From California to New England, and from Iowa to Texas, allergy season is upon us. Reports are coming in from all but the northern-most states of spring allergies in the air.
MetroWestDailyNews.com reported today that in spite of the “unseasonably cold temperatures for the past 10 days,” record warm January temps in Massachusetts mean allergy season is soon to arrive. The article, which reported January temps of 7 to 9 degrees above average in Boston and Worcester, says, “Low-level tree pollen has already spread across most of the state.”
Of interest to those of us in the south-central area where ragweed season starts in the fall, the article cited above also reports that a warm January “is allowing the ragweed to come out earlier.”
Throughout February, and as early as January 3, reports of an early 2006 allergy season related to warm weather were blending with reports of a lingering 2005 allergy season related to rain, drought, wind, or unseasonably warm temperature. (See our January 22 report at AllergyNursing.com.)
On February 27, Radio Iowa called this “one of Iowa’s warmest winters on record.” According to the report, “quite a few people are coming in to [a local] drug store with what appears to be cold or flu-like symptoms — but they’re actually spring allergies.”
February 14 — From the California Bay area, MercuryNews.com reported: “Area allergists are reporting a surge in business…”
February 11 — From Snora, CA, MyMotherLode.com reported: “The sun has been shining more than expected, bringing allergies with the warm weather…”
January 3 — From Corpus Christi, TX, KRISTV.com reported: “Our warm weather so far this winter has been bad news for allergy sufferers.”
See also our February 4, and February 8 reports from EyesApart.com
I’m from Iowa and suffered mostly at the end of summer from allergies. Other than that, had two septoplasties, one, at age 15, and the other at age 20.
I moved to Colorado in 2002 and, after a few months, realized my nose could not handle the dry climate. (I lived in the mountains at about 9750 sq. feet) I had dry, irritable, and painful nasal passages almost constantly for a year and a half. One ENT said I had major erosion in my nose and must move to a different climate, while another said it wasn’t quite that bad, but to continue using nasal sprays and a triple antibiotic ointment on and in my nose to retain moisture.
We moved to North Carolina last year in search of humidity to alleviate my constant suffering. (more…)
We moved from southern Cailfornia to Iowa. Bad idea. We live between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The mold and humidity problems are awful…. I honestly believe I am suffering from toxic mold…. I seem to feel better when I am away from here for several days. — Scott, Illinois
[Note from AllergyNurse: You’ll find Scott’s entire letter describing his situation and symptoms, along with my response, in the question/answer area here. This area is for climate information only. Lengthy comments on toxic mold or other subjects will be deleted. Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on August 5, 2004]
