Pollen season is underway in Columbia, but will it be worse than usual this year? What we found
Have you started sneezing yet?
Pollen season is just starting in South Carolina and it’s shaping up to be a long and intense couple of months. SC is often one of the worst states for allergies, as it's notorious for its lengthy allergy season and the amount of pollen that blankets the state every year.
Already, you can see tables and cars covered with the powdery substance.
Pollen season usually begins in mid-to-late February, peaks in mid-March, and lasts through June. The South’s warmer climate during the spring months extends the allergy season much longer than other parts of the country.
Climate change is making pollen season even longer for Columbia, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit environmental data company. Since 1970, the number of days in pollen season has increased by an additional 34 days, making the allergy season worse.
And this weekend, experts expect a huge wave of pollen to blanket much of Columbia.
Here are the latest forecasts:
Pollen season forecasts
The Weather Channel’s forecast
Columbia’s pollen problem isn’t expected to get better anytime soon, according to The Weather Channel, which keeps track of pollen numbers across the nation.
For the next 15 days, pollen count from trees is supposed to be at very high levels. Pollen count from grass will be at low levels throughout the weekend.
For those sensitive to pollen, this spells increased allergy attacks and symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a pollen allergy?
Pollen allergies can affect anyone, with symptoms varying from person to person. Some common allergy symptoms South Carolina residents may experience include:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Scratchy throat or a “tickle” in your throat
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Ear congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Hives
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
Rarer symptoms of allergies include headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. If these symptoms persist or are common for you, it may indicate other health issues, so it’s best to seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare professional.
What trees cause the most allergy problems?
In March, these trees cause the most pollen and allergy symptoms in SC:
- Birch
- Cedar, Juniper
- Cottonwood
- Elm
- Maple
- Pine
How to relieve allergy symptoms
It’s best to prepare for allergy season before it reaches its peak, especially for those who are extra sensitive to pollen.
Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, a pediatrician based in Columbia, said the biggest things you can do to prevent allergy attacks from pollen are very simple.
Making sure your windows are closed early in the morning and late in the afternoon when there is more pollen in the air. That is the easiest way to save yourself from a sneezing attack.
Additionally, there are over-the-counter allergy medications, such as Claritin and Allegra, that can make symptoms more manageable. Even saline nasal drops or nasal sprays can help clear pollen out of your system.
The Weather Channel has the following tips to help manage your allergies:
- Shower after being outdoors and change your clothes
- Use your AC or a HEPA purifier to filter allergens
- Learn when conditions such as the wind increase pollen levels, so you can prepare