Allergy season is changing – wildfire smoke is a growing part of the problem

Emplify Health explains how air quality affects allergy severity

ESCANABA -- Across the country, allergy season is undergoing a significant shift. Poor air quality, caused by the growing reach of wildfire smoke combined with rising pollen counts, is creating a compounding effect for the millions of Americans who already struggle with seasonal allergies.

While poor air quality and wildfire smoke do not directly cause allergies, health professionals warn that they can make allergy symptoms incredibly difficult to manage--even for individuals whose mild symptoms are typically well-controlled.

Allergy season used to be a relatively predictable window, but that predictability has changed. Higher pollen counts, combined with poor air quality events like those caused by wildfire smoke, mean more people are experiencing allergy-like symptoms that typical medications or home remedies can no longer cover.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Not every allergy flare-up requires a trip to the doctor, but it is important to know when to seek professional care. Medical experts recommend scheduling an evaluation if you experience any of the following:

-- Symptoms are severe, persistent, or fail to respond to over-the-counter treatments after one to two weeks.

-- An individual experiences significant difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or wheezing.

-- Symptoms begin affecting sleep, work, or daily activities.

-- Asthma symptoms are worsening, or a prescribed rescue inhaler is not providing relief.

An allergist or primary care provider can evaluate a patient's unique symptom history and identify specific triggers to determine the best course of action. Suffering through allergy season is not something anyone has to do, and working with a provider can help patients find solutions to sleep better and stay present at work and in their daily lives.

Recommended Mitigation Strategies

To manage these changing conditions, experts from Emplify Health in Green Bay, WI recommend checking regional pollen counts and air quality readings frequently. Monitoring air quality alerts can help individuals determine whether it is a day to spend indoors, set up an air purifier, or potentially wear a face mask when running errands.

Editor’s note: Information in this article was provided by Emplify Health by Bellin.