After record high reports of snow and freezing temperatures, temperatures in Utah are rising and entering spring, with seasonal allergies to accompany them.
But don’t these allergies start earlier than usual?
A report from climate research organization Climate Central, published March 7, reveals that climate change is contributing to the growing season lasting longer than it did in 1970. Plants, in turn, are having a longer period of time when they produce pollen, according to CNN. What this means for you is that your allergies start earlier due to plants releasing more pollen earlier.
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Why are seasonal allergies starting earlier than usual this year?
As climate change warms the weather, plants release more pollen and more mold forms in areas with humid temperatures.
Climate Central measured temperatures from 1970-2022, with respect to the growing season, and found that warmer weather lasts longer — and starts earlier — than before. This affects both pollen release and mold growth.
As our growing season starts earlier, pollen is detected earlier in the air because plants have more time to release it, according to CNN. Pollen is a powdery substance produced when plants multiply. When people inhale pollen, depending on their immune system, their body sometimes responds by sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes.
CNN added that the warmer weather also brings more fungi — an airborne fungus that multiplies in warmer, more humid climates. Meteorologist Lauren Casey told CNN: “With climate change, we are seeing an increase in warming across all seasons, but in particular the fastest warming season for most locations in the US is the winter season.”
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Which Months Have Seasonal Allergies?
Allergies usually start around February and last through the summer.
Months when you experience seasonal allergies can vary in different regions of the US, depending on the climate and area in which you live. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said that for different parts of the U.S., spring allergies can start in early February, depending on the environment, all the way up to the beginning of summer.
The article from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said that in areas where ragweed grows — a wild plant that causes seasonal allergy symptoms — allergies can occur during the plant’s growing season, August through November. Ragweed is most prolific on the East Coast and Midwest.
Other climate factors mentioned that will increase allergies are high winds and high humidity.
How do you know if you have seasonal allergies?
If you have symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing and congestion, from February through summer, you may be allergic to pollen, mold, or other environmental factors.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies are listed in a report from Yale Medicine, including:
The New York Times added runny noses and watery eyes to the list. If you are not sure whether it is a seasonal allergy or an illness, you can consult a doctor.
How do you treat seasonal allergies?
Over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays can help relieve people from seasonal allergy symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic,
Nasal sprays have properties that relieve symptoms. Mayo Clinic said they do this by “blocking the release of immune system agents that cause symptoms.” Using other medications, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, that target your symptoms can suppress them for a period of time.
If your allergies persist, an allergist can test to see which substances are triggering your allergic reactions.