It’s not even officially spring yet, but allergy season is already hitting Americans hard this year. Rising pollen levels, potentially due to milder winters, are causing doctors to see more allergy-related patients than usual in the Midwest and East Coast.
Data shows that states in the South are being hit particularly hard with what experts are calling ‘pollen bombs’. A pollen counts map as of March 12 shows high levels across the US, with warm temperatures potentially causing an early onset of allergy symptoms.
Experts believe that pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer, potentially driven by increased CO2 levels. A recent study showed that pollen season has started 20 days earlier and has 21% more pollen than in 1990. Additionally, a Climate Central report revealed that allergy season has lengthened by an average of 15 days in 200 cities between 1970 and 2021.
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to foreign substances like pollen. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), about 81 million Americans have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that one in three adults and one in four children suffer from seasonal allergies, making it the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the US.
To reduce pollen exposure, experts recommend keeping windows shut, avoiding going outside during midday when pollen levels are highest, using air purifiers, and washing off clothes worn outside. With allergy season hitting Americans earlier and harder than ever, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and manage your symptoms.
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