Why This Year’s Allergy Season is Shaping Up to Be One of the Worst

UPDATED 3/5/21

New reports are showing that this year’s springtime allergy season is expected to be one of the worst in recent memory, a May 5 Boston Globe article reported.

Around the country, trees are blooming about a month later than usual due to a long winter. The Boston Globe reported that the release of tree pollen will thus coincide with those of other allergens, creating a shorter but more severe allergy season.

While the warming trend seen over the last few decades has resulted in long, intense pollen seasons, this year’s long, cold winter and cool spring are creating an anomaly.

If you are one of the 18 million American adults or 7 million children who suffer from seasonal allergies, there are several things you can do around the house to help alleviate your reaction to this year’s abundance of pollen.

One of the most important steps you can take to lessen you or your family’s allergy symptoms is to keep your house thoroughly clean — especially your rugs and carpets.

In addition to maintaining a household free of dust and other allergens, you should also try to maintain a balanced, healthy diet. According to US News & World Report, eating Vitamin C-rich foods can help unblock clogged sinuses. Foods containing quercetin -– such as black tea, green tea, apples, red onions and berries –- help stop the release of histamines, which trigger itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.

US News & World Report also advised people with strong allergy sensitivity to stay indoors as much as possible, wear sunglasses when going outside, avoid smelling flowers and use a salt water nasal spray to clear your nose of pollen and allergens. You can also speak to your doctor about allergy shots or over-the-counter antihistamines if you are especially sensitive to springtime pollen.

This year’s allergy season will likely be severe — but it doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying the beautiful springtime weather. By taking the steps to prevent allergic reactions, you’ll feel better and ready to take on each day.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies result from the improper functioning of the human immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from infections. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system essentially misidentifies a particular substance as harmful, even though it may be harmless to most people. The body then produces antibodies that react to the allergen in different ways, from skin rashes to sinus problems.

The allergen that creates the condition can be a varied as the reaction itself, ranging from pollen to insect bites. Some allergies have minor symptoms, but an allergic reaction can sometimes create a life-threatening situation. An allergic reaction and asthma are closely related, although the latter condition specifically affects one’s respiratory system.

A rash is an allergic reaction to something, whether benign or overtly hazardous, making contact with the skin. Allergic reaction rash remedies include creams that are applied to the skin and medications taken orally. Many allergies involve food products. One condition involves gluten, a protein found in wheat.

You may have asked yourself, “Am I allergic to something?” If you are, your allergy options may include over-the-counter medications. A gluten allergy doctor can help determine if you have certain food allergies.