A sudden explosion of pollen for what’s expected to be “the worst spring allergy season ever!”
Physicians at AFC/Doctors Express centers have been seeing patients flock in for some allergy relief, even before spring began! What makes an allergy season “the worst ever?”
Wet and warm winters – produce heavy precipitation and unusually warm weather during the fall and winter increases pollen production due to: Plants under stress, make more flowers and less leaves which results in more pollen. And this winter being one of the warmest on record contributes to this stress. This January was also the second warmest on record, globally according to the National Climactic Data Center.
Hot summers – can cause a stronger pollen season the following spring – especially in the grass and tree pollen.
The “Priming Effect” – happens when temperatures make big leaps, up or down, in short periods of time.
With the constantly changing temperatures your body causes the immune system to rev up which means down the road, people are more hyper-sensitive to the new pollen – this causes increased sensitivity and more suffering once the allergens are released.
Make Yourself Comfortable This Spring – according to the Mayo Clinic, Allergies are among the most common, but often overlooked, of diseases in the nation. Other than medication, there are ways you can make yourself more comfortable this allergy season:
· If you've been outside, take a shower before going to bed and change into fresh clothing so you don’t bring the pollen that may have clung to your skin, hair or clothes onto your sheets.
· Also, wash your sheets often.
· Close your windows (and opt for air conditioning) at night if the pollen count is high.
· Avoid outdoor activity early in the morning when pollen levels are at their highest.
· The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
· Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and use a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.