Michigan Allergy Season Starts Early Lasts Longer Allergists Say
Signs of spring in West Michigan 03
The allergy season is starting early and lasting longer in Michigan, two physicians say.
ANN ARBOR, MI — Are your allergies acting up early, or are they more severe this year compared to past years?
It’s not just in your head–the allergy season in Michigan has started early, two Michigan physicians say.
A warm winter with rain primes trees for an earlier and more robust pollen season, said Dr. Sara Eukert of Grand Rapids Allergy.
Tree pollen has been out for a couple weeks already this year, while it normally starts in early April, she said.
While the tree pollen is out early, Dr. Rajan Ravikumar, a clinical instructor at the University of Michigan Health System Allergy and Clinical Immunology Division, said unpredictable Michigan weather means it’s hard to say what the season outlook is.
A frost or snow in April could dampen pollen levels for a while, he said.
But that doesn’t mean the season will end early.
While some tree species start early, others pollinate late, Eurkert said.
Then the grass pollen will come out in May, meaning people with both tree and grass allergies won’t get a break, Ravikumar said.
Looking long term, the seasons getting longer and getting worse.
Eukert attributes the worsening allergy seasons to climate change. An increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere makes plants produce more robust pollen in greater quantities, Eukert said.
Dealing with allergies
So what are the best way to deal with your allergies?
The Truth About Michigan Allergies: Now Is Only The Beginning
Are you the type of person who does not let the date on the calendar or the weather tell you it’s spring, but rather, your allergies? Because while I know this weekend marked the official start of spring, I already knew because I CAN’T STOP SNEEZING!
I swear to you, I sneezed at least 200 times within an hour the other day and went through almost an entire new box of tissues. It was then I knew, it’s officially spring in Michigan.
However, it does feel like I’m in the thick of my allergy symptoms a lot earlier this year…and it turns out, I’m not alone.
Prepare For Longer More Intense Allergy Seasons University Of Michigan Researchers Say
Allergy season is quickly approaching, and research from the University of Michigan shows that pollen levels may be higher than usual this year.
This increase in pollen is being fueled by rising temperatures and increased CO2 levels sparked by climate change.
According to the university, these factors could increase the annual amount of pollen emitted each year by up to 200%.
They say pollen emissions could also begin 40 days earlier by the end of this century and last an additional 19 days before high pollen counts subside.
“Pollen-induced respiratory allergies are getting worse with climate change,” University of Michigan graduate student and research assistant in climate and space sciences and engineering Yingxiao Zhang said. “Our findings can be a starting point for further investigations into the consequence of climate change on pollen and corresponding health effects.”
UM researchers developed a predictive model that examines 15 of the most common pollen types and how their production will be impacted by projected changes in temperatures and precipitation.
They then used their model to predict pollen emissions for the last two decades of the 21st century.
“We’re hoping to include our pollen emissions model within a national air quality forecasting system to provide improved and climate-sensitive forecasts to the public,” UM professor of climate and space sciences and engineering Allison Steiner said.
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Find Seasonal Allergy Relief With Trinity Health Urgent Care
If your seasonal allergies begin to affect your ability to do the things you need to do, our healthcare professionals are ready to help you feel better. Check-in at the Trinity Health Urgent Care nearest you for fast and affordable medical diagnosis and treatment. Dont suffer through another Michigan allergy season without getting the care you deserve. Find seasonal allergy relief with Trinity Health Urgent Care!
What Is Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, or hay fever, is the most common type of ocular allergy. As its name suggests, it is related to specific pollens that release spores during specific seasons: May and June and August and September . Itching is a dominant symptom in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis, as well as watery/mucus discharge, burning, and redness. If you are affected by hay fever and other seasonal allergies, you may also experience symptoms involving the nose and throat.
Perennial allergic conjunctivitis is a year-round allergic condition. These allergic responses are often related to animal dander, dust, or other allergens present in the environment year round. Symptoms are similar to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis but tend to be milder.
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Dealing With Seasonal Allergies
Now that you are equipped with a seasonal calendar and knowledge of common allergens, you can prepare for allergy season 2022. Wearing a mask when outdoors will effectively prevent inhaling spores and pollen granules. You could also refer to a physician to know your actual allergies and take appropriate preventive measures. Take your allergies seriously, and you might do good on making 2022 your healthiest year yet!
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Rising Temperatures Increased Co2 Will Drive Trees Grasses Weeds To Produce More Pollen
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Allergy seasons are likely to become longer and grow more intense as a result of increasing temperatures caused by manmade climate change, according to new research from the University of Michigan.
Yingxiao Zhang. Image credit: Marcin Szczepanski, Michigan Photography
In addition, thanks to rising temperatures and increasing CO2 levels, the annual amount of pollen emitted each year could increase up to 200%.
Pollen-induced respiratory allergies are getting worse with climate change, said Yingxiao Zhang, a U-M graduate student research assistant in climate and space sciences and engineering and first author of the paper in Nature Communications. Our findings can be a starting point for further investigations into the consequence of climate change on pollen and corresponding health effects.
U-M researchers developed a predictive model that examines 15 of the most common pollen types and how their production will be impacted by projected changes in temperatures and precipitation. They combined climate data along with socioeconomic scenarios, correlating their modeling with the data from 1995 through 2014. They then used their model to predict pollen emissions for the last two decades of the 21st century.
Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Professor Allison Steiner and graduate student research assistant Yingxiao Zhang discuss their work. Image credit: Marcin Szczepanski
Allison Steiner. Image credit: Marcin Szczepanski, Michigan Photography
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Hay Fever Is One Of The Most Common Problems We See In Our Office And Is One Of The Most Common Chronic Diseases In The United States
It is caused by exposure to airborne pollen and causes 35 million people to suffer from allergy symptoms each year. The seasonal variety of pollen allergies is commonly referred to as hay fever , but many doctors reserve this term for the specific allergy to ragweed which pollinates in the fall.
Allergies that occur from late March to June are usually due to tree allergies. Allergies that occur during the summer months are due to grass pollen allergy and patients who are having allergy symptoms in the fall are allergic to wheats and ragweed.
Each spring microscopic oval and circular tree pollen particles are released to hitch a ride on currents of air. Their mission is to fertilize other trees of the same species. Insects do this for some trees but for most the wind is relied on. Small, dry and light, pollen granules have been known to travel as far out as 400 miles out to sea and up to two miles high in the air. Because airborne pollens can travel so far, it does little good to remove the offending tree–pollen can drift in from miles away.
These lightweight wind carried pollens enter noses and throats to trigger allergic reactions characterized by irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. In more severe reactions lungs become affected as well.
Occasionally those with allergic reactions to tree pollens may also cross-react to certain raw fruits such as apples, plums and pears . Food cross-reactions are usually felt as itchiness in the mouth and throat.
When Should I Start Taking Allergy Meds
Theres no point in waiting until youre miserable to take allergy meds. In fact, allergists recommend you start taking meds a couple of weeks before allergy season arrives, or, at the latest, take them the moment you notice symptoms, says Dr. Parikh. Taking them early can stop an immune system freak-out before it happens, lessening the severity of symptoms, she adds. Check out the National Allergy Map to figure out when to start taking meds based on where you live.
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As for which allergy meds to take, if youre seriously stuffed, start with steroid nasal sprays such as Flonase or Rhinocort, which reduce inflammation-induced stuffiness, says Dr. Keet. And if you’ve got itching, sneezing, and a runny nose too, look for non-sedating antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Xyzal, or Allegra, she adds.
Just remember: While OTC allergy meds suppress symptoms, they dont cure the problem, so they may be less effective if your allergies are worsening, notes Dr. Parikh.
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Along With Warmer Temps Spring Unfortunately Brings Misery To Those Who Suffer From Allergies
MICHIGAN — Its officially spring! While that means warmer temps and the start of the slow crawl towards summer, the season also brings allergies.
According to a 2019 allergy forecast from AccuWeather, April and May are when things will get really bad.
The publications outlook shows that in Michigan, allergy season will peak between late April until late May , during which time allergens will be moderate.
Expert Explains Why Some Are Experiencing Worse Allergy Season Than Years Past
SAGINAW, Mich. – Allergy season is here in full force and this year experts say its bad for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
Allergist Dr. Alexander Horbal talked about this years allergy season.
Its going to be rough, Horbal said.
After a cool early spring, summer-like heat has kicked the door in. Now all kinds of pollen are coming out.
Not only are we dealing with trees, were also dealing with grasses as well. So thats usually what happens when we get these late springs, I guess you would say, you kind of get double-whammed with two types of allergens out there that really cause problems, Horbal said.
Bad news for allergy sufferers. Horbal said one thing they can do to make things more bearable is close their windows.
A lot of that pollen can come through those windows. So usually around I say 5 a.m. To 10 a.m. In the morning, all those pollens are coming through there. And so, when youre sleeping in the middle of the night and those issues that you have when you wake up. Its most likely from the outdoor allergens with us, Horbal said.
If yard work is on the agenda, Horbal said a mask will reduce the number of allergens you breathe in. In some cases, it may take more than shutting a window and wearing a mask to find relief.
Horbal knows there are people that may be in a lot of misery right now.
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The Best Allergist In Michigan For Seasonal Allergies
If you are looking for the best doctor to treat your seasonal allergies in Michigan, look no further than Wyndly. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies to get you long-term allergy relief from your Michigan seasonal allergies.
Take our easy online assessment now to see if our doctors can get you long-term allergy relief from your seasonal allergies in Michigan!
Effects Of Climate Change
Earlier this year, climate scientists at the University of Michigan looked at 15 different plant pollens in the United States and used computer simulations to calculate how much worse allergy season will likely get by the year 2100.
So get this:
Last year, Dr. Kathleen Dass, an allergist, immunologist and medical director with the Michigan Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center in Oak Park, said it was one of the worst allergy seasons she has ever seen.
And according to the research, each successive year could be that way.
More:Hay fever setting in? Here are the 20 worst cities for people with seasonal allergies.
As the world warms, the scientists found, allergy season will start weeks earlier and end many days later and it’ll be worse while it lasts, with pollen levels that could as much as triple in some places, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.
In addition, carbon dioxide in the air from burning fuels such as coal, gasoline and natural gas helps plants produce more pollen. Allergists say that pollen season in the U.S. used to start around St. Patricks Day and now often starts around Valentines Day.
Allergies are especially difficult for the 25 million Americans with asthma.
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What Months Are Peak Allergy Season
In Michigan, youll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in May, June, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower in Michigan.
If you have seasonal allergies and are traveling to Michigan during May, June, or September, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan that works for you before your trip. During your trip, check the local pollen count daily to adjust your plans accordingly.
Who Are Allergy Doctors In Michigan
In Michigan, there are several different types of providers you can go to for your allergies. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists or immunologists, and ENTs. When choosing an allergy doctor, the most important thing is choosing a provider you trust.
It is also important to work with a doctor who will consider both your test results and your allergy history to make sure they make sense together. You should also consider how long you will need to wait to be seen by them and how convenient it is for your schedule.
At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will work with you to get you long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your allergy test results and your allergy history.
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When Does Allergy Season End
In Michigan, winter typically is cold. This means that residents get a break from their seasonal allergies. Even though Michigan might not have as many outdoor allergens to worry about during the winter, indoor allergens can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers.
If you suffer from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold, you might notice that they worsen during the winter if you spend more time inside than usual.
Tips For Reducing Your Risk During Allergy Season In Michigan
Right now, plants are in full bloom and allergy problems are rearing their ugly head once again. Unfortunately, those who regularly suffer from allergy attacks are all too familiar with the symptoms these seasonal changes can bring. The Michigan allergy season can be especially difficult from the months of March through June. This is the time when trees release their pollen, which can then agitate an individuals sinuses and make them feel ill. However, there are steps allergy sufferers can take to better protect themselves when the pollen counts are high. When you need fast and affordable care for seasonal allergy attacks and other non-emergency health issues, Trinity Health Urgent Care is here for you. Learn about some of the things you can do to minimize your pollen exposure during allergy season in Michigan.
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Lets Talk About Allergies
Allergy season is underway here in Michigan. Allergies that occur in the spring are usually due to trees, allergies that occur in the summer are due to grass pollen and patients who are having allergy symptoms in the fall are largely allergic to ragweed. Its not fun, and this article in the Detroit Free Press says Michigan allergy season is one of the worst weve had
In a bit of a plot twist however, allergy experts say some of the 24 million Americans with seasonal allergies are experiencing less symptoms this year due to wearing a mask because of Covid-19! How about you are you noticing that its better this year? Worse? Typical? Is your mask helping? Vaccinations are coming along but were not fully there yet and for some people its a little scary when you get any symptoms with Covid dominating so much space in our lives. A recent article in HealthDay helps to breakdown the differences between allergies and Covid-19, and either way be sure to follow the CDC guidelines to be safe, and get your vaccine! We can actually help you get the Pfizer vaccine scheduled so give us a call.
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