Hay fever sufferers should prepare for a particularly severe spring season, as pollen levels are expected to be high. Seasonal allergies affect about 1 in 4 American adults, with symptoms triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen. The severity of the reaction is directly related to the amount of pollen released in a given year. This year, scientists predict a bumper season, especially in the northeast where the pollen storm has already begun. Pollen is the male reproductive component of plants, seeking the prime time to reproduce.
Trees typically pollinate first, followed by grass and weeds, with the preceding season able to predict the pollen volume of the following season. Rainy weather is a key indicator of pollen concentrations for the upcoming season, with April showers bringing not only May flowers but also more grass pollen. The amount of snow and precipitation during the winter months can affect tree pollen levels, with less snow and rain leading to a lower pollen season. However, the northeast has experienced significant rainfall, contributing to an earlier start to pollen production, leading to a forecast for a robust spring season.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that pollen concentrations in North America have increased by 21 percent since 1990, with the season starting 20 days earlier. As global temperatures continue to rise, allergy seasons are expected to be more severe and last longer, impacting public health by exacerbating underlying conditions such as asthma and respiratory illness. In addition to rising temperatures, pollution can also worsen seasonal allergy symptoms, acting as an irritant that triggers allergies when combined with pollen.
To protect oneself from pollen exposure, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends checking pollen forecasts and limiting outdoor activities when pollen levels are high, avoiding touching the eyes while outside, washing hands upon returning indoors, showering and changing clothes to remove pollen, keeping windows closed during pollen season, and taking allergy medications as needed. Pollution in urban areas can further exacerbate seasonal allergy symptoms, making it crucial to take precautions to minimize exposure. Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground, providing expert advice on various health topics. If you have any health concerns, you can reach out to health@newsweek.com for guidance and the chance to have your story featured.
