Allergy season in the United States is approaching and experts warn people who have allergies to pollen should be wary. Based on a recent US allergy forecast, allergy sufferers could experience sneezing, skin rashes, and other symptoms throughout 2024. The forecast comes following the North American winter season and the entry of spring, where budding trees and plants are expected to impact allergic people nationwide.
Allergy season is almost related to the pollen season, a period when pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds are released into the air, especially during warmer temperatures. Not all allergens come from plants, since these tiny particles also hail various sources.
In addition, research shows that the causes or triggers of allergies vary between individuals. This means that not all people are allergic to the pollen season.
Allergy Symptoms and Causes
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Allergy is a term used to describe a biological phenomenon when one's immune systems react to a foreign substance. These 'outsiders' called "allergens" could be pollen, pet dander, bee venom, or certain types of food, according to Mayo Clinic. As mentioned earlier, not all people suffer from the same allergen.
Moreover, the allergy symptoms could range from moderate to severe, which in some cases, can lead to death.
Allergens can be found in our surrounding environment, given the fact these could range from pollen to animal fur, chemicals, and others.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergy symptoms from both from indoor and outdoor allergens can lead to sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus swelling or pain, and itchy or watery eyes. Some individuals can also have more than one type of allergy, the AAFA adds.
In 2021, 25.7% of adults had been diagnosed with seasonal allergy, 7.3% with eczema, and 6.2% with food allergy. This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which cited data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Based on the report, allergy symptoms can involve life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Also Read: Pollen From Trees, Bushes, Grass: Culprit for Extra Bad Allergy Season in Cleveland
US Allergy Forecast
In the US, there will be an "intense and prolonged" pollen season for large areas across the country, according to the allergy forecast of AccuWeather on Wednesday, March 20. The pollen alert shows that the current spring and upcoming summer season later this year could result in a series of sneezes and sniffles affecting allergy sufferers nationwide. Specifically, the Eastern US could experience the allergy season all year round, based on the pollen season forecast.
Furthermore, record-breaking warm temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast US regions could accelerate the onset of the pollen season, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert. The forecast also shows that there are three culprits behind this year's allergy season: tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.
Major cities in the Eastern US such as New York City and Philadelphia could be significantly affected.
Related Article: Christmas Tree Syndrome: The Allergic Reaction That Causes Cold-Like Symptoms