As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, allergy season is making an early entrance this year, affecting individuals across Connecticut. The warmer weather, combined with other environmental factors, is exacerbating allergy symptoms for many.
Natalie Marquez Rivera, along with her daughter, has been experiencing heightened allergy symptoms, including red and runny eyes and a runny nose. Similarly, Roberta Pupecki has noticed a significant increase in her allergy symptoms, prompting her to seek medical assistance.
Dr. Andrew Wong from Hartford HealthCare explains that the mild start to the year has accelerated the blooming of plants, leading to an earlier onset of pollen season. The above-average temperatures experienced in January, February, and March have contributed to this phenomenon. Typically, a freeze during these months would delay pollen production until late March or early April.
However, temperature is not the sole culprit. Car pollution, particularly in urban areas like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport, worsens allergic reactions. The soot from car exhaust combines with pollen in the air, intensifying allergic responses upon exposure.
Moreover, windy days exacerbate symptoms by dispersing pollen, while heavy rain can stir up pollen from the ground and reintroduce it into the air. To mitigate exposure, Dr. Wong recommends using air conditioning instead of opening windows, as it provides some level of filtration.
As allergy season extends by about 20 days compared to previous years, individuals are advised to take necessary precautions and seek appropriate medical assistance to manage their symptoms effectively.
