Ahhhh, the age-old question: When is something we hate going to be over so we can move on with our lives? More specifically: When can we stop worrying about itching, coughing and sneezing because of spring allergies?
One of the issues with allergies is that we tend to categorize them into spring, summer, fall and even winter ones. While this helps us identify the specific allergies and, thus, find a solution to manage them, it also can give us false hope. For example, we may think that once spring transitions into summer, we no longer have to do with spring allergies. This couldn't be further from the truth.
"Over the last 20 years, the pollen season has lasted longer and longer," noted Alex Burgess, a spokesman for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. "Being exposed to the allergens is causing more suffering."
There are a number of global reasons this is happening, but on a more regional level, we can point to specific seasons and how they play out. For example, last year the long winter pushed spring allergies into the summer, essentially condensing two seasons into one. This year, Silive.com points out that March in some areas of the country, such as New York, was six and a half degrees warmer than normal. It also didn't rain much. Together, this caused trees and plants to bloom sooner than normal.
"Each season has been worse and this one seems like it will fit the pattern. It has been a long, drawn-out season with high peaks," said Edwards.
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