Get a jump on spring allergies before the sniffles start
MINNEAPOLIS — Spring has sprung, and so have allergies. And if you've felt like your sniffles and sneezes are worse this year, you're not alone.
"They seem to be getting worse every year," Lynn Blewett said.
She's right. The pollen ain't playing.
"I would say the last couple years I haven't noticed it as much," Janet Fried said. "But now I am noticing it every day. All day long."
It's a struggle Fried isn't alone in.
"Every year we are seeing more and more patients with allergies," said Dr. Pramod Kelkar, an Allina Health allergy specialist.
Kelkar says we can thank climate change for the surge in sniffles. Warming temperatures mean trees bloom faster and pollen season lasts longer.
"In Minnesota, we are blessed with so many trees. Beautiful trees," he said. "So we are a very high pollen count."
On Thursday, the pollen count was 9.2, which is in the medium to high range, according to Pollen.com. Kelkar says with help from the wind, pollen can travel up to 200 miles, but there's hope.
"Nobody should deny themselves the pleasure of spending time outdoors," he said.
Kelkar says treatment is key. He advises patients to first determine they have allergies and not the common cold. A fever, body aches and headaches are most likely not tied to allergies.
Kelkar says there are loads of over-the-counter prescriptions that work wonders. He also suggests evening showers and daily nasal rinses for persistent hay fever.
"As long as you do it every day," he said. "I tell patients it's like brushing teeth. It cleans up the sinuses on a daily basis, washes aways the allergen."
If that doesn't work, seek professional help.
"We have so many good treatment options available now that you should not be miserable," he said.
More than a quarter of U.S. adults and children have allergies.
Weekly pollen counts are posted on the Minnesota Department of Health's website.