Pollen storm sweeping across northeastern US
To help with symptoms, doctors are urging people to change their clothes and shower after coming in from outside, keep windows closed, and wear a mask outdoors.
Researchers say that a storm of pollen is making its way across the northeastern United States, sparking widespread allergy symptoms this spring.
For people like Aditi Dhruv and many other New Yorkers, spring often brings itchy eyes, runny noses and more. This year, Dhruv says that it’s never been this bad.
“My nose it is running, my eyes are itching… I'm just constantly needing a Kleenex and running to the bathroom to get more,” said Dhruv.
Experts are pointing to climate change as one of the main reasons that allergy season is continually getting worse over the past few years.
“The warmer winter and the warmer fall, these kind of extend the pollen season,” said Dr. Rauno Joks, chief allergist at Kings County Hospital. “It’s been shown that car exhaust and increased carbon dioxide levels can actually help to increase ragweed pollen count as well.”
To help with symptoms, doctors are urging people to change their clothes and shower after coming in from outside, keep windows closed, and wear a mask outdoors.
Dr. Joks also recommends taking over-the-counter medications and seeing an allergist if symptoms persist.
