There’s been no need to stock up on milk, bread and eggs for blockbuster snowstorms in the Lehigh Valley. But experts predict the warm winter and early start to spring will send allergy suffers running to the store shelves for tissues soon enough.
AccuWeather’s spring allergy forecast says we’ll see above average levels of pollen this year. It uses the word “brutal” to describe the upcoming allergy season.
Pollen is a fertilizing agent of flowering plants, trees, grasses and weeds. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, it’s a major cause of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (more commonly known as hay fever).
When spring emerges — and it certainly seems to be arriving early this year — pollen is carried by the wind and finds its way into the eyes, nose and throat, causing people to sneeze, sniffle and cough. Puffy, watery eyes can be a problem and skin issues, such as hives and eczema, are likely to develop.
Pollen is not the sole culprit of spring allergies. Other allergens include grass, mold, dust, dander and insect bites.
Experts say people susceptible to such allergens can also experience swelling and bronchial irritation.
AccuWeather meteorologists predict above-normal rainfall and near-average temperatures for the spring, which are perfect conditions for tree, weed and grass pollen production.
Allergists say symptoms are usually minimal on days that are rainy and cloudy. Warm, dry and windy weather increases pollen and mold distribution, and therefore allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines can alleviate some symptoms. Other remedies include decongestants, nasal sprays and inhalers. Many people also obtain relief from specially formulated vaccinations administered over years.
In 2019, the Lehigh Valley landed inside the Top 10 on the 2019 Asthma Capitals report.
The annual report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identifies the 100 most challenging places to live with asthma in the United States. Allentown placed No. 6, after landing at No. 27 the year before.
The ranking analyzed risk factors that can influence asthma outcomes, including pollen count.
