Accuweather Mold Count (2024)

FAQs

Why are my allergies so bad? ›

Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses. Seasonal variations. Allergy seasons ebb and flow throughout the year.

The most common fall eye allergy trigger is ragweed. This plant generally starts releasing pollen in the last days of summer in August, lasting into the cooler months of September and October. About 75% of individuals who are allergic to spring trees, grasses and weeds are also allergic to ragweed.

New Jersey is known for its beaches, food, and interesting scenery. As far as East Coast states go, it's also not too bad for allergy sufferers, especially when compared to some of the other states in the nearby region. With that being said, no state is ever free from allergies, and New Jersey is no exception.

Pollen is a powdery, granular substance in the flowers of trees, grasses and weeds that leads to fertilisation of plants. Pollen can be spread by insects or dispersed in the wind. Some people develop symptoms to pollen, such as hay fever (runny nose and itchy and watery eyes), and/or asthma.

Warmer temperatures, higher concentrations of carbon dioxide and increased precipitation can all contribute to plants' growing bigger and producing more pollen over longer periods of time, Dr. Anderegg said.

This means allergies and immune system function are inherently linked. Allergic reactions cause inflammation throughout your body. This is part of your immune system's natural defense mechanism, but if left untreated, chronic inflammation can contribute to disease and poor immune system health.

Mid-February marks the start of allergy season in New Jersey. Unfortunately, it doesn't end until the first freeze in winter. The worst months for allergies are April, May, June, and September when tree, grass, and weed pollens are at their peak.

In many areas of the United States, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Tree pollination begins earliest in the year followed by grass pollination later in the spring and summer and ragweed in the late summer and fall.

Unseasonably warm temperatures can make allergy symptoms last longer. Mold spores can be released when humidity is high, or if the weather is dry and windy. Many patients also find that their allergies are exacerbated by mold growth after leaves have fallen.

States that have a lot of trees, grass, and weeds will have a lot of allergens. Areas in the Northeast U.S. like Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. Virginia, Kansas, and Texas have a high rate of allergens.

Has this year been worse for allergies? ›

More severe symptoms of seasonal allergies this spring are likely due to a warmer winter and an earlier start of allergy season, says Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network. And the cause of this longer, more intense allergy season? Climate change.

These antihistamines are much less likely to cause drowsiness: Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy) Desloratadine (Clarinex) Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy)

Rinse your sinuses

Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose. Saline solutions can be purchased ready-made or as kits to add to water.

Drinking plenty of water each day is a good idea anyway^3,4, but it can be especially beneficial when you're struggling with allergies⁵. Your body produces more histamines (the chemicals that lead to allergy symptoms) when it's dehydrated⁶, so drinking water may potentially help reduce your allergy symptoms.

When Is The Pollen Count High? Pollen counts usually rise in the morning, and reach their peak by midday or early afternoon.

Perennial allergies are often a reaction to house dust. House dust may contain mold and fungal spores, fibers of fabric, animal dander, dust mite droppings, and bits of insects. Substances in and on co*ckroaches are often the cause of allergic symptoms.

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.

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.

Your body's reaction to certain allergens can change over time, which means the medications you were taking might not be as effective. To get to the bottom of why your allergy meds aren't working, you'll want to talk to your healthcare provider. It's possible that it might be time for a specific IgE blood test.