Accuweather Mold Count (2024)

FAQs

Why are my allergies so bad? ›

Pollen is produced naturally as a means of reproduction for a variety of plants, but human activity — such as creating air pollution, using non-native and allergen-producing plants in landscaping, and the increasing temperatures caused by climate change — all contribute to the exacerbation of seasonal allergies.

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.

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.

Rising temperatures cause earlier flowering and pollination and longer pollen seasons for species that pollinate in late winter and early spring (cypress, ash, birch). More exposed to pollens, the population develops more allergies.

That's because as the climate has warmed, there are fewer days with hard freezes. That gives pollen producers, grasses and weeds a longer period of time to thrive (and make your eyes water). The 2024 season has kicked off especially early, experts say.

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.

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.

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.

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. And people with seasonal allergies don't usually have a fever, but those with a cold often do.

What kind of allergies are around this time of year? ›

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.

Both spring and fall have their share of troublesome allergens. Which season is worse really comes down to what you're allergic to and just how allergic you are.

As we grow older, our body changes and so does our immune system. Just as we no longer run as fast as we once did, we may lose our tolerance to potential allergens, from pollen to dog hair. And, on the flip side, we may build immunities to the things that once bothered us, research shows.

For example, you may have moved to a new area where you're now exposed to plants and trees you haven't encountered before. If you're spending more time working at home during the pandemic, you may have been exposed to dust mites. Maybe you added a furry friend to your family, and you're now surrounded by pet dander.

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. The most common food allergies in adults are peanuts, fish, shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews).

Many people develop new allergies over time or have worsening allergies because of environment changes, age, and stress. If you feel like your allergy medication isn't working, talk to your healthcare professional about new allergy testing. And use an allergy tracker to help avoid triggers.