Can't stop sneezing? Iowa has some of the nation's highest pollen counts, allergy triggers

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register

Can't stop sneezing? It could be because Iowa has some of the worst pollen levels in the country right now.

Spring came earlier this year and so did allergies. Many flowers bloomed earlier than usual creating a longer allergy season. Des Moines is ranked eighth among the most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. Nearly 81 million people in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The entire state has "high" allergy levels and pollen count, according to Pollen.com.

How does high pollen count affect your body?

Plants, trees and grass release pollen in the spring to fertilize other plants of the same species. The powdery particles drift in the air and are easily inhaled.

For some people, inhaling pollen causes their immune systems to overreact. The immune system sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens. That leads to the release of histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger runny noses, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms

Will allergies improve in the summer?

Allergies are likely to be difficult all year long. Iowa is expecting some rainfall in the summer months, which is needed for the drought, but will come at a cost to those who suffer from allergies. This will create humidity, which can create mold-triggered allergies, according to The Weather Channel.

Climate warming has also contributed to lengthening allergy season since 1970. Higher levels of CO2 can boost pollen production in plants, such as grasses and ragweed, according to Climate Central. The outlet reported that the U.S. could face up to a 200% increase in pollen production by the end of this century due to high levels of CO2 production.

How to fight allergies when pollen counts are high?

Reducing exposure is one method to reduce allergies.

Mayo Clinic recommends:

  • Stay indoors on dry or windy days and go out right after it rains, which helps clear the pollen.

  • Change out of clothes that you wore outside and shower to remove pollen from your body.

  • While inside, try to keep the air clean.

  • Dehumidifiers can help dry out your home, providing some benefits.

Reporting contributed by the USA TODAY Network's Sara Chernikoff and Janet Loehrke.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa pollen count among highest in US, impacting allergies

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