The mild winter may mean longer pollen season, allergies could be a 'significant problem' (2024)

FAQs

The mild winter may mean longer pollen season, allergies could be a 'significant problem'? ›

Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate early. A rainy spring can also promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold, causing symptoms to last well into the fall.

In effect, winter seals us into our homes with our allergens, and increased exposure may make symptoms flare.

Allergies stemming from cold weather are not triggered by pollen but by culprits such as mold spores, mildew, dust mites and pet dander². Remember that colds tend to be more widespread during winter. So, it's always worth checking whether you're suffering from a cold or winter allergies before taking any action.

Warmer temperatures have caused plants to blossom earlier and produce pollen longer than in previous decades. Air pollutants change pollen's elemental composition and damage its surface, making it more allergenic .

The lowest amount of pollen is in July. The peak is from late March to late April, when the most common type of pollen comes from Quercus trees. Central California: Central California has a warm and pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Allergens are not just found outside in trees or grass. The indoors can host many allergy triggers like mold in pipes, pet allergens, and dust mite and co*ckroach allergens. Indoor allergies are a year-round problem, but you'll notice them more during the winter because you spend more time at home.

Does cold weather make allergies worse? Cold weather itself might not worsen allergies, but spending more time indoors during colder months can expose you to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. These allergens can become more concentrated indoors, potentially intensifying your allergy symptoms.

A mild winter has contributed to another severe allergy season, as pollen is circulating earlier and there's more of it in the air. While allergy sufferers seek to tame their symptoms, there is hope with the latest, targeted treatments.

Allergy sufferers who don't get adequate treatment are at risk of developing allergies to more substances, leading to more attacks. For individuals with asthma, failure to treat allergies can gradually lead to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays.

These medications improve nasal symptoms. Examples include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour). Talk to your health care provider about long-term use of corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Why are allergies so bad now? ›

The key factor causing the issue is the shift in climate. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature influence plant behavior and the growing season, changing how species produce and shed pollen.

Global warming is also associated with increases in pollen season length and pollen concentration. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollen synergistically increase the incidence and severity of allergic diseases.

Warmth is definitely a factor; if it's warmer—and warmer longer and earlier on—before and during allergy season, that particular area is going to have more pollen production. Drought and dryness is also a factor: dryness during allergy season increases pollen levels just because rain cuts down on airborne pollen.

Cities in Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma and the Carolinas dominate the list of worst places for allergies. Dr. Nana Mireku, an allergist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, said “people are pretty miserable right now and allergists are pretty busy.”

Blame climate change

Rising temperatures are also allowing plants to bloom earlier and longer, prolonging pollen seasons. Increased rainfall means plants release more pollen when they bloom, and higher numbers of thunderstorms cause pollen grains to burst, making them more irritating and worsening symptoms.

Spring, which is considered March, April, and May, in California brings on a ton of tree pollen plus a moderate amount of weed and grass pollen. Spring is the worst pollen season of them all, especially if you are sensitive to tree pollen, though anyone with even mild allergies will likely have symptoms.

In many cases, they may continue to experience allergies they've had their entire lives. However, their symptoms may worsen due to an aging immune system and the presence of other chronic health conditions.

For example, you may have moved to a new area where you're now exposed to plants and trees you haven't encountered before. If you're spending more time working at home during the pandemic, you may have been exposed to dust mites. Maybe you added a furry friend to your family, and you're now surrounded by pet dander.

If you're one of the 50 million Americans who suffers from allergies, your symptoms may bloom when the seasons shift. Itchy, watery eyes, a tickly throat, and a stuffy, runny nose can make you dread springing ahead—and falling back. Likely triggers include tree pollen, grass, mold, and ragweed.