Spring Allergies Affect One in Four Adults, Says CDC

As the season changes, spring brings not only blossoms but also a surge in allergy cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 25% of adults and nearly 20% of children suffer from seasonal allergies. Expert guidance from Catherine Monteleone at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School suggests strategies to manage symptoms during this high pollen season. While early spring signals the rise of tree pollen, late spring sees an increase in grass pollen, the cycle continuously exacerbated by environmental factors like air pollution and climate change. Symptoms like a persistently itchy nose, watery eyes, and clear nasal discharge often distinguish allergies from a common cold, which tends to resolve within ten days. Effective management strategies include limiting outdoor exposure on high pollen days, using air purification systems indoors, and preventive measures such as wearing masks during yard work. Dr. Monteleone recommends consulting a healthcare provider when over-the-counter treatments fall short and allergy shots in chronic cases where medication proves ineffective. In analyzing this article, the straightforward reporting focuses primarily on the health implications without exploring deeper environmental policy angles—an opportunity missed to provoke discussions about broader systemic solutions to rising allergies. This analysis, reviewed and augmented by artificial intelligence, underscores the growing intersection of health and environmental concerns, pushing for more integrated approaches to tackle the root causes of allergy increases.