Beautiful flowers. Blooming trees. Miserable allergies. This season in New York, and in much of the country, allergies are hitting harder than normal. You can thank the “pollen tsunami” for this.
Due to the very long winter, trees that normally release pollen in early spring didn’t start their pollen bombardment until recently. This was just in time to align with grass and other plants releasing their pollen. It is an attack on all fronts, for the 50 million or so Americans who suffer from nasal allergies.
Because of the pollen tsunami, people who normally don’t get allergy attacks are coming down with symptoms.
Not Sure If You Have Allergies?
If you aren’t sure whether you have allergies, take a look at the following telltale signs:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Runny nose and postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
A Customized Treatment Plan
If you think you might be suffering from allergies, give us a call or schedule a consultation. Our team can help you create a customized treatment plan, which could include:
- Nasal spray
- Antihistamine pills
- Immunotherapy
- Over-the-counter medicine
One Closing Caveat
Although over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can help with certain symptoms, it is important to make an OTC game plan with a doctor. We see too many patients being burdened by symptoms longer than they have to be. This happens because common medicines can simply mask the problem, rather than treat the allergy problem itself.
We are here to help if you need us. If the reports are right, the pollen will not be letting up anytime soon. Don’t suffer in silence this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The increased allergy symptoms are caused by a 'pollen tsunami,' which occurs when pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants overlap due to an unusually long winter delaying pollen release. This results in heightened exposure and more severe allergy attacks for many people.
Common allergy symptoms include coughing and sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, runny nose and postnasal drip, nasal congestion, and sore throat. These signs suggest that you may be experiencing nasal allergies and should consider consulting a healthcare provider.
You can get a customized allergy treatment plan by scheduling a consultation with an allergy specialist. The plan may include options such as nasal sprays, antihistamine pills, immunotherapy, or over-the-counter medicines tailored to your specific symptoms and needs.
While over-the-counter medicines can ease certain allergy symptoms, it is important to develop a treatment strategy with a doctor. OTC medicines often only mask symptoms rather than addressing the underlying allergy problem, which can prolong discomfort if not managed properly.
Due to the delayed pollen release caused by a long winter, pollen from multiple sources is present simultaneously, exposing even those who typically don't suffer from allergies to higher pollen levels, leading to new or intensified allergy symptoms.
If your symptoms continue despite using over-the-counter medications, it's advisable to consult an allergy specialist. Persistent symptoms might indicate the need for a more targeted treatment plan that addresses the root cause rather than just masking symptoms.
Yes, reports indicate that the pollen levels will not let up anytime soon this season, meaning allergy sufferers should be prepared for prolonged exposure and consider proactive management strategies.