Allergy Season: Running for the Kleenex

Along with April showers and May flowers, spring is also the time for weeds, dandelions, pollen, grass, and other allergies. Researchers believe pollution in the air is also playing a role in making us sneeze. If you live in a city, more than likely you inhale lots of pollution in the air from factories, exhaust from motor vehicles, and dust and other allergens that are in the air that we breathe. Doctors say allergy sufferers are grabbing their tissues even earlier this year due to tree pollen populating the air before spring even officially started. Fall is even worse for some allergy sufferers, when ragweed and other allergies tend to flare up.

Scientists believe pollution and global warming, caused by the cars we drive and the electricity we use have helped exacerbate and lengthen the allergy season. Illinois ranks third in the country for pollution growth. Cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and other metropolitan area are the worst for spring allergy seasons. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America compiles these rankings based on recorded spring pollen counts, number of allergy medications used per patient, and the number of allergy specialist per patient.

As for global warming contributing to allergy season, scientist say the effects of global warming cause nature to bloom earlier and plants to generate more pollen. Allergy sufferers are also reporting more severe symptoms this year than they reported last year. People were reporting allergies from tree pollen in early March. Tree pollen usually isn't a problem until the end of March or early April. In metropolitan areas such as Chicago, allergy season typically lasts from the start of the spring season until the first frost. Tree pollen is the first, followed by grass in the mid-summer, and ragweed from late summer until the cold sets in.

Although we cannot control Mother Nature and her role in determining the severity of allergy symptoms, scientist strongly believe that pollution, specifically diesel exhaust, is also a big factor. These fumes typically come from tractors, buses, trucks, and even some cars and SUVs. Diesel exhaust particles aggravate hay fever and asthma symptoms. A study done by researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that infants exposed to high levels of elemental carbon found in diesel exhaust were more than twice as likely to wheeze compared to infants who were exposed to lower levels. This news is not good for many metropolitan areas. Emissions of carbon dioxide are on the rise in many of these areas according to reports. The top three states for the largest increase in emissions were Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Unless policies are put into place to prevent such increases, emission levels are bound to continue increasing. Some believe that driving hybrid electric cars or decreasing the amount of time driving fuel run cars will help to cut the rise in emissions.

Harvard researchers say the rise in carbon dioxide levels in association with global warming has stimulated spring to start earlier across the country and has extended the allergy season. They have determined that ragweed produces pollen faster in environments with warmer temperatures and higher concentrations of carbon dioxide. The researchers predict pollen seasons will grow even more intense and start earlier than usual and ragweed pollen production will see an overall increase.

Spring and summer is a time where many people like to engage in outdoor activities, but for some people their allergies may hinder or prevent them from doing so as much as they'd like. Sure you can take a Benadryl to help alleviate some of your allergy symptoms but that's only a temporary fix. Besides getting shots and taking pills to control allergies, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has 10 allergy reduction techniques to follow in your home so you won't have to medicate as much.

1. Use hypoallergenic and organic cotton bedding designed to prevent dust mites. Encase mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers.

2. Wash bedding in hot water laundry cycle once a week to kill dust mites.

3. Freeze bedding overnight that can't be washed in hot water. Freezing kills dust mites, which thrive in warm and moist environments-not cold and dry climates.

4. Wear protective gloves and a dust mask when using a damp mop or rag to dust at least once a week.

5. Vacuum the house twice a week wearing a mask. Stay out of vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow the dust to settle. Vacuums should have double layered microfilter bags or high efficiency particulate air filters.

6. Use a HEPA purifier and dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity at about 50 percent to prevent mold, which is likely to grow in high humidity.

7. Rely on electric and hot water radiant heaters to provide a cleaner source of heat than systems that rely on blowing air.

8. Reduce stuffed animals, wicker baskets, and dried flowers because they collect dust.

9. Replace heavy drapers and blinds with washable curtains or shades. Replace carpets with washable scatter rugs or bare floors such as wood, tile, or linoleum floors because they will be easier to wash and keep clean from dust.

10. Wash your hair regularly, as hair is a magnet for pollen.

Hopefully if you follow these tips from The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, you'll be able to control your allergies a little better and will have less watery eyes, itchy skin, and runny noses.