Allergies Mn Today (2024)

FAQs

Why are allergies so bad right now? ›

Climate changes.

Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution and concentration of allergens. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity may lead to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

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.

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. The most common food allergies in adults are peanuts, fish, shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews).

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.

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.

In many cases, they may continue to experience allergies they've had their entire lives. However, their symptoms may worsen due to an aging immune system and the presence of other chronic health conditions.

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.

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. What Are Seasonal Allergies?

But the symptoms of the allergy can be reduced by avoiding contact with the allergen. Peak months in Minnesota: Tree pollen: April through June. Grass pollen: May through July.

Yes, allergies can most definitely cause a sore throat. A sore throat is an extremely common symptom of allergies. The leading cause of sore throats due to allergies is a result of postnasal drip. Postnasal drip occurs when discharge from your nose runs down the back of your throat.

What is the best treatment for allergies? ›

Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms.

They could start at any time from when you're a young adult through to old age. Common causes of these sudden allergic reactions are related to family history, little exposure in childhood, antibiotic overuse, moving to a new place, and stress.

Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat. Mucus that runs down the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Swollen, bruised-appearing skin under the eyes, known as allergic shiners. Extreme tiredness and fatigue, often due to poor sleep.

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. ...

Pollen grains, very light, can be dispersed easily via wind and water, maintaining their potential for causing allergenic reactions. Each Cottonwood tree can produce millions of pollen grains per season. Therefore, the air can be heavily filled with this allergen during peak blooming periods.

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.