Allergies Mn Today (2024)

FAQs

What allergies are in Minnesota right now? ›

That's because as the climate has warmed, there are fewer days with hard freezes. That gives pollen producers, grasses and weeds a longer period of time to thrive (and make your eyes water). The 2024 season has kicked off especially early, experts say.

Trees such as birch, oak, maple, and pine are among the most common culprits during this time. These trees produce small, lightweight pollen grains that are easily carried by the wind. Tree pollen levels can be particularly high on windy days, causing discomfort for individuals with pollen allergies.

Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses.

One theory about the rise of allergies is that over the last 200 years, our diets have gotten dramatically different in terms of what we eat, the types of food we eat, so more processed foods, less fresh fruit and vegetables, different foods. ...

Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or seasonal allergies? COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. But seasonal allergies don't usually cause these symptoms unless you have a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by pollen exposure.

For example, you may have moved to a new area where you're now exposed to plants and trees you haven't encountered before. If you're spending more time working at home during the pandemic, you may have been exposed to dust mites. Maybe you added a furry friend to your family, and you're now surrounded by pet dander.

Warmer temperatures have caused plants to blossom earlier and produce pollen longer than in previous decades. Air pollutants change pollen's elemental composition and damage its surface, making it more allergenic .

If you have seasonal allergies, some of the best cities to live in include Seattle, WA, Durham, NC, and San Francisco, CA. These three cities tend to have lower pollen counts than other cities across the United States, reducing your exposure to pollen during allergy season.

Why are allergies and sinuses so bad right now? ›

The warmer winter weather potentially lends itself to a longer and more severe spring allergy season. Weather changes can affect pollen levels, which in turn affect allergy symptoms. With warmer temperatures, comes an increase in spring pollen levels.

Some symptoms of colds and allergic reactions are the same, such as a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. But there are differences. For example, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough. Viral infections, on the other hand, often do cause this symptom.

Researchers predict these aren't outlier years, pointing to climate change as responsible for worsening allergy season. This past winter was the warmest on record across the continental U.S. Fewer days below freezing meant plants were able to bloom earlier and longer.

Buyer Beware. Some air cleaners can actually irritate your allergies, not help them. Ionic electrostatic room cleaners release ions, which force particles to attach to walls or surfaces. But they don't remove all the particles from the air, and the ozone that is produced is a known irritant.

Stay Clean

Taking a hot shower after being outside can help wash away any potential allergens that might be trapped on your skin or hair. Taking a hot shower also has an added benefit in that the hot steam from the shower can help open up your airways and clear out any congestion.

Some symptoms of colds and allergic reactions are the same, such as a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. But there are differences. For example, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough. Viral infections, on the other hand, often do cause this symptom.

There are three pollen seasons in Minnesota. As shown in the graph above, trees are the first to release pollen, typically starting in early April and ending in late-May. Grasses usually begin releasing pollen in early June and ending in July.

It is certainly possible to develop allergies in adulthood. Adult-onset allergies can occur seemingly out of nowhere due to exposure to new allergens in the environment, family history and changes in the immune system.