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Spring represents a new start, with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days. However, for people who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring is characterized by increased itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, and sneezing.
Spring is a particularly difficult time for the 80 million people who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Allergy season has arrived early and is expected to continue for a long time. The nonprofit news organization Climate Central reported that North America’s pollen season is 20 days longer than it was in 1990.
In recent years, climate change has led to an increase in the number of frost-free days, higher seasonal temperatures, and changes in rainfall patterns. These factors cause the plant to flower earlier and for longer.
Where is the highest amount of pollen scattered?
As of early April, parts of the South, Southeast and Midwest have the highest pollen counts in the nation, according to data from Pollen.com.
During the first week of April, pollen counts were highest in Denver, Colorado, Colorado Springs, and Dallas, Texas.
If you can’t see the graphic, click here to view it.
These US cities are the worst for people with seasonal allergies
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America researched which major U.S. cities are the worst for people with seasonal allergies. Researchers looked at the daily pollen counts, presence of allergists, and use of over-the-counter medications among the populations of 100 of the country’s largest cities.
Wichita, Kansas ranked #1 on the list of worst places to live for people with seasonal allergies. The following cities are in the top 10.
- Wichita, Kansas
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
- dallas, texas
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Richmond, Virginia
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- fayetteville, arkansas
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Where is the allergy season getting longer?
Climate Central analyzed data from nearly 200 cities and found that allergy season is lengthening in 83% of regions, or 164 cities in total. Since 1970, allergy seasons have become longer due to a warming climate. Researchers say a longer, earlier spring means plants have more time to grow and release allergy-inducing pollen from early spring to fall.
These cities have had their longest allergy season since 1970.
- Reno, Nevada: 95-day extension
- Las Cruces, New Mexico: 65 days extension
- Medford, Oregon: 61-day extension
- Boise, Idaho: 51-day extension
- Tupelo, Mississippi: 50-day extension
- Missoula, Montana: 48 days extension
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: 48-day extension
- El Paso, Texas: 47 days extension
- Toledo, Ohio: 45-day extension
- Eugene, Oregon: 40-day extension
According to Climate Central, higher carbon dioxide levels can increase pollen production in plants such as grass and ragweed. The paper reported that pollen production could increase by up to 200% in the United States by the end of the century due to high levels of carbon dioxide production.
Is it allergy season already?The earlier spring comes, the more pollen (and sneezes) there will be.
What effect does pollen have on the body?
Plants, trees, and grasses release pollen in the spring to fertilize other plants of the same species. Powdered particles are airborne and easily inhaled.
For some people, inhaling pollen can cause their immune systems to overreact. The immune system considers pollen to be dangerous and releases antibodies that attack the allergen. This releases histamine into the blood.Histamine causes runny nose, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms
Common symptoms of hay fever
Do you feel sick after breathing fresh air? You may be suffering from seasonal allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the most common symptoms are:
- Runny nose (also called rhinorrhea)
- stuffy nose
- sneeze
- Itching of the nose, eyes, ears, and mouth
- Red and watery eyes
- swelling around the eyes
If you already have asthma, exposure to pollen can make your symptoms worse. This is called allergic asthma and is the most common type. If you notice that your asthma symptoms are getting worse or worse due to environmental exposures, talk to your doctor.
Contributor: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
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