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DOWNTOWN – As we say goodbye to the snow (we hope) and the temperatures are finally starting to climb, you may be ready to celebrate. But allergic people could have a difficult spring.
The warmer and drier weather conditions usually generate higher levels of pollen, and this kind of weather is exactly what Chicago expected this spring, said AccuWeather meteorologist Dave Samuhel.
Pollen – what plants emit when they become weird – is a common trigger of allergies.
"Overall, more people are allergic to spring pollen," Samuhel said. "In spring, almost every tree that produces pollen and grass [produces pollen]finally, once it starts to grow. "
Spring is usually rough for allergy sufferers thanks to all the pollen trees, grass and flowers, but the months of April and May tend to be the worst for the Chicagoois since March when it is still cold, said Samuhel. Now that April has arrived, the most allergic people in the world usually suffer from hot, sunny weather and a light breeze, he said.
Dr. Anju Peters, professor of allergy and immunology in the North West, said she was starting to see patients with allergy problems as tree pollen accumulated in late March and the At the beginning of April.
Allergy symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion. Although these symptoms may last a week or two for people with colds, people with allergies will suffer for months in the spring, said Peters, and some have allergies so severe that they cause similar symptoms to those with asthma.
"They interfere with school performance, at work. They interfere with your daily activities, being on the outside, "said Peters, describing allergies as" a quality of life problem. "
Allergy sufferers may try over-the-counter antihistamines, Peters said. if these do not work, they can use a nasal spray with steroids. People who know their allergies will go off should start using the spray about two weeks before the start of the allergy season and use it regularly to relieve symptoms, Peters said.
Once the symptoms are "bothersome", allergy sufferers should consult a doctor who can help them and prescribe them, Peters said. People who suspect that they have an allergy may be tested to determine how allergic they are so they can begin treatment before the onset of the allergy season each spring.
When the allergy season is accurate, it can change from one person to another and from an allergy to an allergy.
The grass pollen season runs from May to June, the ragweed season begins in late July and culminates around Labor Day.
"In general, we also know that the climate is changing, potentially with climate change … plants bloom sooner, so the amount of pollen is higher and lasts longer," Peters said.
Daily weather can also affect allergies: people with grass pollen allergies may have more and more breathing problems after a heavy rainstorm, Peters said.
People with severe allergies should consider keeping the interior with windows closed and air conditioning when possible at the height of the allergy season, Peters said.
As the pollen count tends to be higher in the morning, those who have to go out should try to go out later in the day, she said. Wearing a hat, glasses and changing clothes after getting inside can also help allergic people who have to go out in pollen.
"The other thing I tell people is to be careful," Peters said. "On a dry and windy day, mold spores can eventually go further, pollen can go further, so, yes, you may notice more symptoms."
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