As allergy season rolls back around, many Michiganders are suffering from runny noses, coughs, and unpleasant allergy symptoms. As people hide behind tissues, they are wondering why they are so miserable as the seasons change. We are here to confirm it’s not all in your head. So pass us the tissue box and continue reading to find some relief!

Why does your body create an allergic reaction?

Many people are still in the dark about why and how their body reacts to these substances. The American Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology(AAAAI) was able to confirm the reaction our bodies create when they come into contact with a certain substance. According to the AAAAI, your immune system works hard to identify invaders within your body. Sometimes, it gets confused and identifies things as invaders that are natural. Your body overreacts and creates antibodies called Immunoglobulin E(IgE) to fight off the “invader”. IgE travels through your body, releasing chemicals to kill the “invader”. Those chemicals are what cause the allergic reaction. An allergic reaction could include a runny nose, coughing/wheezing, fatigue, and more. Seasonal allergies are often uncomfortable for those who suffer.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Many people suffer from seasonal allergies. According to Penn Medicine, that number is roughly 50 million Americans. Seasonal allergies tend to flare up due to the numerous plants that release pollen and blooms. Fall allergies tend to be affected by plants like Ragweed, Burning Bush, Cocklebur, Lamb’s-quarters, Pigweed, Sagebrush, Mugwort, and more. While spring allergies are caused by Trees/Plants like Maple, Willow, Juniper, Cedar, and more. Penn also mentions that allergies can affect certain groups of people more than others. People who menstruate may be more at risk for seasonal allergies than others. If you have a higher level of estrogen or you are an expecting mother, be wary of the seasons changing. If you are chronically stressed, you are more susceptible to frequent seasonal allergy flare-ups. Cut back on your work and make time for yourself to ease those icky allergies. Pet/Dog owners may also be more at risk. Your dog may be carrying allergens into your home, which could be causing your symptoms to intensify.

Can allergy season fade out over time?

Unfortunately, allergy season is here to stay. Scientists expect allergy season to last much longer as the climate changes. Frank Witsil, a writer for The Detroit Free Press, has noticed that Michigan is suffering from severe seasonal allergies. He says it’s only expected to get worse. Climate Change seems to be a key component of the allergy season. Not only is climate change an environmental issue, but it is also becoming a serious public health concern. As the world warms up, allergy season is becoming much longer, starting earlier and ending later. The rise in temperatures causes spring pollen-producing flowers to bloom earlier, dispersing more pollen into the air. Scientists report pollen levels tripling in many places and causing symptoms to increase. 

Finding relief with allergies?

Having seasonal allergies can cause intense discomfort, and relief can be hard to find. Luckily, officials at the ACAAI (The American College for Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) list some common ways to find allergen relief during the seasons. “Monitor pollen and mold counts. Weather reports in newspapers, on radios, and television often include this information during allergy seasons. Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season. To avoid pollen, know which pollen(s) you are sensitive to and then check pollen counts. In spring and summer, during tree and grass pollen season, levels are highest in the evening. In late summer and early fall, during ragweed pollen season, levels are highest in the morning. Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors. Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors, and take appropriate medication beforehand.” With the right plan, you can withstand your yearly allergies and leave that tissue box alone.