FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Spring is in the air, but so is the pollen.
Health experts say about 20 percent of US adults and children suffer from allergies.
It can be costly for people, from medications to missed work.
Doctors expect this upcoming allergy season to be a busy and aggressive one.
ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Tara Narula, explains it’s the change in climate that’s driving the allergy season to “spring” earlier.
That includes factors such as temperature shifts and even atmospheric rivers.
Itchy eyes, a runny nose and a scratchy throat are common symptoms of allergies.
In northeast Fresno, Dr. Praveen Buddiga, an immunologist and allergist, is already seeing patients suffering from allergies.
“Because the early allergy people who sense it before or have symptoms before, they are the early sensitive people,” he said. “Once I see them having really bad allergies, then I know allergy season is here.”
When left untreated, allergies can lead to other problems, like sinus infections.
People with asthma or eczema are also at risk.
“This season is going to be pretty rough because of the warming temperatures,” Dr. Buddiga said. “By internalizing the pollen, it causes a lot of the disruptive chemicals in your body, which are inflammatory, it causes the skin to get very itchy.”
That’s why doctors recommend some of these steps to prevent your allergies from getting worse.
“Take a nasal sinus rinse to wash the pollen away,” Dr. Buddiga said. “Keep your windows closed in the mornings so the pollen doesn’t enter the home, and wash your hair before you sleep at night.”
By taking action, it can lead you to have clearer days ahead.
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