(WKYT) – Spring is in full swing here in Kentucky and we are off to a pretty warm start. March was the 5th warmest on record in Lexington. So what does this mean for allergy sufferers?
“Well pollen is already high, especially tree pollen,” said Amanda Reid, nurse practitioner at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
In our area, different kinds of pollen emerge at different times of the year.
“A lot of times we will see tree pollens highest in the spring, grass pollens in the summer, and then weed pollens in the fall. But that doesn’t mean they can’t interact with different seasons, but tree pollen is extremely high this time of year,” said Reid.
Reid said warm weather early in the spring gets the season started earlier and prolongs the allergy season.
“Some things will start early but not everything. So you will still have things budding out in April and May,” said Reid.
The warm weather may make it tempting to open windows at home and in the car but that might not be the best idea if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Don’t forget to also wash off that pollen before you call it quits for the day.
“When the pollen count is high and you are outside, always showering before you go to bed because if you go to bed, pollen greens are still on you and they go to bed with you. So it’s always good to shower head to toe,” said Reid.
On top of all that, fluctuating temperatures this time of year can aggravate your allergies even more.
“The back and forth will also affect allergies with the air pressure and things like that,” Reid said.
Reid said over the counter medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays can help you with your allergies or seek an allergist if that doesn’t work.