Managing Worsening Seasonal Allergies

5/8/2024

Longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures make more pollen

TUCSON, AZ (May 6, 2024) – Itchy eyes. Nasal congestion. Sneezing. If these symptoms pop up for you during spring, summer and fall, you may be among the estimated one in four Americans who experience seasonal allergies. Many people believe their allergies are getting worse every year, with more irritation over a longer period of time – and it’s not their imagination.

Scientists are seeing higher pollen concentrations and lengthier pollen seasons due to shifts in weather and temperature patterns. With the earlier start to the warm season and higher average daily temperatures, plants pollinate early – and seasonal allergens such as tree pollen, mold, and other spores grow faster as the plants get larger. Higher wind intensity blows pollens and allergens across longer distances, bringing new allergens to the community.

All that pollen can trigger allergic reactions in the nose and eyes when the immune system mistakes the pollen as a threat and acts in your defense. Nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, have symptoms including sneezing, running nose and congestion. Red, watery or itchy eyes can be a symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the lining of the eye.

“Allergies can be passed along genetically or through environmental exposure, and they can develop as you age,” said Christin Barrow, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with Northwest Primary Care at Cortaro. “When your immune system detects an allergen such as pollen, the release of histamines causes inflammation and more mucus production, generating those familiar allergy symptoms. Higher pollen concentrations and longer pollen seasons are aggravating allergies for many people.”

There is no cure for seasonal allergies – but you can take steps to minimize the symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider about over-the-counter antihistamine and steroid medications that might be appropriate for you. Antihistamines are available as nasal sprays, eye drops and oral pills. Steroids come in the form of nasal sprays.

You can also try to minimize your exposure to pollen by monitoring pollen levels and avoiding the outdoors when counts are high. If you do need to be outdoors, remove the pollen from your hair and skin when you come inside by changing clothes and taking a shower. HEPA filters in your air conditioning system, or air purifiers with HEPA filters, can reduce pollen indoors.

When seasonal allergies impact your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider about symptom relief medications or treatments that can help. If you need to find a provider, visit https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/family-medicine-care or https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/internal-medicine-care.

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