*Sniffs* Great -- I already can't breathe.
According to a report by AccuWeather, the pollen counts for the DMV region will peak starting in late April to mid-May.
As usual, trees are the main culprit for spitting out the yellow Death Stars (wreaking havoc on our sinuses), specifically maple, elm, and juniper trees. While the tree pollen count is still low, it is expected to gradually increase to high levels over the next few weeks.
Courtesy of Reddit
Ragweed and grass pollen will also be an issue, as usual.
"From the Gulf Coast through Kentucky and southern Virginia, grass pollen levels will climb to very high levels in April and May thanks to warm air and ample moisture," AccuWeather meteorologist Alan Reppert said.
Currently, AccuWeather is predicting a high allergen count for the DMV starting in late April, which is earlier and more intense than 2018's allergy season, as seen in the Allergy Forecast Map from last year, below:
"Pollen is one of the most common allergens in the United States," Pollen.com states on their site. "Over 67 million people suffer from allergies, and of those 67 million, 81% say they are allergic to pollen."
Common Allergy Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sinus pressure
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Congestion
Some less common and rarer symptoms include headaches, loss of taste and smell, low productivity and concentration, fatigue, sleep disturbances and snoring.
How to Deal With Allergies
Here are some recommended methods for reducing your allergy symptoms. It is important to make these part of your daily routine during the high pollen season.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Claritin or Zyrtec
- Take a decongestant such as Mucinex, Sudafed, or Tylenol
- Use a neti pot or Neil Med nasal bottle (trust us, this works)
- Stay indoors on dry and windy days
- Best time to go outside is after it rains
- Take a shower after spending time outside to wash off the pollen
- Use air conditioning in your home and car
- Keep all windows closed
- Clean your home frequently, specifically the floors
- Use an air purifier
- Use a humidifier
- Stay hydrated/drink lots of water
- Drink steaming hot tea with honey and lemon
- Wash your bedding in hot water
- Be diligent about lawn chores such as cutting the grass, which can irritate your sinuses
- Avoid going outside during dry and windy days
You can keep track of the pollen counter on The Weather Channel's website or on Pollen.com's handy, interactive National Allergy Map.
Personally, I'm not looking forward to this upcoming allergy season ... This will be me:
Courtesy of America's Funniest Home Videos
**Featured image courtesy of AccuWeather
Do you suffer from severe allergies? Are you looking forward to warmer weather? Tell us in the comments below.
