Sneezing? Itchy eyes? Car covered in green dust? A high pollen count may be to blame. It's allergy season and a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, dark circles under the eyes are just a few of the many symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Allergies that occur in the spring, namely late April and May, are often due to tree pollen.
A monster allergy season is in store for spring 2010, according to allergy experts.
That's not good news to those who sneeze their way through spring. It is, however, big business for the makers of allergy medications such as Zyrtec, Clarinex, Allegra and Nasonex.
Rhode Island has a double-whammy when it comes to allergens this year. After the recent flooding across the state, mold allergies are also on the rise.
Allergists around the country are going to see an increase in patients who are struggling with spring allergies in what's being called a "monster allergy season."
Can you avoid the pollen? Probably not. There are some cities, however, who seem to have more of the "green stuff" than others. The report changes on a daily basis.
If you live here in Rhode Island, you may be sneezing like crazy and wondering why Providence isn't tops on the list today. With an allergy alert level of 10.7 out of a possible 12.0, Rhode Island has some serious allergens to deal with, but there are states who rank higher. Combined that with mold allergies, Rhode Islanders who suffer from allergies are miserable, no matter where the state ranks.
The worst cities for pollen?
On Saturday, Pollen.com cited the following cities as tops in pollen: Wichita, KS,Springfield, MO Wichita Falls, TX Allentown, PA, Hartford, CT. Of course, this may change tomorrow as winds shift and weather changes constantly.
How can people avoid allergens like pollen?
Pollens. Shower or bathe before bedtime to wash off pollen and other allergens in your hair and on your skin. Avoid going outside, especially on dry, windy days. Keep windows and doors shut, and use an air conditioner at home and in your car.
Are there ways to avoid mold allergies if I was affected by the floods in Rhode Island?
Aside from making sure you have thoroughly cleaned and sanitized flooded basement and other areas affected by the RI floods, the site familydoctor.org recommends the following:
Reduce the amount of mold in your home by removing houseplants and by frequently cleaning shower curtains, bathroom windows, damp walls, areas with dry rot and indoor trash cans. Use a mix of water and chlorine bleach to kill mold. Open doors and windows and use fans to increase air movement and help prevent mold.
Don't carpet bathrooms or other damp rooms and use mold-proof paint instead of wallpaper. Reducing the humidity in your home to 50% or less can also help. You can control your home air quality by using a dehumidifier, keeping the temperature set at 70 degrees, and cleaning or replacing small-particle filters in your central air system.
Another excellent point of reference for mold removal/information: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/
A tech at CVS Pharmacy on Reservoir Avenue in Cranston, RI stated the prescriptions for allergy medications are rising and sales of over the counter allergy medications are consistent here in the Ocean State.
To find an adult allergy or pediatric allergy specialist in Rhode Island: http://www.lifespan.org/hch/services/allergy/
sources: familydoctor.org, Today Show, Pollen.com
image: screen shot -- pollen.com pollen map
Comments
Mold can cause serious health problems. For accurate information about the health effects of mold, go to truthaboutmold.info and achemmic.com.
It's true here in Vancouver BC Canada as well. So many people are suffering from bad allergies. I just posted this story on my Facebook wall - for all my FB friends who keep whining about it. haha
The Time is NOW to > Drop Your Allergies !
> Visit YOUR Prime Dr. for an Insurance Covered Geo-Regional ALLERGY Blood Test.
> Once your Offending Seasonal & Year-round Allergens are Test ID’ed > your Dr. CAN prescribe YOUR…
> Immuno-Allergy DROPs ( Think Allergy SHOTs But No Ouch ) > Which are Self Administered & CUSTOM Formulated specifically to Neutralize What YOU are Test ID’ed Allergic TO !
> Slowly over Time YOUR immune system is ReCaliberated > Neutralizing the SOURCE of Your Allergy Disease.
> Producing Lasting Health & Quality of Life Benefits that come with being Allergy FREE !
STOP ! A Lifetime of MED’s which Only Mask SYMPTOMs !
Teat / Identify / Treat > DropYourallergies.com !
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!