The Science Behind Weed & Allergies in May

Spring is in full swing by May and while it s a beautiful time of year it can also be brutal for allergy sufferers One of the bulk common culprits Weed pollen Though grasses and trees usually get the blame early in the season weeds like ragweed and mugwort start releasing their pollen in late spring and can trigger a range of allergic responses Here s what s really happening in your body and ecosystem when weeds start to bloom The Immune System Overreaction At the heart of any allergy is the immune system In allergic individuals the immune system misidentifies a harmless substance like weed pollen as a threat To fight off this perceived invader the body produces immunoglobulin E IgE antibodies which then trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals These substances cause inflammation and indicators like sneezing itchy eyes runny nose and congestion According to the American College of Allergy Asthma Immunology ACAAI about of Americans suffer from weed pollen allergies with ragweed being the most of infamous trigger Just one ragweed plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen in a season and thanks to wind dispersal that pollen can voyage hundreds of miles Why May Matters While ragweed tends to peak later in summer other allergy-inducing weeds like plantain sorrel lamb s quarters and mugwort start releasing pollen as early as May Circumstances change is also extending pollen seasons meaning that the start times are creeping earlier and lasting longer A research published in The Lancet Planetary Fitness detected that pollen seasons in North America have grown longer and more intense over the past sparse decades partially due to rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels which promote plant advancement and pollen production Environmental Triggers Prevention One of the best tools in an allergy sufferer s toolkit is pollen forecasting Apps like Pollen com WeatherBug and Zyrtec s AllergyCast provide daily pollen counts and forecasts helping individuals plan outdoor initiatives when levels are lower Experts recommend staying indoors during peak pollen hours usually early morning using HEPA filters in homes and showering after spending time outside to wash off pollen Over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine can help reduce reactions and in severe cases allergists may recommend immunotherapy allergy shots or tablets to build long-term tolerance When to Seek Help If you experience persistent features that interfere with sleep concentration or daily functioning it s worth visiting an allergist for testing They can identify your specific triggers and tailor a healing plan accordingly Valuable Materials American College of Allergy Asthma Immunology ACAAI National Institute of Environmental Healthcare Sciences Pollen Allergy Pollen com Allergy Forecast The Lancet Planetary Strength Circumstances change and pollen season trends in North America If you d like this adapted for a specific publication or audience I can tailor the tone or add visuals links too Related Articles Pardons Are A Priority Over Marijuana Rescheduling Cannabis Chills While Alcohol Can Get Dark Native American Tribes Find Economic Power In Alcohol Cannabis And More Cannabis Grows and Water Usage DeSantis In Trouble From Congress Over Blocking Marijuana