy season causing COVID-19 confusion, concern

Like taxes, allergy season is one of those things you just cant avoid. In fact, due to climate change, it may be getting worse. Warmer temperatures lead to more pollen production, so 2021 may be the most intense allergy season yet. And due to COVID-19 quarantine, children may especially have a rough year.

When is allergy season?

It starts in the spring and continues until the fall, but different allergens, the substances that trigger allergies, appear at different times.

: As spring begins, tree pollen is the top allergen, followed by weeds and grasses. In some parts of Maryland, its not unusual to see cars covered by the itchy stuff.

May to July: In May, all the trees, grass and weeds gang up to pump out allergens, making it a bad time for allergy sufferers. This is the start of peak allergy season, which continues until July.

: Enter ragweed, a common flowering plant. Ragweed is the leading cause of seasonal allergies, with 75% of all sufferers allergic to it.

With temperatures falling and plants starting to go dormant, the air starts to clear, bringing an end to outdoor allergy season. Now its possible to breathe a sigh of relief without coughing.

See the Interactive Allergy Forecaster for allergy conditions where you live.

COVID-19 and childrens allergies

Surviving allergy season

If your or your childs allergy symptoms are severe or continue a long time, your;health care provider;may be able to help or refer you to an allergist.

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How To Alleviate Your Allergy Symptoms

Leeds recommended wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes and nose. A solid rinse can also work wonders after spending time outside.

Wash your hands and face after being outdoors for long periods of time, and consider changing your clothes, she said.

If you are particularly sensitive, limit your time outdoors on poor air-quality days. Consider washing your eyes and nose with a saline solution. You might also want to swap out your contact lenses for eyeglasses, as pollen can cling onto lenses and irritate the eye. Cleaning your lenses more frequently and opting for daily disposable contacts can also help relieve itchy, watery eyes.

Pollen can get trapped inside your home, so keep your windows shut and car doors closed. Vacuum often to get rid of allergens trapped in your carpet. If you have AC, set it to nonrecirculated air.

AAFA also recommends using a HEPA air filter to purify the air in your house. And pets can be pollen magnets, so giving them a good rub down is a good idea after a springtime walk, Gupta said.

You might also want to hold onto your face mask a bit longer. The masks we use to protect ourselves against the coronavirus act as a barrier against pollen, too. The better the mask, the better the protection.

N95 masks are ideal for this, but standard masks most people are using to protect one another from COVID-19 also work, Mendez said.

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