(WXYZ) — Allergy season is in full swing and doctors say this year, so far, has been pretty bad.
Why is this season worse than the past?
There certainly have been a lot more people looking for allergy relief. And it could be due to all the rain we’ve been getting. It helps allergens form that we usually don’t see this time of the year, and it can also help certain ones stick around a whole lot longer than we’d like. The extra water can also cause mold to grow. And then mold spores become airborne and end up in your nose. Plus we all know that moisture helps plants grow and at some point they’ll pollinate. I bet if you live near cottonwood trees, you’ve likely thought it’s been snowing a few times due to all the white fluff floating down from the trees.
Are mold symptoms the same as pollen?
They are very similar to other allergies, for instance you can experience sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, dry skin, a runny or stuffy nose, and an itchy nose and throat. If the spores get into your lungs, they can trigger asthma. Regardless if it’s mold or pollen, if you experience wheezing or shortness of breath, it’s really important to see your family doctor who can help diagnose and treat the problem.
There are quite a few things folks can do:
1. You can wear a mask when gardening or cutting the grass.
2. It’s best to keep your windows shut especially at night when you go to sleep.
3. I’d recommend you change your clothes and then shower after being outside to wash off any allergens.
4. And it’s always a good idea to regularly wash your pets, as they can track allergies inside.
5. Lastly, talk to your doctor about allergy medication like antihistamines and nasal steroids to help with any annoying or persistent symptoms.
