Medical experts claim that this spring’s allergy season, officially started after yesterday’s Spring Equinox, will be harder than usual for people allergic to pollen, as a precipitation-rich winter might make pollen spread more and have more potent characteristics.
Amongst researchers voicing their concern for a harsher allergy season is Dr. Tanya Laidlaw, Translational Research in Allergy Chief at Brigham. She expects the trees to be set up by the snow and rain heavy winter for higher pollen counts, which could translate into those affected suffering from prolonged periods of symptoms.
At the same time, she states that some high pollen-producing trees, such as the maple, birch or oak will display delayed pollination. This might reduce the allergy season by a period between a couple of days to a week.
Dr. Clifford Bassett, chief of Allergy Asthma Care of New York, also puts increasingly growing levels of carbon dioxide, caused mostly by intense climate changes, at the heart of the rise in pollen number and strength – and he warns that upcoming allergy seasons might become increasingly harsher from this point of view.
Statistics provided by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) estimate that almost 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal indoor or outdoor allergies, with hay fever being the 5th most common chronic condition among adults. Nearly $12.3 billion are spent every year on doctor consults and medical prescriptions for people suffering from allergic symptoms.
Experts advise those with known allergic condition to avoid the outsides as much as possible, but in some areas, a particularly sunny period is driving people to get more out of the house. Taking preventive medication such as antihistamines and steroid nasal spray might help with combating symptoms for the duration of the allergic season. Keeping your windows closed both indoor and in your car might also be a safe bet to prevent the spread of pollen, as well as thoroughly washing clothes which you used outside.
Image Source: Lifehacker
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