Source National Pollen Map
Spring means new beginnings with warmer weather, blooming flowers and longer days. But for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring brings itchy eyes and throat, runny nose and severe sneezing.
This spring has been particularly difficult for 80 million people. People suffering from seasonal allergies.
Allergy season has begun early and will continue for a long time. The nonprofit news agency Climate Central reports that North America’s pollination season is 20 days longer than it was in 1990.
In recent years, climate change has led to an increase in the number of frost-free days, resulting in higher seasonal temperatures and changes in precipitation. These factors cause plants to bloom early and for a long time.
Where is the number of pollen grains greatest?
Pollen concentrations in the South, Southeast and Midwest have been the highest in the country since early April, according to Pollen.com.
The highest pollen concentrations were recorded in the first week of April in Denver, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Dallas, Texas.
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These US Cities Are the Worst for People with Seasonal Allergies
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found out which major US cities have the most people with seasonal allergies. Researchers looked at daily pollen counts, availability of allergy specialists and use of over-the-counter medications among residents of the country’s 100 largest cities.
Wichita, Kansas, tops the list of worst places for people with seasonal allergies. The top 10 included the following cities:
1. Wichita, Kansas
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Dallas, Texas
5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
6. Tulsa, ca.
7. Richmond, Virginia
8. Des Moines, Iowa
9. Raleigh, North Carolina
10. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Source American Academy of Allergy
Tired of allergies? : These expert tips can help you
Where is the allergy season longer?
Climate Central analyzed data from nearly 200 cities and found that allergy seasons have lengthened in 83% of 164 cities. Since the 1970s, warmer weather has lengthened the allergy season. According to researchers, plants have more time to grow and release allergenic pollen in early and late spring.
The following cities have had their longest allergy seasons since 1970:
1. Reno, Nevada: In 95 days.
2. Las Cruces, New Mexico: 65 days.
3. Medford, Oregon: 61 days remaining.
4. Boise, Idaho: In 51 days.
5. Tupelo, Mississippi: In 50 days.
6. Missoula, Montana: In 48 days.
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: 48 days.
8. El Paso, Texas: In 47 days.
9. Toledo, Ohio: In 45 days.
10. Eugene, Oregon: In 40 days.
According to Climate Central, higher carbon dioxide levels can increase pollen production in plants like ragweed and ragweed. The publication notes that the United States could see a 200 percent increase in pollen production by the end of the century due to rising levels of carbon dioxide production.
Is it allergy season already? How early spring brings more pollen (and sneezing)
How does pollen affect your body?
Plants, trees and grasses release pollen in the spring to fertilize other plants of the same species. Powder particles float in the air and can be easily inhaled.
In some people, inhaling pollen causes the immune system to overreact. The immune system views pollen as a threat and releases antibodies that attack the allergen. This causes the release of histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine causes runny nose, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms.
