(WKYT) – Residents stepping outside in Central Kentucky may notice their allergy symptoms worsening as the end of summer approaches.
High humidity and a late pollen bloom are being cited as contributing factors.
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to something it perceives as harmful, triggering irritation of the airways, eyes or skin — typically in the form of swelling, redness and itchiness.
Dr. William Greisner of Bluegrass Allergy Care said plant pollen is traditionally the main aggravator of seasonal allergies.
Pollen can travel through dry air on the wind, and this summer’s rainy conditions may be fueling a significant increase in pollen levels.
“We had a lot of rain earlier this summer, and as a result, the weed plants grew very well and soon they will be releasing the pollen into the air and that will continue until we get that killer frost sometime in the fall,” Greisner said.
Greisner said allergies commonly develop in childhood, but newcomers to the area are also at risk.
“Often people do develop allergies commonly as a young child, but even if somebody has moved to this area, usually within about three years, they become sensitized and start to have the symptoms of allergy,” Greisner said.