Spring Allergy Season is in Full Bloom

Did you know that Memphis consistently ranks in the top three worst cities for seasonal allergies? When April approaches, there is a lot of pollen in the air, which is the biggest cause of seasonal allergies. Bear this in mind and be well prepared as allergy season springs upon us.

Seasonal allergies are not a trivial condition and can range from being a mere inconvenience to affecting your day-to-day function. They can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and lost productivity. Allergies can develop at any age, and some of this has to do with changes in exposure or the intensity of a particular pollen season. Hay fever is the most common condition that occurs with seasonal allergies. Major symptoms of hay fever include sneezing; stuffy nose; runny nose; watery eyes; and itching of the nose, eyes, and roof of mouth.

It’s Not the Flowers’ Fault

Pollen is the most likely culprit of seasonal allergies, and pollen season is longer than it used to be by two weeks compared to 1995 and earlier. Higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere help plants grow more quickly, causing them to release more pollen.

Flowers are not to blame for most seasonal allergies. Instead, it’s grasses, weeds, and trees that are more likely to present allergy problems. Also, pollen can travel hundreds of miles, so even if you go to the beach, you have not escaped the presence of pollen.

Proper Prep for Allergy Season

It’s best to pre-empt symptoms by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Zyrtec). Since the release of pollen varies from year to year, Mid-South allergists recommend starting an antihistamine regimen in February. Keep in mind, while antihistamines help with sneezing and itchiness, they usually don’t help with stuffy noses. When immediate relief is needed for inflamed sinuses and nasal congestion, a sinus cocktail shot is the most effective solution. When allergy season is in full swing, it’s a good idea to wear a mask when working in the yard and change the filters on your air conditioning units. Mold spores that have remained inactive during the winter months will spring back into action, causing a fresh round of allergic reactions if you aren’t proactive. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the daily pollen count when planning your day. This information is found online by zip code.