Seasonal allergies are back in full swing, and many in the Sandhills are feeling the effects. With spring weather bringing more time outdoors, some local families are loving the change. "We are loving it. We love being outside," said Michelle Blair, whose son Ryan enjoys playing at the park.
But along with warmer temperatures comes an uptick in tree and grass pollen, which can trigger allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
"A bit about scratching sniffles here and there," said Vanessa Rivera, who has seasonal allergies. "I was starting to get the sniffles, and am I sick? Like, what's going on?"
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal allergies affect about 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children in the United States.
"We see allergies all year round, but springtime, there's a huge uptick," said Dr. Sonia Bains of Allergy Partners in Raleigh. "March, April tends to be the worst because of that overlapping tree and grass pollen."
Bains said this is one of her busiest times of year, with a 30% to 40% increase in patients seeking relief. She recommends several steps when pollen counts are high:
- Stay indoors on dry, windy days
- Remove clothes you've worn outside
- Don't hang laundry outside, since pollen can stick to sheets and towels
Six-year-old Ryan Blair has his own routine. "I've been rubbing my eyes. Doing nasal spray, take the medicine every night," he said.
"We've definitely seen a rise in symptoms, you know, of congestion. Itchy eyes," Michelle Blair said.
Parents like Blair are always looking for practical ways to help their children feel better, but Dr. Bains says some simple habits can make a big difference. "Changing clothes when they come home from school, make sure the filters on their vents and everything are changed," she said. "We do want them to be outside and play and everything, but we just don't want them bringing all that pollen into the house."
Bains recommends reaching out to a healthcare provider to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.
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