Allergy Season 2021 Lasting Longer Than Usual Due To Warm Dry Conditions Experts Say
The dry and warm conditions we’ve seen for much of the spring is part of the reason the tree pollen season has lasted so long.
MELROSE PARK, Ill. — Allergies are bad for many people right now, but the cause may not be what you would expect – and the dry weather may be playing a role.
For allergy sufferers like Debbie Woodford, it has been a difficult spring.
“I think they’ve been extremely bad,” Woodford said. “My allergies have been messed up pretty much since it’s been warm. So I think it’s much worse than last year.”
And Debbie is far from alone. Each morning Dr. Rachna Shah, or a member of her staff, comes to the roof of the Gottleib Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park and takes an air sample. After looking at the pollen under a microscope, they can determine what allergens are most prevalent.
“Our typical tree season – which is from March to the beginning of May, it usually ends at the beginning of May – has been drawn out,” Shah said.
And that means those that suffer especially from tree allergies have had an especially long season this year. The weather has played a major role in this.
The dry and warm conditions we’ve seen for much of the spring is part of the reason the tree pollen season has lasted so long.
There are signs that tree pollen is beginning to fall, but that doesn’t mean that the worst is over for those of us with allergies.
How Can I Tell If My Symptoms Are Allergies Or Covid
Before you stress out, know that there’s one positive aspect when it comes to allergens in the year 2022: “Masks mean less inhalation of pollen through the nose or mouth, and that may translate to decreased symptoms for some sufferers,” explains Manisha Relan, MD, a board-certified allergist. Noted!
That said, if you’re worried about telling the difference between symptoms, whenever they do arise, listen up. The COVID and allergy symptoms that typically overlap are headaches, wheezing, and sore throat. It’s also possible to experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing with COVID too, though these are more commonly allergy symptoms. A dry cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell, are all likely COVID-19 symptoms, though there’s always the possibility that these are due to allergies.
Overall, though, if you’re having trouble telling if your symptoms are allergies or COVID, your best bet is to get checked out at a doctor’s office or urgent care center.
What Are My Triggers
Most people are allergic to more than one trigger and sometimes the response is different, so you could get itchy eyes around cats but a runny nose during pollen season. The severity of the allergic reaction varies between people and depends on the circumstances. A reaction may not be immediate.
Sometimes it can be fairly obvious what triggers your asthma. If you have symptoms after coming in contact with cats or dogs then pets are probably one of your triggers. The same applies for contact with smoke from cigarettes or open fires.
Triggers like pollen can be more difficult to determine because the allergens are not visible. It is important to keep a diary of when you experience symptoms and note where you were at the time, what the weather conditions were like and what things you were exposed to including stress.
Also Check: Is Flonase Good For Allergies
How To Manage Weather Allergy Symptoms
The key to managing allergy and asthma symptoms is knowing your triggers. You might find cold air ramps up your asthma symptoms. Pollen might bother you a bit, or it can make you miserable.
Asthma and allergies are unique to each person, so identifying what worsens your symptoms is vital. Ideas that may help:
- Use an app or weather forecasting site to keep an eye on potential changes that might affect you. Watch the pollen count, mold spore count, air quality index, humidity, temperature and changes in barometric pressure. Sign up for alerts via email or text.
- Limit outdoor exercise in weather that affects you or if the air quality is poor.
- Wear a mask when gardening or cutting grass to limit particles and mold spores.
- Use a scarf to shield your mouth and nose in cold weather. It warms and humidifies the air before you breathe it in, reducing shock to your airways.
- Keep humidity levels in your home steady. Air conditioning, dehumidifiers or humidifiers, as needed, can help keep your airways from becoming inflamed.
- Take all your asthma medication as prescribed. These help you control your asthma daily and during a flare. Follow your doctors advice.
Are Asthma Medicines Safe When Youre Breastfeeding
Asthma medicines do get into your breast milk, but the amounts are very low and are safe for the baby. If you take high doses of certain asthma medicines, like theophylline, your baby may become irritable or have trouble sleeping. To help prevent this, take your asthma medicines 3 or 4 hours before the next feeding. Your provider and your babys provider can help you adjust your medicine schedule so you and your baby can get the health benefits of breastfeeding.
Last reviewed: November, 2013
Read Also: Are Asthma And Copd The Same Thing
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Bad Seasonal Allergies
How Does The Weather Affect Symptoms
- Humid air is moist and heavy. When the air is stagnant, air quality goes down, making breathing harder for everyone. It can trigger an asthma and allergy flare-up since mold and bacteria grow better in moist environments. Humid weather can worsen allergy symptoms.
- Hot weather often impacts air quality. Ozone can rise to dangerous levels, irritating your respiratory system. Increased traffic, exhaust, smog and other pollutants can make breathing harder if you have asthma.
- Cold, dry air may seem better for your breathing than hot, humid air, but unfortunately, breathing it in can make the bronchial tubes constrict and spasm as they try to keep airways open, making symptoms worse.
- Thunderstorms bring barometric changes, high humidity and winds that blow pollen and mold spores everywhere. This can lead to a phenomenon called thunderstorm asthma. In addition, lightning generates nitrogen oxides that can impact ground-level ozone, irritating the lungs and airways.
- Changing weather patterns alter barometric pressure, which can trigger sinus problems and make breathing harder if you have asthma.
This Is What Its Like To Have Asthma During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Were here to guide you through the coronavirus lockdown. for daily tips, advice, how-tos and escapism.
How do I feel emotionally? Im anxious like many people, Julie Thompson Dredge, 42, from Petersfield, tells me, when I ask how shes managing her asthma. Im living with a certain amount of dread, doing things like sorting out my will should the worst happen as I know I could be in trouble if I got coronavirus.
Many people are anxious about their health right now, but its worse for those classed as vulnerable. Back in March, the government released guidelines for those at very high risk if they were to contract coronavirus and that included people with asthma. The national charity Asthma UK is constantly updating its guidelines to make sure people are effectively managing their condition.
But whats it really like for sufferers?
Thompson Dredge was diagnosed at 18 the first week she went away to uni, when she was hospitalised and has managed the condition ever since. In the past shes dealt with bad flare ups, A& E and ICU visits due to her symptoms.
Its under control at the moment, she says, but the pandemic has meant Im ultra vigilant about keeping on top of my medication: taking it twice daily, making sure I have three months supply at home, and its also made me really conscious about not going out.
You May Like: What Food Allergies Cause Fatigue
Is It Allergy Season In Utah
In utah, allergy season starts in february with tree pollen and ends with the first frost. Utah is prone to allergens due to its hot, dry climate. If you are allergic to any of these plants, it is best to avoid them for at least a few weeks.
If you do not have an allergy to one of them, you may be able to tolerate the others. However, if you have a severe allergy, such as anaphylaxis , you should seek medical attention immediately.
How Can I Get Relief From My Allergy Symptoms
While all of this is a major bummer, the good news is that most cases of seasonal allergies can be treated effectively. Dr. Wada recommends that allergy sufferers consider opting for nasal sprays instead of antihistamine tablets, because the former tend to be more effective. However, Dr. Wada explained that it “may take several weeks to see their full effect.” If these medications aren’t enough, or if you’re looking for a long-term solution, immunotherapy could also be an option. Immunotherapy works by helping your body build immunity to what you’re allergic to. This is done by gradually introducing a small amount of an allergen via injections, tablets, or drops.
In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Mucci-Elliott recommends wearing a mask to provide relief by minimizing your exposure to pollen. “Pollen particles are small and stay suspended in the air, therefore ideally you’d wear a mask that is good at filtering airborne particles,” she explained. “A surgical mask is fine. You don’t need something as airtight as an N95.”
Don’t Miss: Where To Get Allergy Shots
How To Deal With Asthma And Fall Allergies
If pollen is a trigger for your asthma, then the fall is likely to be a challenging season for you, especially if you also have allergic rhinitis . If this is the case, youre in good company: Around 80% of adults and children who have asthma also have hay fever, as compared to 15% to 40% of the general population.
With pollen from ragweed and other allergens on the rise, you may be at an increased risk of asthma attacks in the autumn. You can mitigate this risk by preparing for the season by taking antihistamines and being especially strict about adhering to your asthma management strategies.
You May Like: Do Oxygen Levels Drop During Asthma Attack
Allergy Season : Why Your Symptoms Are Worse Than Ever
Many people with seasonal allergies are struggling right now, trapped in a vicious cycle of coughing, sneezing, wheezing and itching.
If this sounds like you, you might be wondering whats going on. Is this allergy season particularly brutal, or do your symptoms just seem worse because you were inside and not exposed to many allergens in spring 2020? Or is it all in your head?
According to allergists, its not just you. Its true your allergies may feel worse this year. Heres the deal and how to find some relief:
Recommended Reading: What Is The Difference Between Allergies And Sinus Problems
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.
Related Stories
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.
Experts Say The Spring 2022 Allergy Season Will Be A Bad One Here’s What You Need To Know
Look no further than the oak trees outside your home or office and you’ll know what time of year is coming our way.
Pollen has already started to accumulate, leading to a noticeable uptick in sniffs and sneezes. Much more is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately, we’re expecting a bad allergy season in Houston this year especially this coming April,” says Dr. Omar Ahmed, an ENT doctor at Houston Methodist.
It’s not just Houston. Dr. Ahmed notes that allergy seasons are getting longer and worse across the country.
In Houston, the primary reason this season is predicted to be so bad is the relatively mild winter we just experienced.
“With a warmer winter comes a longer growing season for trees and grasses that produce pollen, meaning a higher concentration of pollen for us to deal with as it begins to bloom,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Pollen counts actually started rising as early as January, but more is coming in April and people should be prepared for that.”
Dr. Ahmed’s advice for handling a bad allergy season? Plan ahead.
“One of the best ways to deal with allergy season is to get ahead of it taking steps to prevent allergy symptoms and knowing how to treat them if they do arise,” says Dr. Ahmed.
Start by checking local pollen counts on your weather app and considering how the day’s pollen levels might affect your outdoor plans.
Still, allergy symptoms may strike, and Dr. Ahmed’s preferred first step might surprise you.
Don’t Miss: Can You Develop Allergies As You Age
Do Try Drugstore Remedies First
Over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, as well as nasal sprays such as Flonase and Astepro, can provide much-needed relief. Generic brands with the same active ingredients are cheaper, of course. Check with your provider about how other medications youre taking might interact.
Some people get a lot of relief from Sudafed and generics, but those are kept behind the pharmacy counter. Also, those medications can raise blood pressure, so its best to consult with your provider first.
Afrin is a popular nasal decongestant that helps with congestion in as little as one minute. However, use of this medication for longer than three days is not recommended because it can end up causing rebound congestion and making the problem worse. Limit its use to only three days.
Primary care physicians can help you alleviate severe allergy symptoms.
While expectant mothers can use many over-the-counter allergy products safely, it’s always best to check with your ob-gyn, Peterson said.
Chest Pain After An Asthma Attack
So its 24 hours later. My breathing is normal, but my chest is sore and stiff. This is normal after an asthma attack, especially if it was bad enough that your accessory muscles were utilized to help yo inhale. They hurt because they normally arent used, and when they are used small muscles fibers on these muscles are torn, causing pain and stiffness the next day.
This is no different than the pain and soreness you feel after a good, strong workout, the kind of workout you do to make your muscles bigger and stronger. Of course, in our case, we dont want our accessory muscles getting bigger and stronger. Still, because I used them yesterday, they hurt today.
What is the treatment for this? As with the pain and soreness due to any other workout, this pain and soreness will go away in a day or two. If you want to take a Tylenol or something that is up to you and your doctor to determine. As for me, I just wait it out. Actually, as for me, I dont let myself get this bad anymore. Of course, if you are as familiar with this thing we call asthma as I am, sometimes it happens even when we dont plan on it. So thats why we take our daily asthma controller medicines, have asthma action plans, and avoid our asthma triggers the best we can.>
So, I shared my experience with asthma-related chest pain. For me, it is a common early warning sign. Every asthmatic is different. So, do you ever experience it? Let us know in the comments below?
Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Make You Throw Up
And Finally Do Watch The Clock
If you must be outdoors on a high pollen day, time it right. Pollen levels are high early in the morning evening is better. Pollen levels also drop the day after it rains. But, if you must work outside when pollen is high, say to mow a lawn you’ve been trying to ignore, dig out that leftover N95 or K95 mask you bought during the pandemic and put it on to reduce your pollen exposure.
Finally, mark your calendar for Feb. 14, 2023. That’s when it’s time to start taking allergy meds to get a head start on another sneezin’ season.
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.
Don’t Miss: Can Allergies Cause Your Throat To Burn
