HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The spring-like weather central Virginians have recently enjoyed comes at a price.
Now that temperatures are starting to warm up, allergists have told 8News that the pollen has also been building up and is ready to hit us at full force. If you deal with sneezes, coughs and runny noses when allergy season rolls around, you’re in for a rough few weeks.
Dr. William Hark with Richmond Allergy and Asthma in Henrico County said he has had patients pouring in these last few weeks.
“I think it’ll be worse than previous allergy seasons,” Dr. Hark said.
Last year, Richmond ranked in the top five worst U.S. Cities to live in when it comes to allergies. This year, the pollen is expected to be even more severe.
“All the pollen is all bottled up and now it’s just going to be out of control,” Dr. Hark said.
“Out of control” is not something most want to hear when it comes to air quality and airborne irritants. Richmond’s geography creates a hotspot, experts place the blame largely on central Virginia’s surrounding mountains and the resulting prevailing winds.
“That extends our season,” Dr. Hark said. “So it makes it extra bad.”
Doctors recommend individuals do their best to avoid triggers like maple trees — as well as keep all windows closed and home air conditioning on.
For treatment, doctors recommend over-the-counter solutions like Zyrtec or Allegra. However, it’s crucial that people remain alert — looking out for more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, this precaution especially applies to asthmatics.
“Most of the time, allergies just make people miserable,” Dr. Hark said. “But certainly allergies can affect asthma and asthma attacks, you know, can be triggered by allergy exposure.”
Buckle up, because – according to doctors – allergy season is going to get worse these next few weeks. Conditions likely won’t start to improve until the end of May.
