The allergy season is likely to be bad in Routt County

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – With above-average humidity and high temperatures, the allergic season is tough.

Throughout the country, the number of pollen is high and people report that the symptoms appear earlier and more intensely than usual.

So, if your sniffles and sneezes seem worse, you're not alone.

According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 million Americans report allergies to pollen and dust.

Each person's allergies are unique, said Dr. Kevin Borgerding, a medical specialist in internal medicine at Yampa Valley Medical Associates and a medical staff at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. And the severity of the symptoms can vary considerably.

According to the allergen, some start in the spring, others in the summer and others in the fall.

"And some of the above." Said Borgerding. He counts himself among allergy sufferers and claims that his allergies have already begun, usually at the instigation of aspen young trees.

And when there is more moisture, trees pollinate better.

Allergies can start at any age, he said. They can be genetic and can change in different ways when people travel or move to a different environment.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, said Borgerding.

An allergist or doctor can help identify triggers and the best treatment, he said. Although these days, there is a ton of drugs available over the counter, which previously required a prescription.

Borgerding recommends nasal inhalation therapy.

Antihistamines help relieve the symptoms, he said, but do not go as far as the steroid nasal spray to treat the underlying inflammation.

And the nasal spray is more targeted than oral medications, which affect the whole body and potentially have more side effects.

There is also immunotherapy, said Borgerding. An allergen shot gives tiny doses of the allergen involved, which stimulates your immune system little by little until the system is no longer sensitive to this allergen.

In terms of alternative means to minimize impact, avoid
of the allergen is of course part of the equation – if you can isolate the allergen.

But avoiding the outdoors is not a very fun solution during the summer in the mountains.

The worst time to be outdoors is between 10:00 and 14:00, especially when the air quality index indicates a high number of pollen. You can view pollen forecasts on multiple websites. According to "Allergy Predictions" over five days on pollen.com, Wednesday and Thursday this week will be the worst days in the Steamboat Springs area.

A rinse with salt water can help eliminate excess pollen, Borgerding said.

It is also recommended to take a shower after being out and take off his shoes once inside. Pollen adheres to hair and clothing, so it's helpful to know how much is being carried inside.

However, while people who know how to expect allergies each season and know which drug is most effective, studies show that the number of people with allergies is increasing.

In 1970, one in 10 Americans was struggling with hay fever, according to Climate Central. In 2000, it was up to three out of ten. Asthma is also on the rise.

More and more research indicates that climate change is one of the factors responsible for allergies – both in terms of the number of people with seasonal allergies and the longer and more severe seasonal episodes of sneezing and of sniffles.

Warmer temperatures increase
Pollen levels as growing seasons lengthen, allowing trees to pollinate
earlier and longer.

Some plants, such as ragweed, are expected to migrate north. New populations will be exposed to pollen-producing plants that they have never encountered before.

Carbon dioxide also plays a role. Studies show that the amount of pollen produced by plants doubles with higher levels of carbon dioxide and pollen becomes more potent.

Scientists predict that if warming continues at its current rate, the growing season will increase by the end of the century and extend for about a month in most states.

Last year was not so bad, says Borgerding, drier. But this year, "I would not be surprised if it was a bad season."

To contact Kari Dequine Harden, call 970-871-4205, send an email to [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @kariharden.