There are many factors that contribute to the severity of seasonal allergies. While many experts say that broader environmental issues such as global warming have a significant effect on the levels of pollen, ragweed and other irritants, sometimes it simply comes down to a certain area's recent weather patterns.
According to Western Massachusetts media publication WWLP 22News, the Bay State is experiencing an influx of ragweed pollen earlier than usual. The source reports that heavy rainfall earlier in the year led to an abundance of this ubiquitous irritant and that notably dry weather over the past week or so has enabled the ragweed to linger in the air.
"It's hard to avoid the exposure because these pollens are very light," Dr. John O'Neill of the Holyoke Medical Center told the news outlet. "They're all airborne and they can carry for miles and miles in the air so it's not whether your neighbor has some weeds in his lawn, it's not really the issue, it's the whole community and surrounding areas."
Allergy sufferers may not experience true relief until the weather cools down, but in the meantime allergy specialists recommend taking all prescribed medications before your symptoms even begin.
It's also a good idea to take a shower and change your clothes once you settle in for the night so you can eliminate any traces of ragweed pollen that you might have picked up during the day. This, in addition to using hypoallergenic mattresses, sheets and pillowcases on your bed, can ensure that you sleep well at night without being exposed to allergens.
