TUCSON, Ariz. — The winds are blowing, and pollen is in air. Allergists say we may be heading into months of more sneezing, more puffy eyes and more suffering. Rain followed by warm weather is a key indicator of pollen production.
“I think we are just at the beginning,” said Allergist and Associate Professor of Medicine at U of A Dr. Tara Carr. “Things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.”
Carr says Mesquite and Palo Verde will be sending her lots of patients soon. Right now the offenders could be particles kicked up by wind, mold, cold viruses, or just the change in seasons.
“There is also a phenomenon called nonallergic rhinitis where your respiratory track is very sensitive to the change in temperature and the wind and particles,” said Dr. Carr. “That can precede allergies and make allergies feel worse than they usually would be.”
She suggests limiting time outdoors, showering before bed, and over the counter pills and nasal sprays.
Horticulture Manager Adam Farrell-Wortan at the Tucson Botanical Gardens swears by another home remedy.
“I say take a spoon full of native wildfire honey every day,” said Farrell-Worton. “That will help you out quite a bit with your allergies.”
Or just plan on suffering through and enjoying the colors.
“I deal with it year round, so I just deal with it,” said Erin Jungmeyer visiting the gardens.
