New Jersey is bracing itself for the return of spring allergies, with some experts predicting a relatively mild season despite frigid and dry conditions over the past three months.
The mostly dry winter may produce less pollen from trees, which could lead to an early end to the allergy season. However, Dr. Catherine Monteleone, director of allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, cautions that forecasts are not always accurate and can change rapidly.
Climate change has been a major contributor to worsening allergy seasons, with warmer conditions triggering summer grass pollen in late spring and warm summer weather extending into autumn, producing more ragweed pollen. As a result, demand for accurate allergy forecasts has increased, with one in four adults and one in five children suffering from seasonal allergies.
To cope with the upcoming season, experts recommend taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens such as changing clothes every time you come indoors, taking multiple showers a day, keeping windows closed, and using air conditioners or filters. Over-the-counter allergy medications have become more available, but consulting a doctor is still recommended to determine the best treatment plan.
While some experts predict a relatively mild season, others warn that weather patterns can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for any potential symptoms. As Dr. Monteleone said, “Just because it’s an average season doesn’t mean someone can’t be miserable for a few days or a week.”
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/spring-allergy-season-returns-nj-134451425.html