Allergy seasons in the United States are starting earlier and lasting longer. Warmer temperatures and rising CO2 levels help plants make more pollen, so many people notice worse symptoms this spring. More adults who never had allergies are developing them.
A public health professor explains that pollen seasons now often begin sooner and can overlap when different plants pollinate at the same time. This gives people more continuous exposure to pollen and can keep the immune system active longer, making symptoms worse. Pollution also makes pollen more irritating to the airways.
Thunderstorms can break pollen into tiny pieces that reach deep into the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks. A simple rule helps decide the cause: itching usually means allergies, while fever and body aches usually mean an infection. People with new seasonal symptoms should not assume they only have a cold.
Difficult words
- pollen — fine powder from plants that makes people sneeze
- season — time of year when something regularly happensseasons
- pollinate — to carry pollen so plants make seeds
- immune system — body parts that fight germs and pollen
- pollution — dirty air or water that hurts health
- asthma — lung condition causing difficulty breathing and attacks
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had seasonal allergy symptoms like itching or sneezing? When do they happen?
- What would you check first: fever or itching, and why?
- Do you notice more pollen or dust in spring where you live?
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