The 2014 Allergy Season May Be The Worst One Yet

This allergy season may be one of the worst ones yet. “Anytime you have a very severe, cold winter, it allows the plants and grasses and trees to pollinate more in the springtime,” CEO and president of the Allergy and Asthma Network, Tonya Winders, explains. Moreover, allergy sufferers will likely experience symptoms straight through spring into summer.

“We’re being exposed to too much pollen in a short duration. The tree pollen is collecting on surfaces; the grass pollen is joining it on the footpaths, and everyone’s bringing it indoors,” Dr. Rao S. Botta of the Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Center says.

Pollen allergies, grass allergies, and fall-related ragweed allergies are most common. Americans who suffer from allergies experience cold-like symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, and itchy and/or sore throats. Symptoms can persist for weeks — or, in severe cases, even months at a time. Allergy shots and over-the-counter medications are the most common treatments.

Doctors and allergists also recommend carefully considering your daily routine. Keeping windows closed at night, washing clothes and/or showering after jogging or spending large increments of time outside, and keeping dogs out of your bedroom after long walks will all help reduce allergy symptoms.