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Navigating Allergy Season: Expert Tips for Relief
Allergy season can trigger discomfort for millions across America, as tree, grass, and weed pollens spark common symptoms such as nasal congestion, ocular itching, coughs, and sneezes. The severity of seasonal allergies varies based on geographic location, specific allergens, and individual lifestyles. Experts indicate that shifting climate patterns contribute to extended and intensified allergy seasons. However, advancements in allergy treatments over the past decade offer more effective symptom management.
Understanding Allergy Triggers and City Rankings
To help manage allergy symptoms and potentially enjoy the outdoors, consider these expert recommendations.
Top U.S. Cities for Allergy Sufferers
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America annually ranks cities based on their challenges for allergy sufferers. This ranking considers factors like over-the-counter allergy medicine consumption, pollen levels, and the availability of allergy specialists.
This year’s top five most challenging cities are:
- Wichita, Kansas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Memphis, Tennessee
Primary Types of Pollen
There are three main categories of pollen that contribute to seasonal allergies. Tree pollen is most prevalent earlier in the spring, followed by grass pollen. Weed pollen becomes dominant in late summer and early autumn.
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Common tree pollens known to cause allergic reactions include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak, and walnut. Grasses that frequently induce allergy symptoms are Bermuda, Johnson, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Strategies for Managing Allergy Symptoms
Utilizing Pollen Trackers
Pollen trackers are valuable tools for planning outdoor activities. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology monitors pollen levels through a network of counting stations nationwide. Pollen counts are accessible on their website and via email subscriptions.
Limiting Pollen Exposure
The most effective initial approach to controlling allergies is minimizing exposure. Keeping car and home windows closed, even in pleasant weather, is advisable.
Protective Measures When Outdoors
Dr. James Baker, an allergist at the University of Michigan, suggests wearing long sleeves when outside to shield skin from pollen and reduce allergic reactions. This also offers sun protection.
Upon returning home, changing clothes and showering daily helps remove pollen, including from hair. If daily hair washing is not feasible, consider covering hair with a hat or scarf when outdoors. Avoid wearing outdoor clothes in bed to prevent pollen transfer.
Additional Hygiene Practices
Experts recommend rinsing eyes and nasal passages with saline solution to eliminate pollen. Face masks, widely used during the pandemic, can also offer protection against allergies, though they do not alleviate eye symptoms.
Effective Allergy Treatments and Remedies
Over-the-Counter Nasal Sprays
Over-the-counter nasal sprays are considered highly effective treatments for seasonal allergies. However, Dr. Kathleen Mays, an allergist at Augusta University in Georgia, notes that many individuals use them improperly, causing nasal irritation. She advises angling the nozzle outward towards the ear instead of inserting it straight up the nose.
Oral Allergy Medications
Over-the-counter allergy pills like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec can be beneficial, but their oral administration might result in slower relief compared to nasal sprays.
When to Consult an Allergist
If allergy symptoms significantly impair your quality of life, leading to sleep disruption or reduced concentration at work or school, consider scheduling an appointment with an allergist. They may recommend immunotherapies.
Debunking Allergy Myths
Some popular social media remedies, such as consuming local honey to build pollen tolerance, have been disproven. Dr. Shayam Joshi, an allergist at Oregon Health and Science University, explains that bee-pollinated flowers typically do not produce the airborne pollen responsible for allergy symptoms.
The Impact of Climate Change on Allergy Season
Milder winters and extended growing seasons due to climate change contribute to prolonged pollen presence in the air, resulting in longer and more severe allergy seasons.
Pollen counts in numerous regions have surpassed previous records. In late March, the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Center recorded an exceptionally high pollen count exceeding 14,000 grains per cubic meter.