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.

Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses.

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.

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.

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.

Allergies can cause a sore throat if there's enough irritation from post-nasal drip and coughing, but if you're experiencing a sore throat or mild body aches, they're more likely a sign of a bad cold.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In which month is pollen the highest? ›

Weed pollen season

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

What is grass allergy? Grass allergy occurs when a person experiences symptoms after being exposed to pollen from grasses (as well as trees, plants and some weeds). Grass pollen spreads when blown by the wind. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and thunderstorm asthma are 2 conditions caused by pollen exposure.

In many cases, they may continue to experience allergies they've had their entire lives. However, their symptoms may worsen due to an aging immune system and the presence of other chronic health conditions.

Also, an allergic reaction can release chemicals in your body that cause fatigue. If you're experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and unusual fatigue, you might have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This condition affects about 10 percent of Americans.

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. ...

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.

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.