Allergy season is in full swing in Missouri and Kansas, as plants continue to bloom and release pollen. Allergy season typically runs from around March through October. Tree pollen dominates in spring, grass pollen in summer and ragweed pollen in late summer to early fall and Accuweather says we’re in the bullseye.
“Unfortunately, when you get outside, it can be a miserable time for a lot of folks,” said Dr. Ravi Johar of United Healthcare. “They can get what’s called seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis and that sort of thing. In fact, about 50 million Americans suffer from allergies like that. That costs over $3 billion in medical costs per year.”
Pollen primarily is caused by trees, grasses and weeds. Johar recommends that allergy sufferers limit their time outdoors, use air purifiers indoors and treat symptoms with antihistamines and decongestants.
“We’re really talking about things like all the outdoor triggers,” he said. “Things like tree, grass and wheat pollen. Those would start to increase as all those plants are growing, and when we have dry, windy days, that spreads the pollen everywhere and so you have much, much higher pollen counts.”
Medication can help alleviate symptoms.
“Things like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which can help provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness,” Johar told Missourinet. “You know, those are different nasal sprays also that can help. From that there are combination medications that combine both antihistamines and decongestants. If those over-the-counter ones don’t work, it’s probably really the time to start talking to your doctor to see if there’s any prescription medication that you may take.”
He also recommends running the air conditioner in the home and car to keep pollen outdoors. Johar also said to try to avoid leaving clothes out to dry on a clothesline, because they can collect pollen.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice