Record-breaking warm weather is leading to a longer pollen season, and for many, that means sneezing, coughing and an itchy throat.
It might feel like the beginning of a cold, but it could also be allergies.
Dr. Sunil Joshi, with Family Allergy & Asthma Consultants in Jacksonville, says the 2023 allergy season started early due to the warmer weather.
“The fact that we didn’t have as many freezes that we typically have allows for our vegetation to grow sooner, so our pollen season becomes longer,” Joshi said.
Joshi says that at times people may think they have a cold when really it’s their allergies.
“This time of year in particular the itchy throat, itchy nose, itching inside of your ears is very typical symptom for allergies,” Joshi said.
He added, “The best thing to do initially is to try the allergy medication and try an antihistamine or a nasal steroid that you can get over the counter.”
If the symptoms persist, you may want to see your doctor.
Sinus infections, asthma and skin diseases could all flare up this time of year through May.
Joshi says he hopes people do go outside and enjoy this weather but have a plan in place that can help reduce allergy flare ups.
Yellow pollen is from the pine tree pollen. We may not see as much going into April and May, but the rainy season will help give us some relief.