Having trouble reading the paper because of itchy, watery eyes?
Global warming may be playing a role, allergists in Baltimore said. Grass pollen is in the air earlier this year and pollen of all types is on the rise.
Traditionally, tree pollen counts are high in early spring, grass gets the nose watering in summer and weeds peak in the late summer and early fall, said Dr. Alvin Sanico, medical director of the Asthma Sinus Allergy Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
“Lately things have been different,” he said. “During this spring, the grass pollen counts are already up” and have been high for several weeks. “There?s no question this has something to do with the changes in climate.”
Pollens are the tiny, egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
Many trees, grasses and low-growing weeds have small, light, dry pollens easily spread by wind currents. These pollens trigger allergy symptoms. Bright decorative blossoms, such as roses, have larger, waxy pollen grains that bees and insects spread.
The National Allergy Bureau lists tree pollen at moderate levels and grass pollens high levels in Baltimore.
“Pollen counts have been higher this year than any other year before,” said Dr. David Kerxton, a Baltimore respiratory therapist.
Kerxton has conducted daily pollen counts in Baltimore for the last 11 years for his clinic, Dr. Golden and Dr. Matz, LLC.
“The patients coming in have been suffering more and their symptoms have been increased,” he said.
Clinicians treat allergies with antihistamines and nasal sprays first. If that fails, Kerxton said, they can prescribe a course of injections. The allergy shot regimen can last from three to five years to be fully effective, but can relieve symptoms for much longer.
If grass pollen is your particular bogeyman, you have a few weeks of suffering left, Kerxton said, but next week could be your worst. By July the air should clear for four to six weeks, he said, before ragweed and the fall pollens start to fly.
How to survive allergy season
In the yard
» Have someone else do the mowing. If you must mow the lawn yourself, wear a mask.
» Keep grass cut short.
» Choose ground covers that don’t produce much pollen, such as Irish moss.
In general
» Avoid the outdoors between 5 to 10 a.m. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower.
» Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window and attic fans.
» Be aware that pollen can also be transported indoors on people and pets.
Source: National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences
