How can you tackle allergy season?
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Allergy season sneezing, wheezing, scratchy throat, and coughing if you have allergies, you know annoying symptoms.
Around 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. the allergy season is longer than in previous years.
According to the CDC’s National Health Review, over a quarter of U.S. adults and nearly one in five children suffer from seasonal allergies.
If you’re one of those allergy sufferers in addition to reaching for those over-the-counter medications, there are lifestyle changes that can bring relief too.
Signs of spring are all around us; trees reveal their buds, and flowers start to bloom. Spring is the start of allergy season.
“When everything starts blooming, full bloom, it hits me. Red, itchy eyes, sore throat, that kind of stuff,” said Jason Stanton from Shavertown.
“My face gets really red. I start sneezing a lot, and my eyes get teary and start itching, that’s not fun! no, it hurts,” says Kosar.
11-year Benjamin Kosar says his allergies are manageable but annoying, especially when his symptoms get in the way of playing baseball.
“I remember a few times I’d have to leave in the middle of a game to go get him allergy medicine so he could continue to play,” added Jennifer Kosar Benjamin’s Mom.
This past winter was the warmest on record in the U.S. Dr. Samonte says with fewer days below freezing, plants and trees were able to bloom much earlier and much longer.
“If the temperature is down then trees and plants will grow faster so they get bigger and the pollen will be much more,” stated Dr. Samonte.
That warmer days coupled with increased rainfall are adding up to a longer allergy season.
“The length of allergy season has been 20 days longer and the concentration of pollen is higher,” said Dr. Samonte.
For many allergy sufferers like benjamin kosar, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants are effective, but there are other ways to manage seasonal allergies.
“If you know the pollen count is high and you know you’re allergic to it, probably not be out as much, and when you come inside,” explained Dr. Samonte.
Take a shower, and remove your clothes, there’s less chance of you reacting to the pollen.
As for Benjamin.
“We just live with it,” says Benjamin.
In Pennsylvania, you’ll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, June, and September.
That’s when seasonal allergies are at their peak. You can check pollen counts daily at pollen.com.
Other remedies to help relieve allergy symptoms include: using an air purifier, changing the HEPA filter in your home, keeping windows closed, wearing a high-quality mask, and consulting your doctor or an allergist about medications.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
