Allergies could be a ‘significant problem’ as warm winter may mean longer pollen season
Spring allergies may start early due to climate change
Experts say that climate change could cause your spring allergies to start early.
unbranded – Lifestyle
Allergy season is here and the warm winter did us no favors this spring.
Those mild temperatures over the winter are making allergies rough now, according to experts. Pollen is the problem, the say.
Between now and May, pollen from birch, maple and oak trees, for example, are wreaking havoc on allergies, causing red and itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezing fits. Pollen particles are tiny and invade noses and lungs since they are easily inhaled.
“Tree pollen season is shaping up to be a significant problem for our patients,” said Dr. Anitha Shrikhande, assistant professor of Allergy and Immunology at University of Rochester Medicine, on Monday. She sees patients daily who are suffering.
“Tree pollen counts are starting to increase,” Shrikhande said. On Monday, the pollen count was considered moderate, but even when it is low it can be tough.
“Once symptoms start they can be harder to get under control, even if we are seeing lower pollen counts, she said.
Those who started nasal steriod spray to prepare for the season fare a bit better, noticing improvement in symptoms. The season starts with tree pollens before grass and weed allergies kick in.
2023 allergies were awful: Mild winter makes Rochester one of the worst cities for allergies in the U.S.
The health system also cautioned that the warm winter could lead to a “a longer and more severe spring allergy season,” since changes in weather can impact pollen levels, in a news release. The season also starts earlier. In addition, warmer weather allows for a more robust growing season with blooms popping up earlier and longer, which fuel seasonal allergies.
Shrikhande said studies have shown an increase in the duration of allergy seasons over the last decade or so.
Has a rainy spring helped allergy season in Rochester?
And while Rochester has seen a lot of rain in the past week, allergy season remains in full effect.
“Rain can help dampen the impact and minimize the exposure for tree pollen, but a lot of rain can also make grass pollens worse, since that is a mold allergy,” she said. “It’s really about knowing what your are allergic to and preparing for it.”
Last year, Rochester ranked 20th in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s top 20 allergy capitals in the United States. It was also eighth in the nation for tree pollen. In 2024, Rochester ranked lower, moving down to 46th in the nation, but the experts said allergies suffer should still prepare for a difficult season.
The foundation’s list is based on total pollen scores of trees, grass and weeds, over-the-counter allergy medication use and the number of allergy specialists. The ranking put Rochester at an average allergy season this year.
What treatment is available for allergies?
“Treatment will vary based on each patient. There’s everything from over-the-counter antihistamines to allergy shots, and a combination of treatments could be best for you,” said Dr. Emily Weis of UR Medicine in a news release.
She said knowing individual triggers and avoiding them is also helpful. “Tree pollen, for example, is most prominent first thing in the morning,” said Weis. “So, wait to open your windows or exercise outside until later in the day.”
Shrikhande said antihistamines are a best bet for immediate relief, and for more long-term help nasal steriod sprays are beneficial.
Asthma sufferers are especially vulnerable to pollen this allergy season and may suffer what is known as allergic asthma, USA Today reported earlier this month.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, common signs and symptoms of allergic asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing
- Waking at night due to asthma symptoms
- A drop in lung function
How to fight allergies?
UR Medicine provided these tips for allergy suffers this season.
- Changing clothes when coming inside
- Showering after being outside
- Wearing sunglasses
- Using saline nasal rinses
- Staying well hydrated
- Vacuuming regularly
- Using air filters
Common allergy symptoms
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the most common symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth
- Red and watery eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
