Pollen Attack: The Rise of Environmental Allergies
It’s a lovely day and you’re outside enjoying the fresh air. Guess what? Your nose starts running, your eyes get itchy and you’ve developed severe sneezing. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. In fact, millions of people are affected by environmental allergies, with the most popular culprit: pollen.
Research shows that allergies are on the rise, with the pollen season increasing by 20 days in North America between 1990 and 2018. While many questioned it, we now know it’s not a myth and there’s a reason why so many people are being affected.
The Pollen Problem: Why Are Allergies Increasing?
There are several reasons why allergies are increasing. First, there’s climate change. As temperatures climb, allergy season starts earlier but ends up sticking around longer. Then, there’s more intense rainfall in some areas, increasing the level of pollen from plants.
While Mother Nature has been known to stir up trouble, living in the city can make some allergies worse. Urban areas create “heat islands,” causing trees to become green earlier and keep their leaves longer. The longer the trees are in this state, the more pollen. Here’s a fun fact: Many cities have planted male-only trees to avoid messy fruits and seeds, but without female trees to trap the pollen, it just floats around in the air, waiting to trigger your allergies.
And then there’s air pollution. When there are high levels of pollution, the composition of pollen changes, increasing the allergens. The result? People continuously sneeze, with itchy eyes and runny noses.
Pollen Allergies 101: What to Expect and How to Cope
So, what does a “normal” allergy season look like these days? Well, pollen allergies can start as early as February and last through the fall – when you add it up, that’s more than half the year!
Common pollen allergy symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy throat or ears
- Fatigue
But what causes these cold-like symptoms? With a pollen allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless pollen particles as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine to fight them off. This triggers inflammation in your nose, eyes and airways, leading to these symptoms.
So, who’s most at risk for pollen allergies? While anyone can develop them, some factors might make you more susceptible, like having a family history of allergies, being exposed to high levels of pollen, having other allergies or asthma and living in the city or an urban area that has high pollution levels.
If you think you might have a pollen allergy, it’s a good idea to keep track of your symptoms and when they occur. Do they show up during specific months or seasons? Do they get worse when you spend time outdoors? Once you know when these flare-ups occur, it’s time to meet with an allergist to help diagnose your allergy and develop an effective treatment plan.
And don’t worry – you may not have to carry tissue everywhere you go, because there are many ways to manage your pollen allergies and keep your symptoms in check. Here are a few recommendations:
- If you’ve been outside for a lengthy period, take a shower.
- Keep the windows closed and use a HEPA filter.
- Take antihistamines or use nasal sprays to ease your symptoms.
- Make sure you see an allergist for testing and personalized treatment options, like immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Environmental Allergies Treatment Options
Immunotherapy, like allergy shots and allergy drops, works by gradually exposing your body to small amounts of the allergen, helping your immune system build up tolerance. Over time, this can reduce your symptoms and possibly eliminate your allergies for good. It’s a long-term solution that can offer lasting relief, especially if you have severe allergies or don’t respond well to other treatments.
Of course, the best approach to managing your pollen allergies will depend on your specific triggers, symptoms, and lifestyle. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced allergist who can help you create a personalized plan.
The Bottom Line on the Rise of Allergies
It’s true – environmental allergies are on the rise, and pollen is a major issue. But with the right knowledge, preventive measures, and treatment options, you can take control of your allergies and enjoy the sun and air without fear of a sneezing fit.
If you’re struggling with pollen allergies, contact the team at Schweiger Dermatology and Allergy for help. We can provide the guidance and support you need to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
So, don’t let pollen keep you cooped up inside – schedule a consultation today. Book online or call 844-760-3380.
Originally posted 9/6/2024. Updated on 12/18/2024.