Cold winter, lots of moisture have primed the trees.
Got the sneezes, itchy eyes and cough? Welcome to Spring's allergy season, which one area allergist says could be "the worst," because of the Pioneer Valley's "long cold winter and plenty of moisture."
"This could be the worst season we have seen in a long time. With a long cold winter and plenty of moisture, the trees were primed, ready and now are releasing a great deal of pollen," said Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, medical director of allergy services for Hampden County Physician Associates.
Bayuk was asked to name the top spring-summer allergens, and the best way to cope, besides having a tissue box at the ready.
Top 5 allergens in Pioneer Valley:
1. Tree pollen, several species, including birch, oak and alder
2. Grass pollen, Timothy is prominent
3. Ragweed, starts around Aug. 15. This is, Bayuk said, classic "'hayfever,' because ragweed grows in cultivated areas and we have lots of that in the Valley."
4. English plaintain, summer weed
5. Mold, many types
Ways to cope:
1. Avoidance of exposure, something Bayuk admits is "very hard if you like the outdoors."
2. Rinse off, and change clothes when coming inside.
3. Keep fans out of windows, or windows closed.
4. Medications, antihistamine, nasal sprays others
5. Immunotherapy, this is, Bayuk said, "allergy shots done by a trained, board certified allergy physician."
Related:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343
http://www.hampdencountyphysicians.com/prac_detail.php?pid=2