Spring Allergies Get Early Debut This Year

Spring allergies should normally have their annual debut in late February or early March but this year patients sought their doctors’ help weeks earlier. Experts believe that the unusual phenomenon is tied to unusually wet and warm fall and winter.

Dr. Scott Phillips of the Center for Ear Nose Throat & Allergy explained that a warmer winter means that trees will pollinate earlier. Dr. Phillips noted that many patients come to his office with congested and watery eyes and nose and generally feeling miserably.

Furthermore, dodging tree pollen is nearly impossible since the tiny particles can travel for miles before reaching an allergy sufferer.

And because of the warm temperature, trees are going to produce even more pollen this year. The largest producers out there are maple, ash and juniper, but oak and cottonwood are also expected to release pollen earlier this year.

Experts predicted that the some of the highest levels of pollen for this season will occur Wednesday. But fortunately, they will get back to normal levels Thursday due to rain showers.

People with allergies share similar symptoms: watery, congested, and itchy eyes and nose, and usually feeling miserable. Dr. Phillips said that many people take an allergy for a cold or flu. But after a few weeks they realize that they may be wrong because colds don’t last that long. Allergies instead can last a whole season.

You can treat your allergic reactions conveniently with several over-the-counter drugs, which can alleviate symptoms but not cure the condition. You should also consider limiting your time spent outdoors this season.

Additionally, if you know you are allergic to pollen, once you are at home try to get rid of the pollen by changing your clothes, taking a shower, and get it off your hair. Plus, you should also remove any traces of pollen from your nose with a sinus rinse kit.

Yet, if none of these methods seems to work, it is better to go see your GP for another course of action. Dr. Phillips said people should not see allergies as a fatality: “oh it’s just allergies there’s nothing you can do anyway.” Instead, people should know that there are a lot of treatment options so they should not postpone a visit to their doctor.

Experts also caution that some patients are allergic to indoors allergens such as dust mites and mold. So, taking any action to remove these allergens is most welcome.

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