Allergies on the Rise in KY, IL, and IN with Spring Around the Corner

I saw the forecast for this week, and I'm excited about the spring-like temperatures moving in. However, for my friends who have a bevy of outdoor allergies, it could be a rough one.

I know allergies always ramp up when the temperature does, not to mention the breezes and occasionally gusty winds fueling dust and pollen spread. I don't have typical allergies. I've noticed that for the last couple of years, the weather and allergies can give me annoying sinus headaches. My immediate family tends to suffer more from the usual allergy symptoms: congestion, coughing, and sneezing.

Are spring allergies different from fall allergies? Yes. In the fall, mold spores and ragweed are prominent. Tree and grass pollen are the primary culprits in spring. There's no cure for allergies, but there are ways to ease the symptoms.

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Staying inside isn't fun, but maybe limited time outside would help. Many allergy medications can be taken before heading outdoors. Here's a map of what the Tri-State looks like with spring less than two weeks away.

You can explore this map and many more; just input your zip code at this LINK.

As we go through this week, allergen levels will increase. We are also at the point where temperatures will vary in highs, which can trigger allergies and/or sometimes the common cold. It's a no-win situation.

These are the types of plants that cause pollen allergies:

• Trees:  Birch, Alder, Cedar, Hazelnut, Willow, Plane, Olive, and Hornbeam
• Grasses:  Ryegrass & Timothy
• Weeds:  Ragweed, Nettle, Mugwort, Goosefoot & Sorrel

In Owensboro, the top allergens are Juniper, Maple, and Elm. A storm system later this week will likely trigger headaches and sinus pressure. We'll make it, and to my year-round allergy friends, be careful out there.