Seasonal allergy sufferers are suffering more than normal this year. Tree pollen counts have been at the highest levels allergy specialist Dr. Dan Dalan has seen in his 12 years here.
"We had a lot more people we saw this year than other years," says Dalan of his Allergy and Asthma Care Center in Fargo.
Besides being extraordinarily high, the peak pollen counts stuck around for several days, Dalan says.
The tree pollen count was 2,000 or higher April 15-19, reaching 3,200 on April 18. A count of 1,500 is considered "very high."
A warm April likely contributed to the high counts, says WDAY meteorologist Daryl Ritchison.
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"Things just popped open," Ritchison says.
And it's not done yet.
Recent rains have suppressed oak pollens, Dalan says, so they'll be picking up as it dries and the wind blows. Walnut and pine tree pollens are also on the way.
Come Memorial Day weekend, grass pollens will be in full force, Dalan says.
The summer allergy season, marked primarily by ragweed pollen, will peak in late August.
An estimated 10 percent to 20 percent of people are allergic to pollens, Dalan says. Symptoms include itchy, red eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion and for some people, asthma.
Left untreated, pollen allergies can lead to sinus infection, upper respiratory infection, sleep apnea and depression.
In young children, they can cause facial deformities from breathing through the mouth, Dalan says.
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The best way to reduce hay fever symptoms is to pre-medicate with nasal corticosteroids or antihistamines, Dalan says. This means treating the allergy days or weeks before the peak of the season.
Some patients choose to undergo a round of allergy shots, which takes several months to build up the immune system.
Dalan says it can be hard to convince otherwise healthy, young adults to take the medications ahead of time.
"You really have to educate them," he says.
Allergy sufferers can also take some care into their own hands. These tips come from Dalan and MayoClinic.com.
- Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high. Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
- Avoid drying clothes on the line during windy days with high counts.
- Delegate chores like lawn mowing, weed pulling and gardening, or take a shower and change clothes immediately after such tasks.
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- Try not to rub your eyes. This just imbeds the pollen further.
- Wash hands after being outside. Flush eyes with cool water.
- Go for walks in the afternoons, as most plants pollinate in mid- to late-morning. The best time to go outside is after a good rain.
- Vacuum carpets weekly. Be sure your vacuum has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
- Reconsider allowing your pet to sleep on your bed or couch as pollen clings to pet fur.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Sherri Richards at (701) 241-5525
