Allergies Mn Today (2024)

FAQs

Why are allergies bad in Minnesota right now? ›

As winters are warming, particularly in Minnesota, plant hardiness zones have shifted to the north, as shown on an Arbor Day Foundation map. These zone shifts may allow non-native, allergenic plants to expand their range into our state.

Climate changes.

Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution and concentration of allergens. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity may lead to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

Tree pollen: April through June. Grass pollen: May through July. Weed pollen: summer through hard frost in fall. Ragweed allergy: August through the hard frost.

During the spring, Northern and Southern Californians are typically hit the hardest by springtime tree allergies. Birch, elm, cedar, cypress, pine, and olive trees are common triggers in the northern part of the state. Down south, ash, oak, sycamore, walnut, and mulberry can be the most triggering.

One theory about the rise of allergies is that over the last 200 years, our diets have gotten dramatically different in terms of what we eat, the types of food we eat, so more processed foods, less fresh fruit and vegetables, different foods. ...

Some symptoms of colds and allergic reactions are the same, such as a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. But there are differences. For example, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough. Viral infections, on the other hand, often do cause this symptom.

Indoor dust and dander can sometimes get more bothersome in the spring and summer. With more windows open, more flora in bloom, and even more pet hair from Fido shedding, it's easy to see why.

These less common allergy symptoms may include fatigue, “fogginess” feeling of the head, ringing of the ears (i.e., tinnitus), joint achiness, headaches, itchy mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sore throat, behavioral issues (e.g., moodiness, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate), snoring, and/or rashes.

Allergies can get worse—or even begin—as you age

“If you have the allergic antibody present, we say you're sensitized,” explains Dr. Lily Pien, an allergy and immunology specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. But it can take a while—even years—for sensitization to build to the point where someone experiences symptoms.

Cloud, Rochester, and St. Paul areas will have spring tree allergies from hickory, ash, maple, oak, mulberry, cedar, and willow. Summer grass allergy triggers include bluegrass, ryegrass, and orchard, bent, and timothy grasses. Fall weed allergies are often from ragweed, wormwood, and sagebrush.

When do allergies hit the most? ›

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.

Weed pollen season

begins in July, becomes dominant in August and tapers off in September.

Second-generation antihistamines: The preferred first-step agent is certirizine (Zyrtec); others include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra). All are taken once per day and are generally cause little to no drowsiness. We recommend cetirizine for initial treatment.

Cities on the West Coast, such as California, Washington, and Utah, can be better choices for people with allergies. However, allergens are everywhere. Even if you move to an area that is considered better for allergies, you may still have that allergy or develop a new one.

There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Prior illnesses, certain foods, pregnancy and environmental factors like pollution can all change a person's immune system over time and make them susceptible to allergies.” Allergies that are inherited genetically can also skip a generation.

Allergies stemming from cold weather are not triggered by pollen but by culprits such as mold spores, mildew, dust mites and pet dander². Remember that colds tend to be more widespread during winter. So, it's always worth checking whether you're suffering from a cold or winter allergies before taking any action.