Stuffy Spring: Pollen Levels On The Rise As Allergy Season In Full Bloom
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A warning for people who suffer from allergies. Pollen levels are causing major problems in Maryland, and it may get worse in the days to come.
Tree pollen particles have doubled in just the last week!
Kai Jackson has more from doctors.
Mother Nature is having no mercy on those who suffer from allergies, yet doctors say there are ways you can fight back.
The sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and runny nose. They are all signs that allergy season is in bloom.
"These are symptoms of itchy eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, stuffy nose, sinus congestion, headaches up in here," said Dr. Jonathon Matz, Drs. Golden & Matz, LLC.
Doctors say blame it all on pollen.
"Pollen are small grains of the genetic material of the tree, grass, weed, whatever," said Matz.
Experts say the pollen count in Maryland has hit people with allergies like a sledgehammer.
Last week, it was 1,481, which is high. Thursday, April 25 that number jumped to 2,347.
"This past week has been incredibly frustrating, like nasal drip, just coughing, itchy eyes. My ears and nose have been burning," said Kimberly Topper.
Doctors say pollen affects people in different ways, but when the irritant levels get to the levels where they've been recently, experts say that's when people who've never had allergies start heading to see a doctor.
Right now, tree pollen is very high. Grass pollen is very high, and weed pollen is high.
"The next couple of days--which are going to be cool but breezy, clear--are really the highest pollen days," Matz said.
Experts say rain is helpful because it washes most of the pollen away.
Cutting the grass and similar activities stir up pollen.
