DENVER (BNN) - - Spring has sprung in Colorado, and so has allergic reaction season.
Many things can trigger seasonal allergies in Colorado, and they differ by season and area of the state. Sometimes, allergic reaction symptoms can cause further issues.
The skies really are bluer in Denver: Here's why
" Uncontrolled allergic reaction signs can actually damage your respiratory system," Andi Hudler, a lung health doctor at
Denver Health informed FOX31.
Here are some things to understand ahead of allergy season in Colorado.
What are the typical irritants in Colorado?
" Whether you live in the plains of Colorado versus the mountains, you are going to experience various allergens," Hudler stated.
Cottonwood and cedar trees tend to be some of the more prominent perpetrators in the
Denver city area, however Hudler included that individuals can experience allergic reactions from many things.
In the mountains, common irritants frequently include juniper, aspen and evergreen trees. For the plains, the more common allergens include lawns and weeds.
When do irritants turn up in Colorado?
Hudler stated allergy season runs long in Colorado, typically beginning in late February or March and lasting through the summer season and fall until the first freeze in winter season.
The important things that trigger allergies can vary by season. Hudler stated trees tend to trigger allergies in the spring, then grasses pollinate and are a more popular irritant in the Summer. Weed pollen and mold tend to cause more allergies in the fall.
Cold weather may trigger breathing and allergic reaction problems
What symptoms do Colorado's irritants cause?
Many people experience allergy signs that are more annoying than they are problematic, including runny nose, eye and nose itching, nasal drip, tiredness, blockage and sinus headaches.
Luckily, Hudler said, seasonal allergies do not often cause worrisome issues for many people.
Symptoms may be more popular at high elevations
Hudler said the high elevation in Colorado won't have a huge effect on allergies aside from the truth that it identifies what allergens grow here.
Because of the lower oxygen pressure at high altitudes, Hudler said individuals can establish allergy symptoms quicker and some signs might be more prominent than they would be at sea level.
The altitude can have more effect on people who experience asthma with their allergic reactions, so Hudler advises seeing a physician urgently if you experience any respiratory distress, especially if an inhaler does not help.
When should allergic reactions become worrying?
" Things that would be more concerning are when you start to have what we call comorbidities or co-conditions with your seasonal allergies," Hudler stated.
There are 2 things that Hudler said deserve seeing a physician for when it comes to allergies.
300 days of sunshine? Not so much, according to cloud cover information
Allergic conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the eyes, can make it simpler to get a secondary bacterial infection and may be worth seeing a doctor.
Asthma is the other concern. Hudler said up to 40% of people who experience seasonal allergies will also have asthma. This is where it gets especially crucial to manage allergic reaction symptoms.
" We actually want to take it extremely, extremely seriously with controlling your allergic reactions if that is a trigger for your asthma since if you're not controlling those you can get worsening symptoms of your asthma which can land you in the ER or healthcare facility if they get actually severe," Hudler stated.
Hudler said reasons to seek urgent medical assistance or an assessment consist of problem breathing, wheezing, breathing distress and increased cough or if you have a recognized history of asthma and have escalating signs.
" If you are experiencing a new allergy you've never ever had before or are concerned that your signs are rather extreme and not being relieved with any non-prescription medications, those would be factors to come in for an assessment," she said.
How to deal with and correct seasonal allergies
" One of the most simple things you can do is avoid the allergen in basic," Hudler said. If you do not wish to take medication, she recommends taking a look at everyday pollen counts and preventing outdoor activity on high pollen days.
Here's how to keep pollen from destroying your spring
She noted that it is not constantly easy to stay inside in gorgeous Colorado, and said the majority of people experiencing seasonal allergy signs can find relief with home remedies and over the counter medications like antihistamines
For nasal signs, Hudler suggests attempting an intranasal steroid like Flonase. She included that many individuals discover sinus rinses to be valuable, especially with congestion. You can find non-prescription nasal rinse sets at your local pharmacy.
New to Colorado?
While Hudler stated Colorado is not one of the worst states for allergic reactions when it pertains to pollen counts, individuals who are brand-new to the area might be exposed to unfamiliar irritants and experience brand-new allergic reactions.
" If you've just recently relocated to the state and are experiencing a range of brand-new allergens that you were not exposed to in the past it is very typical for you to have allergies for the very first time," Hudler said.
She said getting on top of signs early can assist you experience less serious signs and hopefully have less troubles and negative effects.
New to Denver? Our top 10 suggestions from residents
"Monitor your signs in your home and if you have any concerns or concerns that aren't being addressed with your home remedies or home treatments, those would be reasons to go to your medical professional for more extensive testing to see if you have a particular allergic reaction that needs to be dealt with more," she said.
Hudler kept in mind that anybody can see a specialist and do tests to see which particular allergens affect them most.
Comments
Leave a Reply