Increased Pollen Counts Will Make for Tough Allergy Season

Millions of allergy sufferers around the country will be saddened to hear that this allergy season is expected to be worse than any others in the past. Typical allergy season kicks off when trees start to bloom in early March through the beginning of May. Once tree pollen begins to subside, grass pollen season kicks in and carries through the end of June.

Many people move to drier states in an attempt to escape the allergy seasons but this year, even places like Arizona are seeing an increase in allergy sufferers. There are several theories as to why this is happening but the most popular theory is the extended winter most of the country saw this year. The long winter prevented some plants from blooming during their normal time frame. Now, with the warmer weather the plants and trees are blooming at the same time, causing a huge spike in pollen counts. High winds are also being implicated in the allergy boom this year.

Oak trees are the culprits right now. It is estimated they produce 3000 to 6000 pollen particles per cubic centimeter. Some people only need 10 particles before they are sent into an allergic reaction that may include congestion or an asthma attack.