This year is going down as one of the worst allergy seasons on record. Experts are saying that lots of conditions have joined forces to make thousands of people in the St. Louis area miserable.
Those who struggle with asthma and allergies are dealing with staggering amounts of pollen this year, says SLUCare allergist, Dr. Raymond Slavin, and it may get a whole lot worse.
Tree pollen is the big offender. Normally intermittent freezes in the late winter and early spring space out the releases from different trees.
This year, however, despite the early cold, the area hasn’t had a hard freeze since February. Now , a warm spell has fueled a veritable love fest of trees firing their pollen into the air at once. Just for a look, check the yellow dust on your car windshield each morning. That’s tree pollen.
“In my 44 years in St. Louis, I have never seen a more severe tree pollen season,” said Slavin, a professor of internal medicine at S t. Louis University School of Medicine.
Allergy sufferers know this already. They’re enduring itchy eyes, stuffy and runny noses, and sinus pressure. Those with asthma may have increased cough and shortness of breath.
Slavin says he has been seeing a tidal wave of patients who are grappling with allergies.
The tree pollen season runs through mid-May.
“I have written multiple prescriptions of cortisone eye-drops for patients suffering from severe allergic reactions,” said Slavin. “I simply have never had to prescribe that level of treatment, to that many people in one season.”
Slavin recommends closing windows and doors to limit exposure, changing filters on air conditioning units, driving with the windows up and minimizing certain outdoor activities. Pet owners are also recommended to regularly clean their houses to control allergens that pets pick up outdoors.
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